Hitman: Absolution Critic Reviews

Hitman: Absolution is a triumph, top to bottom. Fans of the series can look forward to the best entry yet, without question.

A study in pure, unadulterated excellence.

For new players, the systems in Hitman can take some getting used to. Once acclimated, my only real problem was deciding how I wanted to take out my target. With the incredible number of options, it's possible to play the same level multiple times, in a completely different way each time. Add to that the user created challenges, and the result is a fun game that has tons of replay value. With five difficulty settings, the game will appeal to both hardcore stealth fans and casual gamers alike, and it's a terrific package that anyone can enjoy.

Everything about the world revolves around entertaining you, whether it's the wide scope of murder-options or the amazing dialogue in between. Whatever kind of killer you decide you want to be, Absolution is an unmissable hit.

On the right difficulty setting Absolution is Hitman at its cleverest, funniest, twisted best.

Like Dishonored before it, it's actually a true pleasure to play a game that lets you tackle it from multiple angles.

Hitman's temporary hiatus did worlds of good for the franchise, and Absolution is one of the strongest entries in the series to date. It shows true evolution, moving Agent 47 forward and playing up his enhanced abilities well, both when it comes to hitting a well-placed shot to the head of a scummy target or stealthily moving through a building full of police.

Hitman Absolution is one of the best stealth games in last years. Great campaign, full of content and superb graphics in the return of Agent 47.

Hitman: Absolution is compelling to passionate fans as well as new players. It is the assassination game everyone was waiting for. Move over Corvo and Connor, it is Agent 47's time to stand on top.

One of the best stealth experiences in this generation. Great freedom comes from a sandbox structure that allows the player to decide how to take out his targets. Multiplayer gives a boost to duration and add some extra flavor challenge.

Contracts is a huge addition, and one that'll add months of replay value long after you complete the single player mode. Throw in a "killer" presentation and you've got one of the year's most surprising sequels.

If you're new to the series, there's plenty of warm water here to sink into, but franchise stalwarts need not worry. Agent 47 is as cunning, deadly, and silent as you want him to be; it just so happens that purist players will also be the most rewarded. Regardless your level of experience, Hitman: Absolution scratches a very specific itch, one that involves a butterfly knife or possibly an accidental electrocution.

Hitman is back and is in great shape. Io Interactive delivered a game suitable to both hardcore fans looking for a challenging experience and new players, thanks to the many options in difficulty and features set; this adds to an highly cinematic experience with a mature story and interesting social features. Probably the best game in the series and one of this gen's best stealth games.

Absolution throws down the gauntlet –it's difficult but extremely rewarding and never malicious or unfair. It offers great freedom, looks terrific and is packed with huge number of optional tasks and challenges. I spent 15 hours with Hitman but that's just a beginning – I'll be definitely coming back for more.

A meticulous, engaging game and accomplished sequel that improves upon its predecessors in an organic way series fans will appreciate.

While Hitman is still slower than most games, it's also smarter. Devising a strategy, using the environment and disguises to your advantage, and leaving before anyone knows you're there are the hallmarks of a perfect hit, and Absolution proves Agent 47 is still gaming's premier hitman.

Absolution is a fantastic addition to a series that defined a genre last generation, and I can't wait to see what they come up with for our favorite bald assassin moving forward.

In closing go and pick this game up. With the flood of FPS's we have seen and the huge amount of titles launched before Christmas, Agent 47's return should not be overlooked. There are two games I would recommend this year and Hitman: Absolution is one of them. A really enjoyable game that offers hours and hours of replayability whether through leaderboards and challenges in the campaign, or through the very awesome and cleverly conceived Contracts mode.

Absolution has the pacing and exotic set-piece locations of a James Bond film, which seems appropriate given that 47 is essentially Bond stripped of his smirk, gadgets, and vices.

Hitman: Absolution is an intelligent and finely-crafted game that remains faithful to the series.