Reviews
Hitman: Contracts
The bald-headed assassin is back for more of the same
D
on’t tell our therapist, but we’re big fans of the Hitman franchise. The
thrill we felt after stealthily taking out assigned targets in the flawed
yet memorable Hitman: Codename 4 7 and Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
remains unparalleled. Sure, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed recent stealth-based
games such as Splinter Cell, but nothing has been able to deliver the same
visceral excitement that comes from slipping into the shoes of a ruth-
less, bald-headed killer for hire. So imagine our excitement when Hitman:
Contracts, the latest chapter in the saga, crept into our offices. We hoped
that the return of Agent 47 would satisfy our craving for stealthy shenani-
gans, but much to the dismay of our inner assassin, this Hitman fails to
deliver the killer blow.
The biggest problem is that Contracts doesn’t improve upon the for-
mula established in earlier titles in any meaningful way. From the graph-
ics engine to the game mechanics, every aspect of the experience looks
and feels as though it’s been lifted straight from the last game. This
makes the experience feel more like an overpriced expansion add-on
than a full-blown sequel. Compounding this flaw is the fact that several
missions from the first game have been recycled and served up again
like yesterday’s meatloaf. While this makes sense given the game’s story
line —which involves a series of flashbacks that revisit Agent 47’s sordid
past—it seems unfair. And while the flashback motif is well implement-
ed, the lack of a unifying story arc ultimately makes for a disjointed gam-
ing experience.
Despite these complaints, we were able to wring some enjoyable
moments out of Hitman: Contracts. Fans of the franchise will ease into
the game like a pair of old sneakers, albeit a pair they’ve already out-
grown. At the very least, this
will whet the appetites of
wannabe assassins as they
await the fourth Hitman title,
which has tentatively been
scheduled for release some-
time next year.
—TAE KIM*ust when we thouGht thinGs couldnt Get any worse, the
(ealth $epartment showed up and started handinG out
citations.Thief: Deadly Shadows
This game really sneaks up on you
T
he city is a harsh mistress, full of scoundrels who will roll you for a
handful of gold coins. Refreshingly, in Thief: Deadly Shadows , you’re
one of the scoundrels. You play as Garrett, a master thief living off
the involuntary generosity of others. You sneak and steal you way through
castles and catacombs, and in the process, uncover the truth behind a plot
to unleash a dark age upon a world that’s already pretty darn dark.
Gameplay has remained relatively unchanged from the first two Thief
games. You sneak around in the shadows and avoid guards while getting
from point A to treasure B. He still has most of his toys, including a trusty
blackjack for clubbing unsuspecting guards, and a bow with an arsenal of
trick arrows for snuffing torches or spreading sound-muffling moss.
Unlike the two previous installments, however, Deadly Shadows allows
for relatively open-ended exploration of the game’s city, aptly dubbed “the
City.” Between missions, you can walk about freely pick-pocketing noble-
men, robbing homes, and avoiding the law. Small side quests and hints
pointing to great wealth can be found from the City’s myriad NPCs. Fences
and stores tucked away in alleys give you a safe place to sell your ill-gotten
goods and replenish your equipment. It’s hardly a sprawling metropolis, but
this open-ended urban environment adds pleasant depth to a series that
was previously completely linear.
Deadly Shadows is hardly a horror game, but its tense and moody atmo-
sphere literally made us jump during various levels. In most missions you’ll
explore buildings and avoid human guards, but in some, you’ll face creepy
supernatural enemies. One of these more unconventional missions has Garrett
breaking into an abandoned orphanage turned insane asylum. The subtly
twisted architecture, erratic lighting, and creepy audio track produce one of the
most terrifying sensations we’ve had in all our gaming experiences.
Though it isn’t for every-
one—the slow pace will
turn off gamers more into
straight-ahead action— Deadly
Shadows is absolutely essen-
tial for stealth-game fans.
If you’re looking for a first-
person alternative to gunning
down anything that moves, this
is for you.
—E. WILL GREENWALDDoesn’t stray too far from the established formula.SILENT AND DEADLYSILENT BUT DEADLY
It’s nothing we haven’t seen before.
$50, http://www.hitmancontracts.comMAXIMUMPC VERDICT
Tense and well-honed gameplay and a great plot.
One mission is unbelievably scary.LUPIN IIILUPUS
Bizarre rag-doll physics, and the game style is
an acquired taste.
$40, http://www.thief3.comMAXIMUMPC VERDICT 9
AUGUST 2004 MAXIMUMPC
The Games hero Goes clubbinG eVery niGht it seems, much
like the Maximum PC staff in its younGer days. (ere we see
him layinG in wait for an unsuspecinG Guard.