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[stevematic]

When I first started playing this game I thought "wow, this is fucking amazing! easily the best of the series" but as it went on it just felt less and less like a Hitman game. I still enjoyed it, but I can easily see why some people upset by it.

 

[Sentenza]

Thank God I don't mind a more story-driven take on Hitman.

Well, damn, I do.
I don't care about the story at all.
It was the core mechanic about social stealth and killing targets in elaborate ways that made me love the best chapters in this saga.

 

[Broder Salsa]

Well, damn, I do.
I don't care about the story at all.
It was the core mechanic about social stealth and killing targets in elaborate ways that made me love the best chapters in this saga.

The parts of the story that were actually interesting it sounds like they removed. Like how targets now are mostly just random mob bosses and such, with no real back story like in previous games where I most of the time was genuinely excited to kill some scumbag you had learnt about.

 

[MMaRsu]

The parts of the story that were actually interesting it sounds like they removed. Like how targets now are mostly just random mob bosses and such, with no real back story like in previous games where I most of the time was genuinely excited to kill some scumbag you had learnt about.

The people i killed so far i have no clue why i killed them.lulz

 

[Eideka]

Well, damn, I do.
I don't care about the story at all.
It was the core mechanic about social stealth and killing targets in elaborate ways that made me love the best chapters in this saga.

I loved Hitman 2 and Blood Money to death as well, the sandboxy approach is the element that attracted me to this series in the first place.
In one way the old formula will be sorely missed but I'm ready to accept the "new" Hitman.
Ideally I would have loved the series to remain true to its roots, but I can't say a more modern take on the formula is off-putting to me. I managed to tolerate (and even sometimes enjoy) SC Conviction after all.

I must admit atmosphere and scenario can go a long way with me, in many cases it actually makes up for gameplay shotcomings to a degree (Metro 2033/Alan Wake being prime examples).
I'm absolutely positive Absolution is going to disappoint me in some way or another but I hope that I will still salvage something from it.

I believe we can blend this Absolution and the last Assassin's Creed in the same perspective (I know you nearly flipped a table here) in the sense that gamers seeking an "experience" will end up enjoying the game.
In spite of all the bugs and crashes, wonky mechanics, I loved Assassin's Creed 3 more than any other. The immersion, and the universe offered by a game is not something that goes unnoticed with me, I appear to be very sensitive to those things. I'm not going to pretend they are the primary reason as to why I love gaming, however they certainly count for something.
You may argue that this experience stuff is just bullshit and you may be right to some extent (how to set aside gameplay issues in very vague and personnal terms) but to me that means something.

I feel like I have to specify : if the pure gameplay elements are fecal matter the above does not work.

 

[Sn4ke_911]

The people i killed so far i have no clue why i killed them.lulz

Thats what a professional killer is for. He doesn't ask why this man has to die. He's just doing his job without asking

 

[MMaRsu]

Thats what a professional killer is for. He doesn't ask why this man has to die. He's just doing his job without asking

Yea but this time its not his job..its 'personal'.


Listen i fucking loved hitman games since i was a young gamer spending my sundays with c47 and 2. This games thematic vibe sucks..the gameplay is too linear and the instinct/disguise system sucks. In my opinion its not a true hitman games.

 

[RevDM]

A highly accepted review outlet.

It's not the number I'm talking about. Their commentary is usually pretty accurate

 

[RevDM]

Yea but this time its not his job..its 'personal'.


Listen i fucking loved hitman games since i was a young gamer spending my sundays with c47 and 2. This games thematic vibe sucks..the gameplay is too linear and the instinct/disguise system sucks. In my opinion its not a true hitman games.

Why have games taken this route where the protagonist has gone rogue? It's almost to the point of cliche

 

[Dyni Crippler]

Listen i fucking loved hitman games since i was a young gamer spending my sundays with c47 and 2. This games thematic vibe sucks..the gameplay is too linear and the instinct/disguise system sucks. In my opinion its not a true hitman games.

Since I'm not gonna watch other gameplay videos, can I ask you how the level design is? Is it limited and small as it looks or is it actually big? And is the disguise system as trial and error as it seems?

 

[indigo-cyclops]

Yeah pretty much my thoughts on the game. Hitman fans who have already decided they hate the game because it's not identical to Blood Money beware.

Fixed that for ya.

But really, I do understand the stance, but I'm open to seeing what is different here.

 

[Dyni Crippler]

Fixed that for ya.

By how you put it, it's like one can't even have problems with the game itself.

 

[indigo-cyclops]

By how you put it, it's like one can't even have problems with the game itself.

Just poking fun, but the majority of what I'm reading from some people is its not like BM or even the older games, which all had faults. Granted people have now had the chance to play it and the hyperbole has died a bit; nothing wrong at all with the game having issues in and of itself. But the many of the negative viewpoints stem from the simple fact that it is not fulfilling that perception of what a pure hitman game is.

 

[Dyni Crippler]

Just poking fun, but the majority of what I'm reading from some people is its not like BM or even the older games, which all had faults. Granted people have now had the chance to play it and the hyperbole has died a bit; nothing wrong at all with the game having issues in and of itself. But the many of the negative viewpoints stem from the simple fact that it is not fulfilling that perception of what a pure hitman game is.

Yes, of course. That's what happens when you change a popular series. However, there are people (me /egocentrism) who simply have problems with the game itself. Although Dishonored was a sastyfing stealth experience, I'm always in for some more. Absolution doesn't seem to fit, though.

 

[derFeef]

Watched the TotalBiscuit video, screw spoilers. It's taken out of context so it doe snot really matter much. He has some fair complaints and seems pretty positive on the game otherwise - I will have my fun with this game for sure.

 

[tanuki]

So I've played through a few missions of this today, and it's not a terrible game. It's decent. Ironically, I think what really spoils the game for me is that disguises can be seen through by similar workers. While it's more realistic, it's less fun, and also makes it harder to scope out the levels. You're also really reliant on instinct to avoid detection, so you've really got no choice but to use it... well, unless you're a masochist.

It's a shame, the engine is great, the game looks amazing. I hope the game does decently, so that IO can use the engine to make the game we all want to play.

 

[DukeBobby]

Holy shit, that RPS review is pretty damning. When Derrick gets unbanned, he's gonna have something to say...

 

[indigo-cyclops]

Yes, of course. That's what happens when you change a popular series. However, there are people (me /egocentrism) who simply have problems with the game itself. Although Dishonored was a sastyfing stealth experience, I'm always in for some more. Absolution doesn't seem to fit, though.

Fair enough. That's how I feel. Maybe I'm still recovering from the flood of whacky hyperbole earlier in the thread. I don't know how I will ultimately feel about it as a Hitman game after playing. I do think I will enjoy it though. Hitman game or not, it should be judged as a game first and foremost, not the next attempt post-Blood Money.

 

[Dyni Crippler]

Fair enough. That's how I feel. Maybe I'm still recovering from the flood of whacky hyperbole earlier in the thread. I don't know how I will ultimately feel about it as a Hitman game after playing. I do think I will enjoy it though. Hitman game or not, it should be judged as a game first and foremost, not the next attempt post-Blood Money.

That's something I can agree with.
However, that's also why I can already see it failing for me, unfortunately.

 

[Eideka]

Derrick must be delighted by the RPS review.

The Hitman formula could not meet the industry's "standards" and remain unscathed in the process. This is a sad state of affairs I know.

The modern audience as a whole prefers a more streamlined stealth game, as a result there were left with no other options than "simplifying" the backbone of the series.

 

[DukeBobby]

Fair enough. That's how I feel. Maybe I'm still recovering from the flood of whacky hyperbole earlier in the thread. I don't know how I will ultimately feel about it as a Hitman game after playing. I do think I will enjoy it though. Hitman game or not, it should be judged as a game first and foremost, not the next attempt post-Blood Money.

This is pretty much what I think.

 

[MMaRsu]

Since I'm not gonna watch other gameplay videos, can I ask you how the level design is? Is it limited and small as it looks or is it actually big? And is the disguise system as trial and error as it seems?

The disguise system is pretty damn trial and error on hard. And most levels/paths to take are on the smaller side. A few good levels so far like the barber shop..streets of hope and chinatown.

 

[Dyni Crippler]

The disguise system is pretty damn trial and error on hard. And most levels/paths to take are on the smaller side. A few good levels so far like the barber shop..streets of hope and chinatown.

...Sigh.
At least I played Dishonored and Mark of the Ninja this year, I guess.

 

[GANGSTERKILLER]

6.9 from GT. I know that is not a "bad" score. But i've expected more from IO after waiting 6 years for a new Hitman.

After watching more gameplay footage Absolution shows many similarities with SC: Conviction. Meh.

Will buy this game maybe in 2013 for a bargain price.

 

[MMaRsu]

...Sigh.
At least I played Dishonored and Mark of the Ninja this year, I guess.

Its not a bad game..just not a great hitman game imo.

 

[Dyni Crippler]

Its not a bad game..just not a great hitman game imo.

From what you've described and what I've seen, it sounds like a game that could go from 5 to 7 for me (of course I'd have to play it to actually decide what it's worth). Not something I'd spend more than 20 bucks for.

 

[RevDM]

Will there be a separate thread for contracts mode?

 

[keltickennedy]

For those people that are saying that the game is focusing more on story than the actual hits, well then Contracts is perfect for you. I figure a lot of the review outlets haven't played it. But for the fans that don't give a fuck about story and just want to go level after level performing creative hits, play Contracts.

 

[AHA-Lambda]

So I've played through a few missions of this today, and it's not a terrible game. It's decent. Ironically, I think what really spoils the game for me is that disguises can be seen through by similar workers. While it's more realistic, it's less fun, and also makes it harder to scope out the levels. You're also really reliant on instinct to avoid detection, so you've really got no choice but to use it... well, unless you're a masochist.

It's a shame, the engine is great, the game looks amazing. I hope the game does decently, so that IO can use the engine to make the game we all want to play.

Oh god this! I'm on the 12th mission right now and the stealth is just trying my patience now.

 

[derFeef]

Oh god this! I'm on the 12th mission right now and the stealth is just trying my patience now.

Sounds like a Hitman game.

 

[Dyni Crippler]

Sounds like a Hitman game.

Not really. If anything sounds like Codename 47.
Which was bad.

 

[keltickennedy]

Oh god this! I'm on the 12th mission right now and the stealth is just trying my patience now.

Play on Normal.

 

[Castor Krieg]

By how you put it, it's like one can't even have problems with the game itself.

Except (IMO glitched) the way score is calculated - are there any problems? The game is a competent stealth game with gorgeous graphics. It's only when you compare it to other Hitman games the flaws multiply.

For those people that are saying that the game is focusing more on story than the actual hits, well then Contracts is perfect for you. I figure a lot of the review outlets haven't played it. But for the fans that don't give a fuck about story and just want to go level after level performing creative hits, play Contracts.

I can already see one drawback in Contracts - you cannot make anyone a target, only specific characters (plot-related + some others). I would've loved being able to tag anyone from that huge crowd in Chinatown level.

 

[Dyni Crippler]

Except (IMO glitched) the way score is calculated - are there any problems? The game is a competent stealth game with gorgeous graphics. It's only when you compare it to other Hitman games the flaws multiply.

The disguise system is still a core mechanic, but it now looks like a rampant trial and error - which makes the game irrititating if anything. Plus, forgettable level design and no unique features (like a shadow system a la SC) makes for a pretty standard (if unsatysfing) stealth game.
This is what I can expect without having actually played it, of course. Maybe it's not like that, but from what I've heard... well.

 

[Lord Phol]

Except (IMO glitched) the way score is calculated - are there any problems? The game is a competent stealth game with gorgeous graphics. It's only when you compare it to other Hitman games the flaws multiply.

Sounds good enough for me, I'm no hardcore hitman fan and I got the game cheap on GMG. The stealthplay can't be worse than in dishonored, and that game is getting praised on gaf.

 

[Dyni Crippler]

The stealthplay can't be worse than in dishonored, and that game is getting praised on gaf.

Still have to understand what's wrong with that, instead.

 

[AHA-Lambda]

Play on Normal.

I am on normal but the disguise system in this is just pissing me off now.

Sounds like a Hitman game.

The guards weren't this scrutinous in Hitman 2 for god sake.

 

[Dick Justice]

On hard mode, the disguise system is a major pain in the ass. Maybe if you're acting suspicious, guards should be more wary of you, but not just for walking in the distance while they can't see your face. Strange how ducking behind cover while they're looking resets their suspicion.

 

[keltickennedy]

I can already see one drawback in Contracts - you cannot make anyone a target, only specific characters (plot-related + some others). I would've loved being able to tag anyone from that huge crowd in Chinatown level.

I'm sure that the crowds are procedurally generated, that is why you can't mark a specific target in the crowds. There are still plenty of other targets to mark in levels.

I am on normal but the disguise system in this is just pissing me off now.



The guards weren't this scrutinous in Hitman 2 for god sake.

What level seems to be giving you the hardest time?

 

[eyeless]

Sounds like a Hitman game.

 

[AHA-Lambda]

What level seems to be giving you the hardest time?

I've just done the first 2 dexter industries levels and my patience just broke completely with the guard AI.

 

[thelurkinghorror]

I've just done the first 2 dexter industries levels and my patience just broke completely with the guard AI.

worst mission of the game

 

[AHA-Lambda]

worst mission of the game

Well that explains a lot I guess :-/

 

[tanuki]

Really, someone give me the infinite instinct cheat so I can stroll around like a cop for more than 3 seconds before the cop across the hallway sees through my disguise and calls the hit squad on me. Gah.

 

[SlasherJPC]

My Hitman Absolution video review. Enjoy guys.

 

[Broder Salsa]

My Hitman Absolution video review. Enjoy guys.

I made it 1 min in.

 

[Eideka]

I made it 1 min in.

Why ? It's a pretty good review.

 

[TheOddOne]

I made it 1 min in.

Closed it after 30 seconds.

 

[kaskade]

Did this game show up in any black friday deals? I kind of figured it's not simply because it's coming out the same week. I'm kind of adverse to paying full price for games since most of them will be cheaper in only a few weeks.

 

[SlasherJPC]

Why ? It's a pretty good review.

Some people don't enjoy this style, completely understandable, but my Black Ops 2 review did amazing well and people really enjoyed it (I changed it from my more casual "normal" style) . It's not for everyone. I'm mostly posting in here for the people that are fans of me on neogaf.