Review: Hitman: Codename 47

From...

	GALLERY

by GamePro staff

(IDG) -- Combining a cinematic third-person view with first-person-style gameplay, this captivating game puts you in the shadowy shoes of a professional hitman. Though Rambo wannabes will feel pinned down by the realism, Hitman oozes with enough seedy atmosphere and tense action to satisfy the most jaded gamer.

Graphics: Richly detailed settings and character models make the action seem all the more lifelike. You'll perform hits in such locales as a busy Hong Kong street and a steamy Columbian jungle that looks like where Oliver Stone shot his movie Platoon. Plus, the cinematic third-person view lets you see your character using bad-ass weapons.

Sound: Much of the voice acting sounds cheesy and negatively stereotypical, not to mention that even the jungle Indians speak English and that all guards say "Hey" before they shoot at you. Luckily, the weapon sounds rock and roll.

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Control: Despite the third-person view, Hitman has the precision aiming and smooth controls of most first-person shooters. The system of manipulating objects and using items, however, is more complicated and unwieldy than it needs to be, and often gets you killed.

Tech: Though it's better than in most games, the enemy A.I. is quirky and unpredictable. Sometimes they won't notice your disguise, and sometimes they will. But it seems completely random.

Fun Factor: As soon as you zap a Hong Kong crime boss with a rooftop sniper shot, you'll realize Hitman is a gritty, badass game. The combination of thief-style sneaking with smart enemy A.I. and the use of realistic weapons-piano wire, silenced pistols, sniper rifles, and even M-60s-creates an intense experience, though many gamers will be frustrated by the lack of in-game saving.

Tips

• In the third Hong Kong mission, get the bathroom key from the bartender. You can then climb in and out of the bathroom window to make your hit.



• To infiltrate an enemy compound, find and garrote a lone guard, hide the body, and put on his clothes so you blend in.



• To plant the car bomb in Mission Two, garrote the driver in the alley, hide his body, then steal his clothes.

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IO Interactive
Eidos Interactive Ltd.

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