Why is Hitman: Absolution Disliked?
Hitman: Absolution is disliked by some fans of the Hitman series because it deviated from the open-ended gameplay and contract-based missions of its predecessors, such as Blood Money and Contracts, and instead focused on a more linear and story-driven approach. The game’s disguise system and lack of loadouts before levels were also criticized, leading some players to feel that it did not live up to the standards set by earlier games in the series.
Understanding the Criticisms
The criticisms of Hitman: Absolution are multifaceted, ranging from its gameplay mechanics to its narrative approach. To understand why some fans are disappointed with the game, it’s essential to delve into the specifics of what they expected versus what they got.
Gameplay Expectations
Fans who were looking forward to more “hits” and assassinations, similar to those in Blood Money or Contracts, felt that Absolution did not deliver. The game’s shift towards a more narrative-focused experience, with an emphasis on Agent 47’s character development and a stronger storyline, was seen as a departure from the formula that made the series successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Hitman: Absolution worth it? Yes, for fans of the series and those looking for a more story-driven experience, Hitman: Absolution is worth playing, offering a unique perspective on the Hitman universe.
- Did Hitman: Absolution sell well? As of March 2013, the game had sold over 3.6 million copies, indicating a commercial success despite mixed reviews.
- Is Hitman: Absolution better than Blood Money? This depends on personal preference; Blood Money is often praised for its open-ended gameplay, while Absolution focuses more on narrative and linearity.
- Was Hitman: Absolution canon? Yes, all Hitman games, including Absolution, are considered canon and part of the series’ overall storyline.
- How old is Agent 47 in Hitman: Absolution? According to the Hitman wiki, Agent 47 was born on September 5, 1964, making him 57 years old during the events of Absolution, assuming the game takes place in 2021.
- Is Hitman: Blood Money and Absolution connected? While Absolution takes place between Hitman 2016 and Blood Money in the timeline, its story beats are not crucial to understanding the current trilogy, though it does provide some references.
- How many hours of gameplay is Hitman: Absolution? The game is approximately 12½ hours long for main objectives, and 36½ hours for 100% completion.
- Is Hitman: Absolution backwards compatible? Yes, the game is available as part of the Backwards Compatible list, allowing players to enjoy it on newer consoles.
- Is Hitman 1 a sequel to Absolution? The sequel to Absolution in terms of storyline continuity is HITMAN (2016), which takes place seven years after Absolution’s events.
- Which Hitman game sold the most? Silent Assassin is often cited as the best-selling game in the original series, with over 3.7 million copies sold as of 2009.
- Did Hitman 3 sell well? Despite a relatively modest budget, Hitman 3 managed to over-perform in sales, indicating a strong fan base and successful game development strategy.
- Why is Hitman: Absolution Rated M? The game received an M rating due to its violent encounters, realistic gunfire, large blood-splatter effects, and slow-motion attacks.
- Do I need to play anything before Hitman: Absolution? No, each Hitman game can be played as a standalone, but understanding the series’ context can enhance the experience.
- What Hitman game came before Absolution? The games in order are Hitman: Codename 47, Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman 3: Contracts, Hitman 4: Blood Money, and then Hitman: Absolution.
- Can you still play Hitman: Absolution contracts? Unfortunately, the multiplayer mode called Contracts is no longer available due to the shutdown of online services in May 2018.
Conclusion
Hitman: Absolution’s mixed reception stems from its deviation from the series’ traditional formula, adopting a more linear and narrative-focused approach. While this shift might have alienated some fans, it also brought a new dimension to the series, appealing to those looking for a stronger storyline and character development. Understanding the criticisms and the FAQs provided can help potential players decide if Hitman: Absolution is the right game for them, and fans of the series can appreciate the unique contributions it makes to the Hitman universe.