Hitman: Absolution™

Hmm, Hitman Absolution

I have played this game for 30 hours and unlocked all achievements, and I can tell you it wasn’t the greatest "Hitman" experience I’ve had.

This game introduces tons of new mechanics (some of which would later carry over to the WOA trilogy). However, some of those mechanics turned this game into action-adventure mode, which wasn’t very enjoyable for me as I found myself being pushed more and more toward engaging the enemy rather than taking the silent approach.

Here is a quick rundown of what I didn’t like:
- Inconsistent enemy positioning: Every time you load a save, enemy paths can change randomly, which makes memorizing levels the more difficult.
- Level splitting: Levels are split into multiple parts (if you go to a location, you cannot go back or move freely).
- Loadout: You cannot choose your loadout.
- Rating system: It’s terrible—just terrible.

Oh, and one more thing:
Disguises. The disguise system in this game was terrible. Unlike the trilogy, where enforcers spot certain disguises, here all enemies with the same disguise can magically identify you straight away unless you use instinct, which makes disguises almost pointless.

Will I recommend it? Maybe—just make sure you get it on sale.

Happy hunting!

Wait, what about the Contracts mode, you may ask?
Well, it’s not worth the trouble unless you want the achievements.

Coming off of the fantastic Blood Money, Hitman: Absolution is a downgrade in every possible way. With the removal of key game mechanics, a terrible disguise system, linear level design, and a forgettable story, Absolution is Hitman at its worst. While there are moments where signs of the series' roots show, overall, these moments are too rare and short to improve the game in any meaningful way. However, even though Absolution is an awful Hitman game, it's still a decent game. Even though it's nothing special and has some glaring issues with the gameplay, as a generic stealth game, there is still some fun to be had. Overall, for fans of the previous Hitman games, I'd probably stay away from Absolution as it has little to offer in terms of excellent stealth gameplay. Yet, for those who want a decent stealth action game that can be run through fairly quickly, it might be worth giving a try.

fun game but it just doesn't feel like a game where you play as the sneaky bald man with a barcode on his head

Amazing Hitman game. Hot take, but this may be the best in the series. I think the mechanics and levels are nearly perfect and challenging. I haven't even finished the game yet, I'll update my review when I do.

Hitman: Absolution delivers a gripping stealth experience with a cinematic story, stunning visuals, and challenging AI. The game offers multiple ways to approach assassinations, rewarding creativity and strategy. Instinct mode enhances stealth, and Contracts Mode adds replayability. While it takes a more linear approach than previous entries, it remains a thrilling and immersive experience for fans of the series.

Interesting history.
But graphics is old.
But I like that 😀

Good overall game. Forgot how much I love the old hitman games. Graphically not as good as more modern titles, but a good walk down memory lane.

i am always a great fan of stealth games as previously i have played tom clancy's - splinter cell all series and this is my first game of hitman series. Though it was released late 2012 but I am very much impressed and in love with this game as the graphics are really quite impressive till now. Also I would be playing the other series of this game like hitman 2, hitman 3.

Would honestly recommend if someone is interested in playing stealth game.

Great game with awesome music.
Feels like watching a good movie.
Definitely recommend.

While the game had great graphics, an engaging story, and fluid mechanics, many fans of the series criticized its more linear approach compared to Hitman: Blood Money. However, newcomers and action-focused players enjoyed its cinematic presentation.

Did you play it? What’s your take?

-Pretty good graphics
-Nice OST it adds a badass vibe to bald guy
-Simplified gameplay, both stealth and movement.
-The best stealth mechanic of all hitman games
-The story well written
-The ending kinda too rush

8/10

Hitman: Absolution is an odd entry in the franchise. While it’s a decent stealth game, it abandons a lot of what makes Hitman unique. Instead of open-ended contracts with multiple approaches, levels are small, story-driven, and feel like a series of corridors. The game leans heavily into a cinematic, linear experience, which might appeal to some, but to longtime Hitman fans, it feels like a downgrade.

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly, but there are too many forced visual effects (film grain, vignette, and color filters) with no option to disable them. The game clearly pushes for a gritty, high-contrast look, but it would’ve been nice to have the choice to turn these off.

At its core, Hitman: Absolution is a solid stealth game, but it’s a bad Hitman game. Instead of creative, sandbox-style assassinations, levels are mostly about getting to the exit. There are a few standout missions, but too many feel like generic stealth sequences rather than assassination contracts.
The AI is all over the place. Sometimes omniscient, detecting you for no reason. Other times, they’re brain-dead, failing to notice suspicious activity. The disguise system is also frustrating: guards of the same type instantly suspect you unless you use "Instinct," which feels forced and unnecessary.
One of the few nice additions is the Challenges system, which acts like in-game achievements.
The lack of a proper map is a major downgrade. Instead, you get a minimap, which isn’t very helpful for planning your route. This further pushes the game into a linear, action-stealth direction rather than the methodical planning and execution Hitman is known for.

Controls feel smooth, though the cover system can be a bit clunky at times.

Levels are small and split into subzones, making them feel disconnected rather than part of a larger environment. There are fewer actual contracts, with the story driving the mission structure. This takes away from the freedom that defines Hitman.
That said, some missions are genuinely well-designed, a few have great atmosphere and give you a taste of the old Hitman magic. Unfortunately, they’re rare compared to the linear, scripted segments.
Also, the characters are more caricatural than usual. Hitman has always had larger-than-life figures, but Absolution takes it too far, making some of them feel outright ridiculous.

The game has a weird cinematic obsession: everything is drenched in filters, film grain, and vignettes. 47’s face also looks off, almost unnatural compared to previous games. The environments look good, but the art direction is too stylized, losing some of the cold, realistic feel of past entries.

The absence of Jesper Kyd is really felt. Instead of his signature atmospheric sound, the music is overly dramatic and too cinematic, sometimes feeling out of place. Sound design is solid overall, but the music just doesn’t fit Hitman’s usual tone
Diana’s voice actress is different, which might not be an issue for newcomers, but for long-time fans, it’s noticeable and makes her feel like a different character.

The game can be unfair at times, mainly because of the weird AI. Enemies will randomly spot you, yet you can also abuse their stupidity to cheese your way through levels. The disguise system, which used to be an essential mechanic, is now pointless without Instinct.

Absolution pushes for a personal story rather than a traditional cold, professional Hitman narrative. 47 is personally invested, and the game focuses more on his relationship with Diana and Victoria rather than assassinations. While some moments are well done, it doesn’t feel like a Hitman story, it feels like a generic stealth-action game. Hitman Silent Assassin did the personal story much better than that one.
That said, there are some good moments. The issue is that these are overshadowed by the overly dramatic, Hollywood-style storytelling that tries too hard to be emotional.

The game takes around 15 hours, depending on how you play. If you go for all the challenges or take your time, it can last twice as long, but the linear nature of most levels limits replayability compared to older Hitman titles, although, the sandbox aspect is still present for assassinations.


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Hitman: Absolution is a fun stealth game but a terrible Hitman game. It ditches the open-ended style gameplay that made the series unique in favor of a cinematic, linear experience. While some missions stand out, the small maps, weird AI, weak disguise system, and overly dramatic story drag it down.
If you’re looking for a traditional Hitman experience, skip this one. But if you just want a decent stealth game, it can still be enjoyable and it is, in fact, quite fun. Just don’t expect it to feel like a classic Hitman game.

Really bad story. The nuns were over the top and really stupid. It doesn't feel like a Hitman game. Only Hitman game that should be avoided.

PROS:
-the story is super engaging
-the graphics are absolutely (pun intended) breathtaking for a game from 2012!
-many memorable missions
-good replayability!
-fun combat
-can run on almost any PC from the last decade
-extremely well optimized

CONS:
-linear gameplay
-some forced action, where in another Hitman game you would,ve had a stealth option

I originally played Hitman: Absolution a couple of years ago using a repack, and I absolutely loved it. Recently, I saw it on sale on Steam and decided to buy it to relive the experience—and I have no regrets! Playing it again after two years felt fresh and exciting, just like the first time.

The game delivers an immersive experience with well-designed and atmospheric locations, a wide variety of weapons, and the freedom to choose between a stealthy approach or an all-out shootout. The missions are engaging, and the story keeps you hooked. For a game released in 2012, the graphics still look impressive.

Overall, I’d rate it 9/10. A must-play for stealth game fans!

Jogo muito bom, boa trama e excelente jogabilidade. Porém acho que o game pesa mais pro lado da ação do que do stealth (diferente dos jogos da saga), ficaria melhor se colocasse o John wick no lugar do 47. No mais, um excelente jogo, super recomendo

The game is good fun funny and sometimes frustrating from some new games, but I recommend the game very nice game last finally egg headed.

Already have recommended. It's a fun stealthy game, I enjoyed it on my Play station when the contracts were available only thing that I miss would be contracts but so far got this on sale and am enjoying the single player missions.

This is a Hitman game.

The agency is after you and you're after the agency, a great cinematic hitman experience.
I’ve played all Hitman games except for Hitman 2 (2018), and this is a Hitman game where you're after one target (Benjamin Travis) while keeping Victoria safe. It takes you through the phases of escaping the agency agents & the people after you since your description is all over the place. It also includes the phase of acquiring information from other sources, since Diana won’t be able to do that part for you like she always does. It’s basically every step that Agent 47 takes to get to his target and finish him, with targets in missions like the nightclub and Chinatown always helping to push the story forward to get you to Benjamin Travis, while keeping Victoria safe in a cinematic, exaggerated way.

Gameplay

The gameplay mechanics are solid—probably the best in the series, in my opinion. Everything works smoothly, just the way it was designed.

Graphics

The graphics are phenomenal for a 2012 game and still hold up better to this day. In some places, it even looks better than the World of Assassination trilogy.

Replay value

Replay value is great. You can go for disguises, guns-only (since everyone’s after you), or suit-only once you've mastered the game.

Conclusion

As someone who’s played Hitman games since I was 8 years old, this is a Hitman game.

Not the greatest in the series but it is a very over hated game you will enjoy it more if you play it as a stealth action game more than a classic hitman experience

it is the best hitman but the graphks are ok better than i expected for a 2012 game but they need improovment

Even to this day, this game is incredibly good fun. My latest playthrough this time on the Steam Deck!

It's a fun game, deviates from the classic Hitman approach and focus more on a quick action relaxed play-style tough still having the assassinations components. I didn't really like the theme of the game, it's too spectacular like an action movie and the story the same thing. I don't think this is peak Hitman but still very enjoyable if you get it on sale.

Yeah, I can see why people dislike this game.

While this game does introduce a number of systemic gameplay improvements, most of which carry over into the reboot trilogy, it also makes a number of steps back. It is almost closer to an action adventure game rather than a sandbox assassination puzzle game that every single other entry in the series are.

A lot of levels don't even have anything to do with what a Hitman game is - killing targets unnoticed and in creative ways. Some level sections can be completed in a few minutes without killing anyone, just walking from point A to point B.

Second thing they changed for the worse is the scoring. It's not as bad as the early games, but this game somewhat relies on replaying levels to get Silent Assassin rating on them, if you care about that. You can still do a self-imposed no detections/bodies found runs, basically no negative points runs, but only a few levels can actually count as Silent Assassin without replaying them after doing challenges, which increase the score multiplier. The only good thing is that you know when you screwed up by being spotted, unlike other games.

Then the save system was also changed for the worse. It may be in service of the more linear levels, but you can only save in specific points, and only once per point. This again, like the very first game in the series, severely limits ability to experiment with the game. The save system also doesn't function well as NPC positions are reset on load, and will not appear where they were when you saved.

This game also introduces the issue of accidentally walking into trespass areas voiding your perfect rating, which also also lame. Guards barely try to tell you that you are not allowed to enter some place. This is something that is carried over into the reboot trilogy, and was handled better in Blood Money.

Another regression-y issue is that enemies can see through your disguise from way too far on normal. It makes most disguises kinda pointless, since every NPC in the same disguise can see through your disguise, just a bit slower than with no disguise.

There is a helicopter section where the helicopter can see you through walls if you do not use the cover system, even if you are in the exact same spot but not in cover - it can see you through walls.

The character also turns around exceptionally slowly, making escaping detection that much more frustrating.
There is no map.

Finally, there online-only BS. It started with this game. Contracts mode is now permanently offline, but at least the single player challenges are still available, unlike the reboot trilogy, where even that is locked behind a BS online only requirement. IOI being the worst company that they are. This is the fate of World of Assassination games as well, and they have a LOT more content locked behind a BS online-only requirement, including a lot of single player only content, such as map mastery challenges, scoring and even single player DLCs. I hate IOI.

Overall, I can't say that this game is purely bad, but it makes a lot of strange departures from the previous game(s), which may make the game less enjoyable. It can be picked up on sales dirt cheap though, so I'd wait for sales.

It was a very good game! It performed really well on my YouTube channel, and people liked it a lot. I also had a great time playing it.

Игра ни рыба ни мясо. Видно как в этой части создатели решили сделать выбор в сторону сюжета, правда он всё равно ощущается как для галочки, ибо такие истории мы уже видели кучу раз и эта не стало особенной.
Что касаемо геймплея: Он стал более казуальным. Проходить миссии в разы легче и способов создать несчастные случаи стало меньше, чем в тех же блад мани. Как мне известно в следующих частях сложнее играть не стало.
В этой части также пострадали локации, мы всю игру находимся в темноте и вылезаем на солнце раз в год. За это игру очень многие ругали на релизе.
Плюсом добавлю: Мне не нравится, что разработчики выключили режим контрактов от серверов, но достижения за них оставили. Убрать ачивки это дело пяти минут, могли бы и сделать.

Я сейчас хоть и ругал игру, но это всё тот же хитман. Его тяжело прям испортить, поэтому в серии откровенно ужасных частей я не видел. Продумывать интересные планы убийств целей всё также можно. Ставить для себя свои условия всё также интересно. Игра прекрасно работает в 2025 году, ни одного вылета и бага не встретил. А более простой геймплей даже зайдет большинству! Люди бросали играть прошлые части из-за усталости изучать карты, а здесь изучать надо мало или вообще не трубуется. Всё понятно на ходу.

I love this game. I used to play this game everyday before i had steam. Coming from school and straight starging playing this

Played for over an hour on Dec 31st. Just tried to play again today and it wont even launch anymore. Verified files tried running in compatibility mode still nothing. Dont waste money on a broken game that was one of the worst in the series. Only got it cause of the Hitman Bundle.

Hitman: Absolution is a frustrating departure from what made the series great. The linear levels, broken disguise system, and forced action sequences strip away the creative freedom Hitman is known for. The story is downright bad, and the AI is clunky at best. I wouldn’t recommend this game if you’re a Hitman fan over the age of 7.

The best Hitman game that's not a Hitman game that's trying to be a Hitman game, the shooting and characters are worth the price itself something the trilogy sucks at by the way this game has its own strengths and is over-hated for no reason, guards besides the targets actually deserve to die which is a neat bonus, except the cancer guy(?).
Also swears....funny...

Mission Complete but........i can't play the contract (But Still Good)

Trying the hard difficulty:
Can someone explain what's the purpose of the fu*king checkpoints in this Absolute-ion trash of a game? Last time I've checked, the purpose of a checkpoint was to preserve your progress. As hard as I'm trying, I seem to be unable to figure out what brainless idiot thought it would be a good idea to respawn all the enemies, who were already dealt with, when reloading a checkpoint while your health is kept at the level you had when activating the checkpoint (which is probably pretty low when you've murdered 20 enemies in a shootout).

Shooter-wise (from mechanics point of view) the game's an absolute tragedy. Stealth-wise it's fu*king boring.

If you really need to experience this game you might as well rather watch someone who likes to suffer play this on YouTube instead of deliberately inflicting self-harm to yourself (if that's not your thing because you're not completely mentally deranged)

good1 but multiplayer achievements requires third party bs cuz servers are down

Such a fun game and still in my opinion the best Hitman game released, the graphics for such an old game look amazing and the gameplay is very fun, and with the community revived contracts you can play the full game to your hearts content

Great game. Very challenging (depending on your playstyle). Online achievements kinda tricky but online community can help you with that.

Over-hated game with probably the best and most understandable story in the entire series.

Hitman: Absolution is the game where you’re not just a hitman—you’re the hitman with the shiniest bald head and the slickest suit in town. It’s like playing hide and seek, but with significantly more costumes and, let’s be honest, more creative ways to take someone out. You’re Agent 47, and blending in is your superpower. Ever thought about dispatching your target with a rubber ducky? Or maybe just hiding in plain sight as a janitor? The opportunities are endless, and more often than not, you’ll find yourself chuckling at the peculiar ways you can complete your contracts. Just remember, if you’re causing chaos wearing a chicken suit, you’re probably having way more fun than anyone expected.

The game revolves around stealth and strategy as you navigate through beautifully detailed environments to complete your objectives. Being silent and methodical is key, and Hitman: Absolution does a fantastic job of giving you multiple paths to success. You can slip past guards undetected or go in guns blazing if subtlety isn’t your style (though, let’s face it, it usually doesn’t end well for 47). The instinct mode adds a layer of depth, allowing you to predict enemy movements and find hidden objects, helping you plan the perfect stealth approach. Each level is like a sandbox of chaos, filled with NPCs and intricate plots that make each mission feel unique and replayable.

In all seriousness, Hitman: Absolution offers an exhilarating blend of strategy, patience, and creativity that truly captures the essence of being a professional assassin. The satisfaction of executing the perfect plan, whether it’s through disguise, distraction, or sheer luck, is unmatched. The story adds an emotional depth, with Agent 47 embarking on a personal journey that brings you even closer to the character. If you’re a fan of stealth games and love the idea of living out your inner mastermind, orchestrating the perfect crime, then Hitman: Absolution is a must-play. It’s a game that’s both challenging and entertaining, making it ideal for anyone looking to test their strategic prowess with a dash of humor and style!

Game will not start: Says "Updating game executable", then shows the launch button again.

Apparently something to do with Steam DRM. Found multiple posts on this, no solution.

Very very frustrating

Hitman Absolution in my opinion is way overhated, even though it's more linear in gameplay compared to others there are still plenty of interesting ways to kill targets. Story is also decent. Even with it's flaws I would still recommend buying this one.

Also for achievement hunters such as myself or people who want to experience Contracts(Multiplayer), just search Hitman Absolution self hosted Contract server, follow the guide and enjoy.

7/10 Game
2.5/10 Hitman Game

A very strange game to say the least. As basically every Hitman fan has said about this game, it is not a bad game by any means, it is just an utterly terrible Hitman game in terms of what made the Hitman series so popular. I still enjoyed the game for sure, it was just really weird. Most of the time I honestly forgot that I was playing a Hitman game and forgot that I was supposed to be Agent 47. I think Io-Interactive felt like they were forced to go back to Hitman given the mixed reception of their other games after Blood Money and really didn't want to so they decided they're going to try to change the formula which made it a weird Hitman game. It felt like they were trying to be everything popular at the time EXCEPT Hitman. I was playing Uncharted mixed with the Arkham games mixed with a liiiiitle bit of Hitman every now and then. It's unfortunate too because the opening/training mission and the Chinatown mission starts out really well and feels like Hitman with some welcomed gameplay changes and honestly beautiful graphics for 2012. However, after that mission, it kinda just falls apart from a Hitman standpoint and turns into these weird small missions that lead right into the next ones which are mostly just Agent 47 running from someone and evading people rather than assassinating people. I get that it's the story they wanted to try this time, but it's not what people come to Hitman for. I wouldn't even necessarily say this "on the run" Agent 47 would be bad had the story not been so wacky and all over the place in the first place. You have this cowboy dude who sits there in every cutscene (the cutscenes are pretty well produced, however) licking his lips and yeehawing and you have Agent 47 go out to a town in South Dakota which they make look like it's in Arizona for some reason and then the police are chasing after him but then these latex nuns with rocket launchers blow up a motel and a ton of other nonsense. It is really weird and definitely nothing like what we got with Blood Money before this. However, despite all these shortcomings from a Hitman standpoint and an all around bad story in my opinion, the gameplay is still fun and it is just an overall fun and good game. It is easily the best produced Hitman up to this point in the series.

So, I will leave my review as a positive one; however, if you are a Hitman fan looking for some classic Hitman fun, this is NOT your game. Still worth a try, just don't expect Hitman.

It's a good game. Maybe not a good Hitman game in the sense of it's predecessors, but still a good stealth action title.

Finished the whole thing before going onto world of assasination and i was actually addicted the challenges near the end got really hard and it just drew me in. Also i got it on sale for a dollar so that adds on i have 20 hours of play time, Good game.

This is a good game, but Blood Money is where it's at. The only few things I personally don't like about this game is that when you get a disguise you'll get spotted a mile away and the other thing is that they make the evidence so difficult to find. Other than that I've very much enjoyed this game. There's so many ways you can complete a mission it's sick.

It's a fantastic game with an amazing plot and gameplay. Agent 47 is very amazing in this one when compared to others. It's unfortunate that the achievements can only be made using mods because hitman contracts are no longer available.

Best Hitman game. Should've kept this pace in the other games and they would be much more fondly remembered.

Compared to the older classic Hitman games, Absolution is a bit different as it focuses more on a story and has a lot of cinematic scenes in between missions. The game looks really good even after a decade since its release and stealth is fun to challenge yourself with.

The missions I find to be very linear and some of them take a while to complete, especially if you're trying to not be spotted. Everyone knows in Hitman games if you're trying to be full stealth, you're gonna probably restart the level a bunch. Therefore, it took me about 35 hours to get 100% achievements, but it should only take you like 20 hours if you're aren't trying to perfect every level.

I should also point out that getting all 100% achievements is no longer possible to do legit because they closed it down. Basically it was a mode where you'd choose your own mission and select which targets you wanna mark. Then, you'd get the best score you can and then challenge a friend to beat your score. There's about 8 achievements that can only be completed in contracts mode. The only way to obtain these achievements now is by downloading a mod and hosting a server locally

Very good game. Would only recommend buying when on sale. Normally $20, I bought it for $2 which is really worth it.

One of my favourite games from hitman series and the first use of cover from enemy and instinct makes it even more better. Also a proper place to dump a body is also designed well

Definitely has its flaws, and peoples' enjoyment of this definitely seems to be related to how much these flaws affect the game for them. Personally, I had a fair amount of fun on my first playthrough, although the linear level design limits its replayability and keeps me from coming back to this very often. I appreciate the effort that was made to try making something different, though. Unsure if I would recommend, it really depends on the person.

A let down to the series. Very linear styled game with what makes the franchise special revoked.
Although cutscenes were really cinematic and the overall style of the game is awesome. Graphics hold up well, and it did implement some features that would help make the WOA trilogy really good. Absolution had aspects of the game that were good, but it's more like Kane and Lynch or Max Payne then Hitman.

Don’t let the overly critical Hitman fans make you overlook this game. Hitman absolutions story and gameplay is some of the best stealth action experiences you’ll have.

In this game, 47 was. More expanded on as a character. Giving him a complex character and motives

At first, 47 doesn’t care about what he does, he only cares about money.

But later as the story goes on, 47 grows more human emotions, as he starts to care more about Victoria