Review: Hitman: Blood Money (Eidos, 2006. PlayStation 2, PC, X Box, X Box 360).

This is the fourth game in the highly acclaimed Hitman series and sees the return of cueball headed assassin Agent 47. IO interactive have been hard at work shining up the scuffed diamond that was 2004's Hitman: Contracts and have produced a game of such flawless quality that it's hard to find fault with it. The level design and AI of the NPCs is such that you're never frustrated when you slip up. You have only yourself to blame, whereas in past Hitman games some of the enemy AI could be quite punishing and occasionally a tad erratic. You'd find your carefully planned disguise ousted for seemingly no reason. Thankfully, this is no longer a problem as the game is now more forgiving without being detrimental to the challenge. Also, the welcome addition of a bar which indicates the level of suspicion that your activities attract gives you a clearer idea of where you stand with the patrolling guards. Green and you're fine, red and you're screwed. Simple.
IO have also taken time to improve upon the already outstanding visuals. This time round they look truly edible. Solid and glitch free, they're a noticeable improvement on previous instalments. Add to this an array of additional moves and weapons in 47's arsenal and you're looking at the most accessible and enjoyable Hitman yet. 47 can now make certain hits look like accidents. You can push people down stairs, over balconies or you can rig specific objects to cause terrible deaths that look unintentional. Dressing up plays a pivotal role as usual in your sneakery, pick of the bunch being a clown costume. Of the 12 levels on offer the Mardi Gras has to be the most stunning as you wade through the crowds following your target. It's exhilarating stuff.
As always there are numerous ways to infiltrate and execute your ill-fated targets. Blood Money offers you so many ways to approach each level that the illusion of freedom is palpable. You'll definitely want to play through and garner those elusive silent assassin ratings as Hitman is a joy to play. As much fun exercising your itchy trigger finger with your customised silverballers as it is to execute the Holy Grail that is the perfect hit, Hitman actively encourages lateral thinking from the player making it hands down the best Hitman game yet and contender for game of the year.
Verdict: 9/10