Hitman Absolution and Dishonored – Reviews

Hitman Absolution and Dishonored – Reviews

This is the first time I am writing a game review on my blog as I am trying out different things as I try to keep it up to date.

I am doing something slightly different this month by giving my brief review of two recent releases rather than one.   The reasoning behind this is that both games are similar in style and it would be a disservice to not look at both.

The two games in question are Dishonored and Hitman:Absolution.  Both can be described as stealth assassination games, but loosely.  I say loosely, as both games give the player huge scope for doing things however they want to do it.  And even more impressive is that both games also have unprecedented replayability due to this facet.

The underlying story-lines in both games are vastly different and the tools of the trade are worlds apart too. 

In Dishonored, you are playing the role of a former imperial protector, falsely accused and framed for the murder of the Empress and kidnap of her daughter. 

Initially you will use swords and pistols as your weapons of choice but as you progress, you will start to learn arcane magic that will make your kills much more elaborate.  So much so that the developers have been surprised at some of the methods of assassination players of the game have used.

Your style of play will also have a major impact on the final mission you face.  The more chaotic your style, i.e.. lots of blatant killing as opposed to silent assassination means a more chaotic final mission.

Hitman:Absolution on the other hand, is based in the real world and uses more standard methods, if using a heavy book to club someone is standard.

Fans of the Hitman series will get much more from the initial story-line premise, which starts by taking a hit on your former handler.  Once you have got to your target, the main meat of the story-line starts to unfold and the real fun begins. 

As with Dishonored, the missions in Hitman are open to personal interpretation and method.  But unlike Dishonored, Hitman allows you are use objects out in the world you find.  These can range from common things like bricks and books to more interesting items like poison fish.  And if all else fails and you get spotted, and all out gunfight can help resolve the mission.

Both of these games are truly remarkable in the scope granted, to allow the user to play rather than dictate how and where they must go, but, both have minor failings. 

The story-line in Dishonored is strange.  Each individual mission is amazing but the sum off all parts is not greater and you might get a sense of not knowing exactly what is going on. 

With Hitman, it is the disguise system that raises an eyebrow or two.  In some circumstances, you can understand why you need to be careful when ‘borrowing’ a disguise to pass by others dressed the same.  But the one that raises the biggest question is when disguised as a cop.  However, this minor flaw actually makes the game better, as you'll be more mindful of being stealthy. 

An additional benefit of  Hitman, is it's Contracts mode, where you can take part in community created hits to earn money to buy unlocks.  Although the missions are small locations based from the main game, you will find lots of longevity in playing this.

Both of these games have awards written all over them due to the freedom they give to the player and the replayabilty that will keep players trying different methods of completing the missions.