Hitman: Blood Money

UPC: 788687200516

Platform: Xbox 360

Publisher: Eidos Interactive

Developer: IO Interactive

Category: Action

Style(s): Stealth

Synopsis: On the run from rival assassins, Agent 47 hops a plane to take care of business stateside in Hitman: Blood Money. Players will guide Agent 47 through a number of locales, including New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas as he performs hits. It's up to the player to determine the manner in which a hit is executed, but the "rookie training" mode can show amateur assassins how to help targets have "accidents," by pushing the victim over a ledge or pinning him underneath something heavy. Money earned from completed jobs varies depending on the cleanliness and professionalism of the hit. Agent 47's paycheck can be spent in a number of ways including bribing reporters, customizing weapons with one of 15 upgrades, or paying pedestrians for information. An online message board allows players to post stats, skills, and other scores, determining once and for all who the sneakiest assassin on the planet is. ~ Gracie Leach, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 28-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

The manual features descriptions and illustrations for each action that Agent 47 is capable of. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

The locations look very good, but the character animation could use some improvements. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

Good news for contract killer fans: Hitman: Blood Money is the second best game in the series, behind only Hitman 2. While the second Hitman title had better character development, Blood Money has larger and more varied missions. Though you don't need to have played any previous Hitman games to enjoy this one, newcomers may not care as much about the mysterious protagonist, Agent 47. Blood Money has Agent 47 traveling the United States, visiting such varied locales as the California suburbs, a Las Vegas casino, and a Mississippi steamboat. A notoriety bar displays how likely it is someone will recognize 47, but players can lower it by paying off witnesses to make them "forget" or persuading the police to help evidence "disappear." If caught on camera during a mission, it is even possible to locate and steal the security tape. All games in the series reward stealth, but sneaking around isn't necessary in most missions. There are numerous ways to complete each objective, and some of the more creative assassination methods involve pushing people over railings, poisoning their food, strangling them with fiber wire, and rigging explosions. Agent 47 can also throw knives, though that can be somewhat tricky, as throws are controlled with the same input used for movement. Of course, those who prefer to take a more direct approach toward missions can do just that. A variety of handguns, shotguns, assault rifles, and sub-machine guns are available to make some noise. For long distance hits, a sniper rifle can be discreetly packed into a briefcase. Every weapon and some items, such as lock picks and body armor, can be upgraded as well. Upgrades can make weapons more powerful, more silent, or more accurate. Despite being very similar to the first three games in the series, Blood Money delivers excitement from start to finish. Sneaking though each environment, trying on different disguises, and attempting to get close to targets create a high degree of suspense. Hitman: Blood Money is a great addition to the series and has an ending that will leave players anxious for a fifth installment. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

It's the ability to play each mission however you want that keeps the game interesting. Nearly all 13 missions are worth playing more than once. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

Sound effects for the weapons are accurate and the music sets the mood. There is also a lot of well-done voice acting throughout the game. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

Whether you are exploring Mardi Gras in a chicken suit, waiting atop an elevator with fiber wire in hand, or infiltrating a mental ward, Blood Money always remains exciting. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.