Hitman: Contracts

Hitman: Contracts is a stealth video game released in 2004 and developed by IO Interactive. It is the third entry in the Hitman series, serving both as a remake of the original Hitman: Codename 47 (2000) and a continuation of Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (2002). The game blends gameplay improvements from the second installment with updated versions of missions from the first, featuring enhanced graphics and design. In addition, it introduces new missions that act as flashbacks, portraying events experienced by the cloned assassin Agent 47 following a near-fatal mission.

On 17 March 2004, roughly two years after the events of Silent Assassin, Agent 47 is seriously injured after a failed mission. As he recovers in his hotel room, he begins to reflect on his past. These memories take him back to his escape from Romanian special forces after eliminating his creator, Dr. Otto Ort-Meyer, at his own facility. Throughout these recollections, 47 revisits a series of contracts he has carried out over the years.

Personally, I really enjoy this game, maybe even more than Hitman 2: Silent Assassin. At the time of its release, it received mixed reviews, partly because it has fewer missions than its predecessor and roughly half are remade from the first game. However, every mission in this title is exceptional! Some critics also noted that the graphical improvements over Hitman 2 were minor, while the game demanded more system resources. Today, that concern is largely irrelevant. If you're a fan of the Hitman series or want to explore its earlier entries, Hitman: Contracts is an excellent place to start.