Hitman: Codename 47 Preview

Graphics and more

Architecture and Animation

Graphically, this title is a treat. Once again, the tired cliche, "the screenshots don't do it justice," comes into play, but this just so happens to be the case here. Kudos to IO for creating a beautiful and original 3D engine, which complements the game's style perfectly.

Each area is rendered in luscious detail, with amazing real-world architecture and texturing. Each mission has its own distinct style and feel, complete with unique scenery. Gritty urban streets look like just that. A Japanese tea garden comes complete with a serene waterfall, rivers, and buildings in keeping with the theme. Stark contrasts like these are what help bring the environments to life. Hong Kong, Budapest, Holland, Romania, and even a steamy Colombian rainforest, are all on Codename 47's travel itinerary in his globe-spanning adventure.

and jumping out

I wish I had paid attention in Chinese class.

One of the most impressive aspects of the game's engine is the skeletal animation and physics. This is best shown off when dragging fallen enemies out of sight to maintain secrecy during a mission. You can grab hold of any of the character's limbs, and then pull them in any direction, which will cause the model to react realistically to the terrain. Heads knock on the sidewalk as you drag the body along the street, and limbs thud on the concrete as you drop your victim in a sewer. Normal character animation is superb as well. Codename 47 has a particularly swank swagger to his step, sure to intimidate even the boldest of mob bosses or thugs.

AI That is Truly Intelligent

Since Hitman lacks multiplayer capabilities, enemy AI should be of the utmost importance, right? Fear not, as this is one of the strongest parts of the game. Hitman puts to shame all previous efforts, including the critically acclaimed Deus Ex, in the AI department. Finally, enemies take notice of not only catastrophic events, but of much more subtle things that can alert suspicion. These are not your typical chickens-with-their-heads-cut-off bad guys. They generally work together in teams, and alert one another when there's trouble.

Nice interior

Bored barkeep

Unlike Deus Ex, leaving a trail of bodies lying around in Hitman will arouse suspicion, but the enemy's intelligence can actually work to your advantage. If you attract the attention of an enemy guard, you can throw the pack off your trail by "borrowing" someone else's clothes. While the enemy is busy looking for a suspicious civilian, your character could then be planting a car bomb in the boss' car, while conveniently disguised as the chauffeur. One such mission saw my character drag roughly half-a-dozen enemies down into the sewers so I could take their outfits, and complete various tasks under different guises.

All around, Hitman: Codename 47 is shaping up as a great action title. It is far from perfect at this preview stage in development, but despite its shortcomings, it's still a blast to play. Executing that perfect hit is exhilarating, as well as challenging, but I suppose that's just all in a day's work for a hit man. Look for it to blast retail shelves this December. In the mean time, check out our extensive gallery of screenshots, and the movie.

MOVIE: Hitman: Codename 47 (Large, MPEG, 10.0 MB, 60 Seconds)
MOVIE: Hitman: Codename 47 (Small, ASF, 2.9 MB, 60 Seconds)