It's been a long time since the first Hitman game was released, immersing players into the gritty world of assassins. It was an immediate success despite its many flaws.

Hitman: Contracts follows Codename: 47 into a series of past events. Codename: 47 staggers inside a room. Because of his wound, 47 begins to hallucinate that he has returned to his accomplished contract missions. This is where the game begins, a nostalgic ride into the mind of an assassin.

The gameplay of Contracts is very similar to its previous titles. Players are given objectives that can be solved in multiple ways. In one mission, a cargo ship is about to be assaulted by the police. Inside the cargo ship is a person 47 needs to assassinate to complete his objective. Players may choose to take on the disguise of a worker on the docks, or may even incapacitate a SWAT team member to join the raid. These are a few ways to complete a mission; there are still a lot more to be discovered. Contracts also uses an enhanced rag doll physics engine that allows character models to realistically fall on obstructing surfaces.

After every mission players are ranked according to how well-executed the mission went. Players are rewarded for achieving the highest possible rank, silent assassin. Players are still able to play Contracts (or any Hitman title, that is) like a first-person shooter. The enemy A.I. isn't that "skilled" in dealing with a lone gunman. They usually just run towards 47 or would strafe from side to side firing their guns.

The graphics of Contracts are nothing short of amazing. There's so much detail to the environment that it may even put Metal Gear to shame. Lights reflect on surfaces and details such as these definitely add a lot to the atmosphere of the game. The musical score is also very much attuned to its gritty atmosphere. The melodious techno soundtrack adds a lot of class to some of the more esteemed locations in the game. It can also add a lot of anxiety to the tension-filled player when 47's cover is blown.

Hitman: Contracts doesn't do anything revolutionary to the series. It just keeps things the way the fans want it, on a negative side. But it eventually becomes the same old Hitman game players have been playing since the first title. Aside from a graphic overhaul, Contracts only adds a few weapons and a few new ways to silently execute a person. Contracts is more like an expansion pack rather than a true sequel. But a good expansion pack it is.