Yeah, I can see why people dislike this game.

While this game does introduce a number of systemic gameplay improvements, most of which carry over into the reboot trilogy, it also makes a number of steps back. It is almost closer to an action adventure game rather than a sandbox assassination puzzle game that every single other entry in the series are.

A lot of levels don't even have anything to do with what a Hitman game is - killing targets unnoticed and in creative ways. Some level sections can be completed in a few minutes without killing anyone, just walking from point A to point B.

Second thing they changed for the worse is the scoring. It's not as bad as the early games, but this game somewhat relies on replaying levels to get Silent Assassin rating on them, if you care about that. You can still do a self-imposed no detections/bodies found runs, basically no negative points runs, but only a few levels can actually count as Silent Assassin without replaying them after doing challenges, which increase the score multiplier. The only good thing is that you know when you screwed up by being spotted, unlike other games.

Then the save system was also changed for the worse. It may be in service of the more linear levels, but you can only save in specific points, and only once per point. This again, like the very first game in the series, severely limits ability to experiment with the game. The save system also doesn't function well as NPC positions are reset on load, and will not appear where they were when you saved.

This game also introduces the issue of accidentally walking into trespass areas voiding your perfect rating, which also also lame. Guards barely try to tell you that you are not allowed to enter some place. This is something that is carried over into the reboot trilogy, and was handled better in Blood Money.

Another regression-y issue is that enemies can see through your disguise from way too far on normal. It makes most disguises kinda pointless, since every NPC in the same disguise can see through your disguise, just a bit slower than with no disguise.

There is a helicopter section where the helicopter can see you through walls if you do not use the cover system, even if you are in the exact same spot but not in cover - it can see you through walls.

The character also turns around exceptionally slowly, making escaping detection that much more frustrating.
There is no map.

Finally, there online-only BS. It started with this game. Contracts mode is now permanently offline, but at least the single player challenges are still available, unlike the reboot trilogy, where even that is locked behind a BS online only requirement. IOI being the worst company that they are. This is the fate of World of Assassination games as well, and they have a LOT more content locked behind a BS online-only requirement, including a lot of single player only content, such as map mastery challenges, scoring and even single player DLCs. I hate IOI.

Overall, I can't say that this game is purely bad, but it makes a lot of strange departures from the previous game(s), which may make the game less enjoyable. It can be picked up on sales dirt cheap though, so I'd wait for sales.

🎯 Rating: 7.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆

📜 Overview
Hitman: Absolution, developed by IO Interactive and released in 2012, is the fifth main installment in the Hitman franchise. The game follows Agent 47 as he embarks on a personal mission, diverging from the traditional Hitman formula by introducing a more narrative-driven experience. While it retains elements of stealth and assassination, it also incorporates more action-focused gameplay, dividing fans of the series.

🌟 Pros
✅ Visually Stunning – The game boasts impressive visuals, atmospheric lighting, and detailed character animations.
✅ Stealth & Action Blend – Offers multiple approaches to missions, allowing players to choose between stealth or action-based gameplay.
✅ Instinct Mode – A new feature that lets players predict enemy movements and highlight key targets.
✅ Cinematic Storytelling – Features an engaging, albeit linear, story with strong voice acting, including David Bateson as Agent 47.
✅ Variety of Environments – Levels are diverse, ranging from neon-lit streets to industrial facilities.

⚠️ Cons
❌ Linear Level Design – Unlike previous Hitman games, Absolution has smaller, more constrained levels, reducing the sandbox-style freedom.
❌ Weaker AI in Some Areas – Enemies can be inconsistent in their reactions, sometimes making stealth feel artificial.
❌ Controversial Gameplay Shift – Some fans disliked the increased emphasis on action and story-driven missions over traditional assassination sandboxes.
❌ Always-Online Contracts Mode – Some features require an online connection, which can be a drawback for some players.

💬 Player Sentiment
🔹 Positive: Players appreciate the polished presentation, smooth gameplay, and intriguing story.
🔹 Negative: Longtime fans of the series felt the shift toward linearity and scripted sequences weakened the core Hitman experience.

🏆 Rating Breakdown
🎮 Gameplay: 7/10 (Fun but more linear than past entries)
🎭 Story & Narrative: 8/10 (Engaging but deviates from the traditional Hitman formula)
🎨 Graphics & Atmosphere: 9/10 (One of the best-looking Hitman games of its time)
🕵️ Stealth Mechanics: 7/10 (Instinct mode is useful, but AI can be inconsistent)
🕹️ Overall Experience: 7.5/10 (A solid but divisive entry in the franchise)

🎯 Final Verdict
Hitman: Absolution is a stylish, action-packed stealth game with a strong narrative focus. While it deviates from the open-ended sandbox nature of previous Hitman titles, it still delivers an engaging experience with impressive visuals and solid mechanics. If you're new to the series or enjoy a mix of stealth and action, it's worth playing. However, if you prefer the open-ended assassination gameplay of Hitman: Blood Money or the newer Hitman trilogy, you may find Absolution lacking in freedom.

It was a very good game! It performed really well on my YouTube channel, and people liked it a lot. I also had a great time playing it.