Every path leads to a kill – stealth shooter with open levels under $1 on Steam
Hitman: Blood Money is the fourth entry in IO Interactive’s acclaimed stealth shooter series, originally released in May 2006 for PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox and Xbox 360. Players once again step into the shoes of Agent 47, a genetically engineered assassin working for the International Contract Agency (ICA). This time, the story follows a rival group known as “The Franchise,” which is methodically taking out ICA operatives and eventually sets its sights on Agent 47 himself. The game’s tense atmosphere is perfectly complemented by Jesper Kyd’s soundtrack, which has received widespread acclaim.
Blood Money features diverse missions set in locations like Paris and Las Vegas, each offering open-ended level design that lets players choose how to approach their objectives. Whether you prefer silent takedowns – like sabotaging chandeliers or poisoning drinks – or going in guns blazing with Agent 47’s signature Silverballer pistols, the game gives you the freedom to play your way. That said, the chaotic approach isn’t always ideal. After each mission, your performance is evaluated, with the highest rating, "Silent Assassin," reserved for those who eliminate only their target and leave no witnesses behind.
The game also features a notoriety system – mess up in a mission and Agent 47 becomes easier to recognize in later assignments. To keep a low profile, players can bribe witnesses or destroy security footage. Money earned during missions can be spent on upgrading weapons and gear, adding a layer of strategy to your approach. Visually, Blood Money shows its age, having launched in 2006. But if you appreciate the PS2-era charm with its sharp edges and simple textures, the dated graphics won’t be a dealbreaker.
Reviews: Lots of gameplay freedom, possibly too complex for beginners
Nearly 20 years ago, the German gaming magazin GameStar reviewed Hitman: Blood Money and reached a clear verdict: the stealth classic stands out for its creative freedom and strong replay value. The emphasis on stealth was especially praised. Players who stay under the radar not only earn more money, but also remain unnoticed – making future missions easier to handle. According to GameStar, it's these mechanics that make the game especially appealing to strategic thinkers and players who enjoy experimenting with different approaches.
Among GameStar's criticisms of Hitman: Blood Money was its often graphic violence, particularly evident in the tutorial, which might deter more sensitive players. The strict penalty system also drew some concern. Failing to perform efficiently or leaving equipment behind can result in hefty fines, which might frustrate players. Additionally, the game’s open-ended design, while a strength, can feel overwhelming to newcomers due to its complexity. Despite these issues, the game has been well received. On Metacritic, it holds a Metascore of 82 and a User Score of 8.8. Over on Steam, it boasts around 11,600 reviews – 93% of which are positive.
90% discount on Steam
Hitman: Blood Money is normally priced at $9.99 on Steam, but until April 28, players can pick it up for just $0.99 thanks to a 90% discount. While the deal is a great bargain, it’s not a rare one. According to SteamDB, the game is frequently offered at this price, most recently during the Spring Sale. So even if you miss out this time, chances are it won’t be long before the next discount comes around.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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