When I first purchased the game after Giant Bomb's GOTY discussions and played the tutorial and Paris map, I was moderately impressed. The game seemed fun enough, with neat challenges and a variety of ways to achieve them, but it didn't hold my attention long. I returned a while later to try to master the maps in advance of the Elusive Targets returning - as I unlocked better gear and new starting locations the maps began to really open up, with numerous funny bits of dialogue and environmental clues revealing themselves. The 'escalation mission' challenges provide further longevity to the maps, and I couldn't think of a better value game, even when it was full price. Aesthetically, what at first seems like bland design, actually reflects the clinical, terse world of Agent 47, and the opening titles/music really set the tone too. Up there with the best games I have played in the last 5 years.
