Hitman: Absolution Discussion

Since Absolution launched yesterday, I figured I would start a thread for people's impressions/opinions. Reviews were more mixed than I was hoping, but still generally positive. I've played a few hours, and this game is gorgeous. It's total eye candy on maximum settings, though the devs were a little heavy on the bloom. I'm really enjoying the gameplay, too. It might not be quite as open-ended as some of the older games, but there are plenty of ways to achieve objectives and experiment. I'm looking forward to messing around with the Contracts mode too.

If there are any other 7970m owners out there playing this with 12.11, are you experiencing underutilization? I've noticed utilization drop into the 60-80% range in a few large areas, but famerates don't fall below 35 fps. I've been averaging 50-60 fps.

Anyone else planning on picking this up? Have any comments/questions/etc? Post them here!

 

Yes, a little crazy with the bloom. I see light rays bouncing off my shiny head, I'll uncheck the global illumination and see if that persists. It is a beautiful world though, what little I've seen so far can be amusing. Grapefruit sized tennis balls, jurassic butterflies, lol.

I'm using 12.11beta8 and I've seen 80% util dips too. Funny about that 35 min though, I went through quite a few benchmark runs to find my settings and the min was always around 35. I have details maxed, FXAA, but no MSAA or SSAO and I avg the same.

Overall, runs well, looks great and I'm ready to get my sneak on!

EDIT: Video posted at #38 7970m Performance[/URL]

 

This game is beautiful and it plays really well. But I am having major issues with game every time it loads a new chapter or level the game lags bad and then eventually crashes. Its like the game is struggling to load all the textures and level. Has anyone come across this issue? I turned down my settings from high to normal and it help a little but it still does it every time a level is change.

 

have you loaded the latest nvidia beta that is recommended for this game. last weeks beta sure helped blops 2 but as i havnt got this game i didnt load this beta.

 

This game looks great, I'm definitely going to be purchasing it.

Does anyone know if it supports SLI? Some games only utilize a single GPU...

 

When I use the in-game benchmark, my average fps is always a lot lower than if I just run a benchmark with FRAPS while playing. I think it's because the built in benchmark is rendering the Chinatown level, which is where I experienced the worst utilization (dropped to 60% a couple times.) I hope the beta9 or final 12.11 fixes the utilization drops, even though they aren't noticeable without HWiNFO in the background.

 

Interesting thread... would have thought this would be key discussion point now.

What are the minimum and max fps everyone is getting? IS the eye candy pushing video card to limit and wow some already getting under-utilisation still going on geeez feel for you EM series clevo owners...
I still think my 6990m can handle this one on max eye candy

What options are available for AA and MSAA? I hope there is lots of options in menu/video settings

 

Really people? All you are discussing here is "how much FPS does one get"? What about a game itself? Heard some not very pleasant stuff. The worst one so far is that it is more linear than it should.

 

There is an option for MSAA up to x8, and you can turn FXAA on or off. The underutilization isn't that bad; I wouldn't notice it without HWINFO telling me the utilization. Minimum fps is around 35, while max is 70+. I use vertical sync, so my framerates are usually capped at 60. The game is stunning, but you should be able to run it at near-max settings with decent fps. I keep MSAA on low settings and use FXAA instead. With both settings maxed out, you will probably have trouble keeping it playable with the 6990.

 

I am sorry, completely off-topic.. but that phrase made me cry

I think it's fine, my brother has it and I must admit, unless you are a DIE HARD fan, then it's pretty stealthy and once you actually set the difficulty to Purist you are facing a never ending challenge! I like it that way

 

Yeah true that..

I do recall when playing with max payne 3 I hated FSAA it ruined the image quality and with MSAA it was much better image quality probably the best but was quite taxing on the system even at 2x MSAA.

I have used SMAA injector with excellent results but find it too limits the image quality not as much as FSAA but still visible. I guess MSAA is the go for now but am hoping the 7970m will assist in using MSAA at 2x or even 4x,8x..

 

That's just the part of the issue. I watched some reviewers play it and they complained that there are not a lot of different ways to kill a target. They compared it extensively to Bloodmoney and say that Absolution falls in comparison.

 

While the argument can be made it's more linear than Bloodmoney, it doesn't make it a bad game. Reviews have been generally very positive, and I'm loving it so far.

 

It makes it a bad Hitman game. The whole point of the excellent hitman 2 and blood money is that you go and execute the target how you want to. So far the game has not delivered on that at all (i am just a few hours in), and is essentially completely story driven. I had pre-purchased this ages ago but now I wish I had waited for reviews first, as it really seems you never approach the same style of previous games, although it apparently does open up a bit later. Been pretty disappointing in that respect so far.

Graphics are amazing though, and its pretty well optimised.

 

Give it some time, you can definitely approach targets in different ways in later missions. The beginning of the game is pretty linear, but like you said it opens up afterwards. I just beat the mission in Hope, South Dakota, where you take out 4 targets in a pretty large map. It's fun.

 

Anyway I can run this on my system? Not interested in eye candy at all, 30 fps on lowest settings is enough for me.

 

I'm sure it's a good game. Just dunno, after brilliant Bloodmoney, you would expect something like BM2 .

 

Understood. My expectations weren't all that high, I just wanted more Hitman but with better graphics and production values. I liked bm but it hasn't aged gracefully. It still plays well (just played a few weeks ago) but it's ugly as sin for a "current gen" game lol.

 

Really? I think Bloodmoney still looks good, definitely aged a bit, but nonetheless good.

 

It came out in that awkward transition time between xbox/ps2 and xbox 360, so it didn't look as good as it would have if it were developed solely for this generation. You're right, it doesn't look that bad, but getting back into pc gaming has turned me into a graphics lol. Absolution is worth it for the graphics alone, the stealth and violence are just bonuses

 

I dont think you will run it even on lowest settings. From what i heard game is kinda heavy...

 

You're lucky that the game even starts. There are lots of people- myself included- who can only enjoy menu and changing settings.
There's seemingly nothing in common between us- different cards, drivers, sound-cards etc.

Having waited quite a few years for a new Hitman I only got to see the menu

 

But it has to be the other way around lol .

 

Is the control scheme better than blood money? For pc the controls were horrid.

 

I felt the game is really linear compared to blood money but I like how the enemy after being suspicious won't let you walk away really easy and just keep following you.

 

i cant even start the game?! flipping ridiculous. just looks like it is doing something then just doesnt load anything

 

I think the comment here says it all...

 

^^^I see they forgot the first Hitman. You were penalized for killing any civilians or non-targets too (not sure about bad guy's security though). And didn't Bloodmoney have fines for killing civs too? I forgot. Doesn't seem right if they didn't penalize the player at all.

 

The scoring system is pretty rigid. You get a heavy penalty for getting spotted and an even larger one for killing civies. Killing cops or enemies only nets you a small penalty, but it can be offset by getting headshots, hiding the bodies, and other bonuses. The penalty is less if you just knock them out. I don't know how the devs could have done it better though. The scoring system should reward stealth, not wanton violence or playing like a maniac (or noob lol.) You can play however you want, but if you want a better score you should be stealthy and make your targets' deaths look like accidents.

Bummer about people not being able to get it started. Maybe a driver issue? Hope it gets fixed so everyone can play.

 

I'm kinda cool with Absolution scoring system.
But here's an interesting thought - why is there a scoring system in the first place. In the first Hitman you were doing contracts, I mean you were hired and the better job you did, the more money you get. Sure employer didn't want you get some random people killed or you being noticed. Second part didn't have it and I don't remember how it was with Contracts. Bloodmoney had the jolly good system back, so that meant the better you do, the more paper presidents you get in the end.
Since Mr. 47 kinda does all the jobs for himself in Absolution, why he can't just kill whoever he wants. I mean it's not like he won't be paid or something. Just could have show the final, a la Silent Assassin, Pro, Psycho, etc., rating in the end of the mission, without the useless points, just like in Hitman 2
Plus if you play on the normal difficulty the score window stays on top, which I think should be a bit annoying.
Funny thing I remember from my Hitman 1 days. I didn't knew I was being paid on how well I do, so in my very first mission I went rambo on everyone. Afterwards I got pretty disappointing report and the total score of -lotsanumbers$. I had to restart the mission afterwards, because it was a fail. Image Mr. 47 paying his employer money back for doing a crappy job .

 

Scoring system in Hitman 2 Silent Assassin wasn't money based as far as I remember. It was really tough to earn a Silent Assassin score though. You could kill only one person and fire only one (suppressed) shot.
Getting it in the Japanese castle was probably the hardest thing I ever did while gaming.

 

lol yeah, you're right, there doesn't really need to be one. I guess it's the devs pushing the social aspect of the game because there isn't any multiplayer.

As for Hitman 2, I'm pretty sure I made the Psycho rating every mission lol. I was around 12 or 13 when that game came out, and I thought it was hilarious to run and gun through crowds of civilians. The ragdoll physics were goofy too lol. There was that level in the hotel where you could go guns blazing in the lobby and all the azn people would be running around freaking out... good times!

I'm so sick lol

Edit: I was 14.

 

Same here lol. Back in the day I couldn't play Hitman .

 

Ok just started to play finished the 1st level and first impressions are fantastic really really good game and very very good graphics.

I ran it with ultra settings and fsaa disabled (always hate that option) and msaa x2 which is still playable. The fps min i recorded at 20 fps on my 6990m (still playable no glitches/framming or anything) and max up around 55fps.
The graphics are impressive with a great amount of detail and quality to textures. Tessellation is a plus and it makes the game very impressive as a whole package.

I wouldn't say the graphics are on par with metro 2033/crysis/crysis 2/battlefield 3/BC2/May Payne 3 but they are oh so awfully close...
Happy gaming and might try smaa injector with this one instead of msaa x2

 

You don't think this game is on par with Bad Company or Max Payne? Absolution is very high on my list of best-looking games ever. Max Payne looked great, but RAGE can't compete with Glacier 2, and Bad Company looks good, but still not on par with Absolution. Crysis (unmodded) is starting to show its age imo. The closest thing I can compare Absolution to is The Witcher 2. Both are stunning; Absolution has way better animation while The Witcher had those amazing outdoor environments. I'd say they're both my favorite "looking" games. BF3, Metro 2033, and Crysis 2 are obviously incredible too, they just have different art styles than the TW2 and HM:A.

 

anyone with 7970m had fps lower than 30 in the game ? i dont wanna suffer another title with the enduro disastrous effect

 

Interesting comments..
I do think MP3 and BC2 are more detailed and have better shadows and lighting. The original crysis is my benchmark and it's debatable between it and metro 2033 as to which is better graphically but I can say without doubt that Absolution is no way on par with those games. Even my friend who played Absolution then I let him play a little sleeping dogs and immediately the colours/contrast were much better and I agreed with him.
I also agree with you in your final statement and yes the art style is what makes them different.
Have played some more Absolution I am starting to enjoy it a lot although fps is quite poor as you progress more into the game. I think there is an element of Batman-Arkham City to it..

I have experimented with fsaa and recommend it be disabled as it shows poor image quality. I have tried smaa and this is better no questions about it.
I rate in terms of best IQ to worst IQ
MSAA>SMAA>FSAA
Enjoy

 

Performance wise it runs well. I'm thinking about trading the hit from 2xMSAA for SSAO though, problem is there are a few things that affect the lighting and I haven't got a full handle on it yet. As usual, the MSAA is not needed for a 17" 1080 screen. Usage for the most part is upper 90%.

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FYI, if anyone is having issue with the game freezing or lagging while its loading a new level turn off SSAO. By doing so I can run the game on high and had no fps problems at all.

Also, when you guys mentioned the Japanese castle I forgot about that in Hitman 2. There were a lot of retries playing that level lol.

 

Ok finished the game..

Impressive albeit quite an easy game to finish.
Only took I'd say 12hrs to finish.

Finished it with smaa injected and had great fps on the old and trusty 6990m on everything ultra except fsaa off and msaa off and smaa injected instead. Overall a quality game although I still do stand by the fact that Max Payne 3 is probably GOTY 2012. Interestingly, they both have similar/parallel game play although MP3 takes it to another level.... especially the atmosphere...
Curious how others found it...

 

possible spoiler****

Spoiler

i just dont understand why he shot diana then he tried to save her when she fell down on the floor?

 

Spoiler

Because he was hired to kill her.

 

Ok. I just installed this game and had only time to run a built in benchmark. I maxed out everything but I get only 12fps avg. Is it driver related or is this game simply that demanding?? Should I install it on ssd or is my hdd enough?

My rig is Alienware M18x R2 7970M in crossfire, 6GB RAM, 3610QM,

 

check the GPU usage of the game using MSI afterburner! ssd has nothing to do with the performance, it just improves the load times. what drivers are you on? try the latest + CAP 1 (make sure you clean uninstall the current ones) - http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...5715-new-amd-catalyst-12-11-beta7-driver.html

the single 7970m + 4xMSAA runs the game at 30 fps avg, turn of MSAA and you'll get 45 fps. 7970m CF should double that numbers

 

I'm using latest beta drivers but I will try to reinstall with that form your link. Thanks for advice.

 

Hitman forum advises NOT to use the latest beta from AMD.

 

If by maxed you mean, 8xMSAA, Global Illumination enabled, SSAO highest and all Ultra...12 fps sounds about right. Otherwise, make sure your on dGPU only.

Why? Don't drop a bomb like that without a link or reason

 

Quagmire LXIX, just ran a bench on 12.11 beta 8 from the link above and here're my results:

Ultra quality, 8xMSAA - 20fps avg
Ultra quality, 4xMSAA - 30fps avg
Ultra quality, MSAA off - 45fps avg

Test rig, M17xR4 - 7970M (no OC), 3720QM (no OC), 16Gb RAM

 

Sorry for that. I didn't bother looking for a link because it wasn't explained in any way- they have a issue-solving sticky that states that nVidia users should go for the most recent Hitman-drivers and AMD users shouldn't use the latest beta (I assume beta 8).

 

Damn this game looks very demanding in ultra settings, even desktop 680 and 7970 barely break 40 fps :

Benchmarkcheck: Hitman Absolution - Notebookcheck.com Tests

I can play it on at 1600*900 2xMSAA and medium settings at 50-65 fps on my 650M GT though with 310.61 drivers. It still looks pretty fine.