Moola Games

Things That Blood Money Did Better Than HITMAN 3


The Hitman franchise has evolved tremendously over the years, refining stealth gameplay, expanding level design, and modernizing visuals. Yet, many long-time fans hold Hitman: Blood Money (2006) in especially high regard. While HITMAN 3 (2021) represents the pinnacle of IO Interactive's modern "World of Assassination" trilogy, there are still several aspects where Blood Money arguably shines brighter. Let's break this down in detail.

1. Mission Variety and Creativity

Blood Money offered missions that felt like unique, standalone experiences rather than just puzzle-box sandboxes. Levels such as "A New Life," "Curtains Down," and "Till Death Do Us Part" delivered wildly different tones—suburban backyard parties, opera house assassinations, and southern weddings. Each mission felt like its own mini story.
By contrast, HITMAN 3, though expansive, sometimes leaned on repeating formulae. Many levels were brilliantly designed, but some lacked the quirky originality that Blood Money constantly delivered.

2. Notoriety System

One of the most distinctive features in Blood Money was the Notoriety System. Your actions had long-term consequences—sloppy assassinations, leaving witnesses, or failing to hide evidence would raise Agent 47's notoriety, making subsequent missions harder. This mechanic forced players to think about the bigger picture, not just the current mission.
HITMAN 3 dropped this system, favoring level-by-level resets. While this streamlined gameplay, it also removed a layer of immersion and accountability that gave Blood Money its lasting tension.

3. Atmosphere and Tone

Blood Money had a darker, more sinister atmosphere, fitting for a game about contract killing. The soundtrack by Jesper Kyd amplified this tone with haunting, operatic pieces. Missions often felt gritty and morally ambiguous, making the player feel like they were truly stepping into the shoes of a cold assassin.
HITMAN 3, in comparison, leaned into a sleeker, almost cinematic style. While stylish and polished, some argue it lost a bit of the raw, unsettling edge that made Blood Money so memorable.

4. Freedom in Approaches

While both games emphasize sandbox freedom, Blood Money allowed for an almost anarchic sense of creativity. Players could push people into wood chippers, rig chandeliers to fall, or simply walk away after a silent sniper shot. These mechanics often felt unpredictable and exciting.
HITMAN 3 streamlined mechanics for consistency, but sometimes at the cost of that chaotic, "anything can happen" feeling. The systems were polished, but less wild.

5. Replayability Through Consequence

Because of notoriety, cash earnings, and variable mission ratings (Silent Assassin vs. Mass Murderer), Blood Money practically begged players to replay missions. Each decision shaped the outcome in subtle ways. The newspapers after missions even gave a narrative reflection of your style.
HITMAN 3 has strong replayability thanks to mission stories and challenges, but it feels more guided and checklist-driven. Blood Money felt freer, rewarding player-driven experimentation rather than achievement hunting.

6. Character of the World

The NPCs in Blood Money were quirky, exaggerated, and memorable. Each mission had personality—clumsy bodyguards, eccentric party guests, oblivious suburbanites. The game embraced satire, often poking fun at American culture and stereotypes.
HITMAN 3's NPCs are technically more advanced, but sometimes lack that same memorable charm. They serve the gameplay loop but rarely leave the same impression as Blood Money's oddball cast.


HITMAN 3 is, without question, a modern masterpiece—offering breathtaking environments, refined stealth mechanics, and an ambitious trilogy-ending story. Yet, Hitman: Blood Money retains its legendary status because of the elements that modern entries moved away from: the notoriety system, the darker tone, the quirky mission variety, and the chaotic freedom that made every assassination feel truly unique.

For many fans, Blood Money wasn't just a stealth game—it was an experience where every choice carried weight, every mission told its own twisted story, and Agent 47 felt like more than just a player avatar. It's no wonder the game is still celebrated as the high watermark of the series in several ways.

There's something very special about Blood Money that I can't leave my hands on. It  had this personality on its own and the uniqueness made it unforgettable as compared to Hitman 3