View source for Hitman: Blood Money

{{Short description|2006 video game}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox video game
| collapsible  = 
| state        = autocollapse
| italic title = force
| title        = Hitman: Blood Money
| image        = Hitman 4 artwork.jpg
| alt          = Hitman 4 artwork
| caption      = [[Steam (service)|Steam]] cover artwork for ''Hitman: Blood Money''
| developer    = [[IO Interactive]]{{efn|''Reprisal'' version developed by [[Feral Interactive]].}}
| publisher    = [[Eidos Interactive]]{{efn|[[Square Enix Europe]] published the PlayStation 3 version, while [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] published the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions, and [[Feral Interactive]] published the ''Reprisal'' version.}}
| series       = ''[[Hitman (franchise)|Hitman]]''
| engine       = 
| platforms    = {{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]}}
| released     = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|26 May 2006}}|'''PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, Windows'''|{{Video game release|EU|26 May 2006|NA|30 May 2006|AU|1 June 2006}}|'''PlayStation 3'''|{{vgrelease|NA|29 January 2013|AU|31 January 2013|EU|1 February 2013}}|'''PlayStation 4, Xbox One'''{{vgrelease|WW|11 January 2019}}|'''Android, iOS'''|{{vgrelease|WW|30 November 2023}}|'''Nintendo Switch'''|{{vgrelease|WW|25 January 2024}}}}
| genre        = [[Stealth game|Stealth]]
| modes        = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| arcade system = 
| director     = {{wikidata|property|P57}}
| producer     = Helle Marijnissen
| designer     = 
| programmer   = 
| artist       = Tore Blystad
| writer       = Greg Nagan
| composer     = [[Jesper Kyd]]
}}
'''''Hitman: Blood Money''''' is a 2006 [[Stealth game|stealth video game]] developed by [[IO Interactive]] and published by [[Eidos Interactive]]. It was released in May 2006 for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] and [[Xbox 360]]. It is the fourth installment in the [[Hitman (franchise)|''Hitman'' video game series]], and the sequel to 2004's ''[[Hitman: Contracts]]''. The story follows [[Human cloning|cloned]] assassin [[Agent 47]]'s efforts to bring down the Franchise, a rival [[contract killing]] organization that is threatening his employers, the International Contract Agency (ICA), and seeking to obtain the same cloning technology that created 47. Meanwhile, a [[frame story]] presents 47's life and various contracts he carried out, as narrated by a former [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] director to a journalist.

''Blood Money'' received critical acclaim for its graphics, narrative, gameplay, voice acting and darker tone, it was a commercial success, selling more than 2.1 million copies. It has gained a [[cult following]] and is considered by many publications and critics as one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games ever made]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |title=The 100 Best Games of All-Time |date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future US]] |access-date=November 19, 2013 |archive-date=20 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120154914/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Polygon Staff|title=The 500 Best Video Games of All Time|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=December 1, 2017|date=November 27, 2017|archive-date=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303210843/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/p10%20100%20greatest%20video%20games%20of%20all%20time|website=slantmagazine.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712044110/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/P10|archive-date=July 12, 2015|date=June 9, 2014}}</ref> High-definition ports of ''Blood Money'' and two of its predecessors, ''[[Hitman 2: Silent Assassin]]'' and ''Contracts'', were released on [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] in January 2013 as the ''Hitman HD Trilogy''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sarkar|first=Samit|date=28 January 2013|title=Hitman: HD Trilogy trailer revisits the series' hits|url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/1/28/3924790/hitman-hd-trilogy-trailer|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=20 January 2019|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421184405/https://www.polygon.com/2013/1/28/3924790/hitman-hd-trilogy-trailer|url-status=live}}</ref> A sequel, ''[[Hitman: Absolution]]'', was released in 2012, and [[4K resolution|4K]] remastered [[Porting#Porting of video games|ports]] of both ''Blood Money'' and ''Absolution'' were released by [[Warner Bros. Games|Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] in 2019 on the [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] as part of the ''Hitman HD Enhanced Collection''.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Blood Money1.jpg|thumb|left|[[Agent 47]] disguised as a [[security guard]], sneaking up on the target, Don Fernando Delgado]]
As with previous installments, ''Hitman: Blood Money'' has the player control series [[protagonist]] [[Agent 47]], who is assigned various targets to assassinate in order to complete missions. Armed guards, security checkpoints, witnesses and other obstacles attempt to prohibit Agent 47's success. The player guides Agent 47 through the game's levels from a third-person perspective. A map showing each topographical area and the location of targets and characters assists the player. To complete his mission, Agent 47 uses multiple methods to eliminate targets, regardless of witnesses or violence to bystanders. ''Blood Money'' penalizes players for making too much noise or being too violent.<ref name="IGNPre">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/25/hitman-bloodmoney|title=Hitman BloodMoney|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|first=Douglass|last=C. Perry|date=October 26, 2005|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425094302/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/25/hitman-bloodmoney|url-status=live}}</ref>

New features introduced in ''Blood Money'' included the ability to climb over obstacles, improved unarmed combat, the use of [[non-player character]]s (NPC) as [[human shield]]s, the ability to dispose of or conceal bodies, improved character animations, a new game engine, and the ability to upgrade weapons and equipment.<ref name="ShackNews">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=75&page=1 |title=ShackNews.com |publisher=ShackNews.com |access-date=2014-03-20}}</ref> Five of the featured weapons in the game, and some pieces of equipment, can be upgraded.<ref name="ShackNews"/>

Every level in ''Blood Money'' contains a method to make the target's death look like an accident,<ref name="ShackNews" /> such as tampering with a grill to make it explode when it is turned on, rigging a [[chandelier]] to fall on a target or pushing a target off a balcony. Agent 47 can improvise weapons to complete missions, such as [[nail gun]]s, [[Air gun|toy air rifle]]s, knives, screwdrivers, stilettos, [[swordstick]]s, fire extinguishers, hammers, and hedge clippers.<ref name="IGNPre"/>

''Blood Money'' introduced a notoriety system that rises and falls based upon Agent 47's success. The higher Agent 47's notoriety, the easier it is for NPCs to identify him. If Agent 47 is captured on camera surveillance or witnessed committing murder, the character's notoriety will rise.<ref name="Shack Int.">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=75&page=2 |title=ShackNews.com |publisher=ShackNews.com |access-date=2014-03-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829122719/http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=75&page=2 |archive-date=2009-08-29 }}</ref> If the player executes a mission perfectly, Agent 47's notoriety will be minimal. ''Blood Money'' provides players with methods to reduce Agent 47's notoriety, including destroying surveillance equipment and bribery.<ref name="Shack Int." /> Notoriety gained in early missions will affect later missions. The player receives payment upon completion of a mission, which can be used to upgrade weapons, or bribe authorities to lower their notoriety score.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/11/hitman-blood-money-hands-on|title=Hitman: Blood Money: Hands-On|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|first=Douglass|last=C. Perry|date=March 11, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425094302/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/11/hitman-blood-money-hands-on|url-status=live}}</ref> The amount of money the player receives depends on how cleanly the assassination is carried out, with silent killings with no witnesses receiving the highest payout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_hitmanbloodmoney_may2005|title=Hitman: Blood Money|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|first=Kristan|last=Reed|date=May 11, 2005|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022185753/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_hitmanbloodmoney_may2005|url-status=live}}</ref>

Upon completion of each mission, a newspaper article is displayed containing the mission's results, Agent 47's notoriety level, the weapon most frequently used and how accurately it was used, the number of police, security, and civilians killed or injured, and the existence of witnesses. Sketches of Agent 47's face are displayed and become more accurate as the character's notoriety grows: if the notoriety system is disabled, or if the player remains unseen throughout the mission, the article shows a picture of the mission's target in place of the sketch. Players are awarded ratings based upon the success of the mission, such as a designation of "silent assassin" when the target was assassinated as cleanly and quietly as possible.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-03-15 |title=Hitman: Blood Money, is it worth your money? |url=http://www.bunker37.com/2011/03/hitman-blood-money-is-it-worth-your-money/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708104330/http://www.bunker37.com/2011/03/hitman-blood-money-is-it-worth-your-money/ |archive-date=2011-07-08 |access-date=2011-03-15 |website=Bunker 37}}</ref>

''Blood Money'' improved the melee combat system from previous releases, allowing players to disarm as well as lethally throw weapons at NPCs. Unlike previous games, melee weapons cannot be collected in the player's armory. ''Blood Money'' also introduces rival assassins.<ref name="PC Int.">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=145880|title=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|date=2006-09-12|publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090919132927/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=145880|archive-date=2009-09-19|access-date=2014-03-20|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Plot==
American journalist Rick Henderson visits the estate of former [[Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI Director]] Alexander Leland "Jack" Cayne, in hopes of interviewing him over an attack at the [[White House]] or his career. However, Cayne reveals that the interview was merely a ruse, and that Rick was invited to be given the details concerning a far greater story – the full details on cloned hitman [[Agent 47]], a contract killer for the International Contract Agency (ICA), a global organisation involved in assassinations. Although skeptical over the existence of 47, who is deemed an [[urban legend|urban myth]], Rick decides to listen to Cayne's story, reading documents he provides about a number of contracts committed by 47.

The documents reveal that after 47 had committed an assassination against a bankrupt amusement park owner in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]], he went abroad to conduct jobs in [[Chile]] and [[France]], assigned to him by his handler Diana Burnwood, before taking on several across the United States. During this time, the ICA found itself being targeted by a rival outfit called "the Franchise", who soon began killing ICA agents while hunting down 47. Although 47 avoids being killed by rival assassins, Diana is forced to shut down the ICA, and divides up its remaining resources between him and herself. Cayne eventually goes on to talk about the White House attack, claiming 47 was involved in the chaos that occurred, but was ultimately brought down by his handler as the law closed in on him.

Unknown to Cayne, 47 had been made aware that the Franchise was working for a political organization that sought to monopolize on Ort-Meyer's cloning technology. As the current US president was planning to legalize cloning, the Franchise was hired to assassinate him so that their puppet, the [[Vice President of the United States|U.S. Vice President]], would replace him; 47 found himself hired by Carlton Smith, a [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] agent whom he rescued on multiple occasions, to prevent this. With the Franchise exposed, Diana decided to bring down the outfit with a risky plan by pretending to double-cross 47 and injecting him with [[poison]] – in reality a serum to induce a [[Hibernation|hibernatory]] state that mimics death, so that he could be brought close to those involved in the Franchise.

As 47's [[bone marrow]] could be used by the organization's rivals, Cayne, the head of the Franchise, was ordered to find him and kill him. To ensure his marrow cannot be recovered, Cayne had him prepared for [[cremation]], and brings Rick to watch the ceremony. However, Diana takes an opportunity in the ceremony to give 47 the [[antidote]] to the serum, allowing him to wake and kill everyone present. With 47's anonymity preserved, Diana steals the Franchise's assets to reopen the ICA, while 47 proceeds to take on his next contract.

==Development==
''Hitman: Blood Money'' was announced in November 2004, with a scheduled release for Spring 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/eidos-announces-hitman-blood-money|title=Eidos announces Hitman: Blood Money|work=[[Gamesindustry.biz]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|date=November 4, 2004|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425094301/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/eidos-announces-hitman-blood-money|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the date was later delayed into 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-hitman-blood-money-and-25-to-life-delayed/1100-6120221/|title=Tomb Raider, Hitman: Blood Money, and 25 to Life delayed|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|first=Tor|last=Thorsen|date=December 20, 2005|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425094302/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-hitman-blood-money-and-25-to-life-delayed/1100-6120221/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2006, it was revealed that the game would be released on the [[Xbox 360]], making it the first ''Hitman'' game to be released on the [[seventh generation of video game consoles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/31/hitman-is-360-bound|title=Hitman is 360 Bound|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|first=Douglass|last=C. Perry|date=March 31, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213214031/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/31/hitman-is-360-bound|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/hitman-blood-money-on-xbox-360-beautifully-executed-in-hd|title=HITMAN: BLOOD MONEY on Xbox 360 - Beautifully Executed in HD|work=[[Gamesindustry.biz]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|date=April 4, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425094301/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/hitman-blood-money-on-xbox-360-beautifully-executed-in-hd|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Blood Money'' was released on the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], Xbox 360 and [[Microsoft Windows]] on 26 May 2006 in Europe and [[PAL]] territories,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news130406bloodmoney|title=Hitman: Blood Money dated|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|first=Tom|last=Bramwell|date=April 13, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612235305/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news130406bloodmoney|url-status=live}}</ref> 30 May in North America,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/31/hitman-strikes-stores|title=Hitman Strikes Stores|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|first=David|last=Adams|date=May 31, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425094304/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/31/hitman-strikes-stores|url-status=live}}</ref> and 1 June in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2006 |title=''Hitman Blood Money'' available in retail stores now! |url=http://www.atari.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=748 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061011125328/http://www.atari.com.au/news/details.do?newsId=748 |archive-date=11 October 2006 |access-date=3 April 2024}}</ref> The game, along with its predecessors, was made available on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] in March 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/eidos-embraces-steam-power|title=Eidos embraces Steam power|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|first=Robert|last=Purchese|date=March 16, 2007|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722234248/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/eidos-embraces-steam-power|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/eidos-building-up-steam/1100-6167504/|title=Eidos building up Steam|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|first=Tor|last=Thorsen|date=March 16, 2007|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814032058/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/eidos-building-up-steam/1100-6167504/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 January 2013, ''Blood Money'' was included in the ''Hitman HD Trilogy'', a compilation also including ''[[Hitman 2: Silent Assassin]]'' and ''[[Hitman: Contracts]]'', released for the [[PlayStation 3]] and Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/01/hitman-hd-collection-listed-by-retailer |title=Report: Hitman HD Collection Listed by Retailer |date=1 June 2012 |publisher=ign.com |access-date=22 July 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715053522/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/01/hitman-hd-collection-listed-by-retailer |archive-date=15 July 2012}}</ref> In March 2018, the Xbox 360 version of the game was made backwards compatible for the [[Xbox One]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=2018-03-06 |title=Hitman: Blood Money leads the latest Xbox One backward compatibility releases |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/hitman-blood-money-leads-the-latest-xbox-one-backward-compatibility-releases |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704125442/https://www.eurogamer.net/hitman-blood-money-leads-the-latest-xbox-one-backward-compatibility-releases |archive-date=2022-07-04 |access-date=2020-09-05 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] (which owns "Eurogamer.net")}}</ref> ''Blood Money'' was also included in another compilation, the ''Hitman HD Enhanced Collection'', with ''[[Hitman: Absolution]]'', which was released on the [[PlayStation 4]] and Xbox One in January 2019. This version of the game was remastered with updated visuals and could be played in [[4K resolution]]. A port titled '''''Hitman: Blood Money — Reprisal''''' was released for [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] on 30 November 2023 and for [[Nintendo Switch]] on 25 January 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/hitman-hd-enhanced-collection-is-a-4k-update-for-the-most-loved-and-most-hated-hitman-games/|title=Hitman HD Enhanced Collection is a 4K update for the most loved and most hated Hitman games|work=[[GamesRadar+]]|publisher=[[Future US]]|first=Connor|last=Sheridan|date=January 4, 2019|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201183132/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/hitman-hd-enhanced-collection-is-a-4k-update-for-the-most-loved-and-most-hated-hitman-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> The new port introduced revised controls and new features found in later ''Hitman'' titles, such as the mini-map and Instinct Mode.

==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
| name       = Hitman: Blood Money Original Soundtrack
| type       = [[Soundtrack album]]
| artist     = [[Jesper Kyd]]
| cover      =
| alt        = ''Hitman: Blood Money Original Soundtrack'' cover
| released   = {{start date|2006|05|30|df=y}}
| recorded   =
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = * [[Electronica]]
* [[Classical music|Western classical]]
* [[Choir|choral]]
* [[Ambient music|ambient]]
| length     = {{duration|m=64|s=41}}
| label      = [[Sumthing Distribution]]
| producer   =
| prev_title = [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory#Soundtrack|Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory]]
| prev_year  = 2005
| next_title = [[Kane & Lynch: Dead Men#Audio|Kane & Lynch: Dead Men]]
| next_year  = 2007
}}
{{Music ratings
| rev1      = [[Soundtrack.Net]]
| rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="rev1score"/>
}}
The '''''Hitman: Blood Money Original Soundtrack''''', composed by [[Jesper Kyd]], was released on 30 May 2006 by [[Sumthing Else]] and [[Eidos Interactive|Eidos]]. The score was performed with the [[Budapest Symphony Orchestra]] and the Hungarian Radio Choir. It features Kyd's trademark [[Ambient music|ambience]] and dark, foreboding arrangements with the [[Choir|choral]] parts in deep brooding [[Latin music|Latin]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/01/jesper-kyd-hitman-blood-money-original-soundtrack |title=Jesper Kyd - Hitman: Blood Money Original Soundtrack
 |date=2006-06-01 |access-date=2021-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307083815/http://uk.music.ign.com/articles/708/708352p1.html |archive-date=2012-03-07 }}</ref> It is Kyd's final contribution to the series after composing the previous three Hitman soundtracks.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Edward |title=Hitman: Absolution - Review |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/hitman-absolution-review-406101 |website=International Business Times |date=18 November 2012 |access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ashraf |first1=Amirul |title=Hitman 2 – Review |url=https://gamermatters.com/hitman-2-review/ |website=Gamer Matters |date=20 November 2018 |access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref>

Matt Scheller of [[Soundtrack.Net]] gave the soundtrack 3/5 stars;<ref name="rev1score">{{Cite web |last=Scheller |first=Matt |date=2006-09-23 |title=Review: Hitman: Blood Money |url=https://www.soundtrack.net/album/hitman-blood-money/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723180605/https://www.soundtrack.net/album/hitman-blood-money/ |archive-date=2020-07-23 |access-date=2010-07-28 |website=[[Soundtrack.Net]]}}</ref> despite the fact that "the more orchestral approach hits home to me more so than the [[Electronic music|electronic]] stuff", he enjoys the work of Jesper Kyd never-the-less, and ''Blood Money'' "is a real treat for me in that this is the return of a primarily orchestral score". Even though "it's not as thematic as the first of the ''Hitman'' games, there is enough material here that will satisfy most soundtrack collectors". Despite the orchestral focus, "there are plenty of rhythms and beats that accompany the orchestral palette", such as "Club Heaven" that "features some pretty standard <nowiki>'nightclub'</nowiki> [[techno]]". However, Scheller states that a lot of tracks are, "at times, wall-to-wall music" that accompany Agent 47 during various stages; but sums up that "I find that the more I listen to the album, the more enjoyable it becomes".

The soundtrack was nominated for the Best Video Game Score at the [[2006 MTV Video Music Awards]], losing to ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/2006-mtv-video-music-awards-winner-predictions/|title=2006 MTV Video Awards: Winner Predictions|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|publisher=Slant Magazine, LLC|date=August 21, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125002138/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/2006-mtv-video-music-awards-winner-predictions/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/list-of-winners-at-mtv-video-music-awards|title=List of Winners at MTV Video Music Awards|work=[[Fox News]]|publisher=[[Fox Corporation]]|agency=Associated Press|date=September 1, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425094301/https://www.foxnews.com/story/list-of-winners-at-mtv-video-music-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> It received the "Xbox Game of the Year-Best Original Score" award from ''[[IGN]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006 |title=The Best of 2006 |url=http://au.bestof.ign.com/2006/xbox/23.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004430/http://au.bestof.ign.com/2006/xbox/23.html |archive-date=2011-07-13 |access-date=2010-07-28 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| total_length = 64:41
| title1       = Apocalypse
| length1      = 4:33
| title2       = Secret Invasion
| length2      = 5:06
| title3       = Before the Storm
| length3      = 2:40
| title4       = 47 Attacks
| length4      = 2:12
| title5       = Hunter
| length5      = 6:21
| title6       = Action in Paris
| length6      = 3:10
| title7       = Amb Zone
| length7      = 3:56
| title8       = Night Time in New Orleans
| length8      = 3:17
| title9       = Vegas
| length9      = 6:28
| title10      = Club Heaven
| length10     = 5:52
| title11      = Invasion on the Mississippi River
| length11     = 4:15
| title12      = Rocky Mountains
| length12     = 2:41
| title13      = Day Light in New Orleans
| length13     = 4:43
| title14      = Trouble in Vegas
| length14     = 3:35
| title15      = Funeral
| length15     = 2:47
| title16      = Main Title
| length16     = 3:05
}}

Additional music includes a rendition of [[Franz Schubert]]'s "[[Ave Maria (Schubert)|Ave Maria]]" sung by Daniel Perret of the Zurich Boys' Choir, a rendition of "Tomorrow Never Dies" by [[Swan Lee]], "White Noise" by the Vacation, "Slasher" by Institute for the Criminally Insane, and a [[Johann Sebastian Bach|Bach]]'s [[Cello Suites (Bach)|Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major]].

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| title = ''Hitman: Blood Money'' reviews
| MC = (PS2) 83/100<ref name="MCPS2"/><br>(PC) 82/100<ref name="MCPC"/><br>(X360) 82/100<ref name="MCX360"/><br>(Xbox) 81/100<ref name="MCXBOX"/>
| 1UP     = B+<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3151117&did=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105084838/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3151117&did=1|title=Hitman: Blood Money (PS2)|work=[[1Up.com]]|first=Robert|last=Coffey|date=May 30, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=January 5, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.2/10<ref name="gspot"/>
| GSpy = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="gspy"/>
| EuroG = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_hmbm_x360?page=2|title=Hitman: Blood Money|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|first=Kristan|last=Reed|date=May 26, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427172438/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_hmbm_x360?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GameZone = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/hitman_blood_money_pc_review/|title=Hitman Blood Money - PC Review|work=GameZone|date=May 4, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref>
| GT = 7.9/10<ref name="gtrailers"/>
| GRadar = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/hitman-blood-money-review/|title=Hitman: Blood Money review|work=[[GamesRadar+]]|publisher=[[Future US]]|first=Gabe|last=Graziani|date=May 31, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119192302/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/hitman-blood-money-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = 8/10<ref name="ign"/>
| PCZone = 84/100<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/140787/reviews/hitman-blood-money-review/ |title=PC Review: Hitman: Blood Money Review |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |date=1 June 2006 |access-date=21 February 2012 |archive-date=2 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102134853/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/140787/reviews/hitman-blood-money-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| TX = 7.6/10<ref name="txbox"/>
| VG = 8/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/hitman-blood-money-review|title=Hitman: Blood Money Review|work=VideoGamer.com|publisher=Resero Network|first=Tom|last=Orry|date=May 29, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2020|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801014823/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/hitman-blood-money-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Hitman: Blood Money'' received "generally positive" reviews across all platforms, according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/hitman-blood-money/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Hitman: Blood Money for PC Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=13 April 2013 |archive-date=28 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228222400/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/hitman-blood-money |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MCPS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/hitman-blood-money/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Hitman: Blood Money for PlayStation 2 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=13 April 2013 |archive-date=6 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106160618/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/hitman-blood-money |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MCXBOX">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/hitman-blood-money/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Hitman: Blood Money for Xbox Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=13 April 2013 |archive-date=15 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415202406/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/hitman-blood-money |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MCX360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/hitman-blood-money/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Hitman: Blood Money for Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=13 April 2013 |archive-date=28 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228192550/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/hitman-blood-money |url-status=live }}</ref>

''[[GameSpot]]'' reported that diverse imaginative scenarios gave ''Blood Money'' its share of violent thrills.<ref name="gspot">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hitman-blood-money-review/1900-6152028/ |title=Hitman: Blood Money Review (PC) |author=Greg Kasavin |publisher=Gamespot |date=31 May 2006 |access-date=3 April 2008 |archive-date=8 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108160114/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hitman-blood-money-review/1900-6152028/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[GameSpy]] praised the expanded scope and options in each level, such as making kills appear as accidents, saying the game provided enough choices to encourage players to play missions multiple times," but criticized the notoriety system as "underutilized."<ref name="gspy">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/hitman-blood-money/710825p1.html |title=Hitman: Blood Money Review (PS2) - Agent 47 is back and more dangerous than ever, spilling blood in every corner of the globe. |author=Will Tuttle |publisher=GameSpy |date=31 May 2006 |access-date=3 April 2008 |archive-date=17 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017053912/http://uk.ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/hitman-blood-money/710825p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

''[[IGN]]'' praised ''Blood Money''{{'}}s "impressive orchestral compositions."<ref name="ign">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/31/hitman-blood-money |title=Hitman: Blood Money |author=Douglass C. Perry |publisher=IGN |date=30 May 2006 |access-date=3 April 2008 |archive-date=25 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825025618/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/31/hitman-blood-money |url-status=live }}</ref> GameTrailers wrote that the soundtrack "drives your emotions" through the missions."<ref name="gtrailers">{{cite web |date=2006-05-30 |title=Hitman: Blood Money - GT Xbox Review |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/11114.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630223313/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/11114.html |archive-date=30 June 2007 |access-date=2008-04-03 |website=[[GameTrailers]] }}</ref>

In contrary to this praise, ''[[TeamXbox]]'' criticized ''Blood Money'' for offering no innovations from its predecessor ''[[Hitman: Contracts]]''.<ref name="txbox">{{cite web|url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1180/Hitman-Blood-Money/p1/ |title=Hitman: Blood Money Review (Xbox 360) |author=Dale Nardozzi - "Legba" |publisher=TeamXbox |date=31 May 2006 |access-date=3 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411160121/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1180/Hitman-Blood-Money/p1/ |archive-date=11 April 2008 }}</ref>

''Hitman: Blood Money'' sold more than 1.5 million copies by July 17, 2006.<ref name=sales>{{cite web|last1=Thorsen|first1=Tor|title=Tomb Raider, Blood Money go multiplatinum|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-blood-money-go-multiplatinum/1100-6154154/|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=26 June 2015|date=17 July 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031061307/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-blood-money-go-multiplatinum/1100-6154154/|archive-date=31 October 2013}}</ref> By 2011, it had sold more than 2.1 million copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/new-hitman-absolution-game-uses-187550 |title=New 'Hitman: Absolution' Game Uses 'Avatar' Performance Capture Technology, Hollywood Talent |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |date=5 November 2011 |access-date=21 February 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101230615/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/new-hitman-absolution-game-uses-187550 |archive-date=1 January 2012 }}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Controversy===
Several advertisements promoting ''Blood Money'' generated controversy for their violent imagery.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-05-08 |title=Controversially Executed |url=http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/adwatch/?id=12652 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060628010133/http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/adwatch/?id=12652 |archive-date=28 June 2006 |access-date=2006-06-17 |website=[[GameDaily]] }}</ref> The ad that drew the most attention depicted a woman lying on a bed in lingerie, seemingly asleep but with a bullet hole in her forehead, and with the caption "Beautifully Executed" above the picture;<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-12-09 |title=Hitman: Blood Money [2006] "Beautifully executed" [800x600] : AdPorn |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/AdPorn/comments/1sh1qv/hitman_blood_money_2006_beautifully_executed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601052515/https://old.reddit.com/r/AdPorn/comments/1sh1qv/hitman_blood_money_2006_beautifully_executed/ |archive-date=2023-06-01 |access-date=2020-09-05 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> it was criticized for promoting murder, with one commentator saying they were in "extremely poor taste".<ref name="EBT">{{cite web |date=2006-07-28 |title=Assemblyman strikes back over Sony ad |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/07/28/assemblyman-strikes-back-over-sony-ad/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425094303/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/07/28/assemblyman-strikes-back-over-sony-ad/ |archive-date=2021-04-25 |access-date=2020-09-05 |work=[[East Bay Times]]}}</ref> Other ads were "Classically Executed" which featured a [[Cello|cellist]] who has been executed with a [[garrote]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-07-30 |title=Classically Executed |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/profile/mikefightnight/all-images/52-154089/classically_exectuted/51-407198/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025120806/http://www.giantbomb.com/profile/mikefightnight/all-images/52-154089/classically_exectuted/51-407198/ |archive-date=25 October 2009 |access-date=2011-09-19 |website=[[Giant Bomb]] }}</ref> "Coldly Executed" which showed a body in a freezer,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-07-30 |title=Coldly Executed |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/profile/mikefightnight/all-images/52-154089/coldy_exectued/51-407260/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025115451/http://www.giantbomb.com/profile/mikefightnight/all-images/52-154089/coldy_exectued/51-407260/ |archive-date=25 October 2009 |access-date=2011-09-19 |website=[[Giant Bomb]] }}</ref> and "Shockingly Executed" which depicted a woman electrocuted in a bath by a toaster.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-12 |title=Video Game Print Ads — "Hitman: Blood Money" ["Shockingly Executed" ad] |url=https://vgprintads.tumblr.com/post/63792744048/hitman-blood-money-shockingly-executed-ad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240629231748/https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:https://vgprintads.tumblr.com/post/63792744048/hitman-blood-money-shockingly-executed-ad |archive-date=2024-06-29 |access-date=2020-09-05 |website=[[Tumblr]]}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of video games considered the best]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.hitman.com/ Official website]
* {{moby game|id=/hitman-blood-money}}

{{Hitman series}}
{{IO Interactive}}
{{Authority control}}

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