OPM says that the basic Hitman formula is present in Absolution but also "perfected". They add that this is a "peak for the series."
"It takes the ideas that made the original games so great and presents them in a modern context of checkpoints, hints and forgiveness but without sacrificing any of the challenge, excitement or shivery-skinned thrill of pulling off some impossibly and beautifully planned hit," says the mag.
OXM's review makes similar points, saying that it's "everything that fans have ever loved about the series." The review goes on to call it "slick" and "thrilling." They also give special recognition to the Contracts mode, in which players design their own custom adventures.