Review – Hitman 3
With thanks to the folks at IO Interactive, I’ve been delving deep into the World of Assassination to bring you our usual full video review and common sense parent’s guide for Hitman 3. While the title doesn’t necessarily revolutionise the franchise, it’s one I’ve definitely enjoyed my time with, capping off an outstanding gaming trilogy. Find the full video review just below, and keep reading for our extended written review down the page.
The Basics
Hitman 3 will be very familiar to anybody who has played the last two installments in this evolved and, some say, elevated take on the franchise’s roots. In fact, it’s so familiar that much like its predecessor, you can launch all 20 of the destinations from all three titles here in one main hub (as an important caveat, you do of course have to own all three games to take full advantage).
Each destination from the previous two titles has been enhanced for the new generation, and while the content for older games uses the same foundations, all new weapons, items and gadgets (and of course, visual enhancements) can be used through each destination in the World of Assassination trilogy.
Another great addition is the title’s release on Nintendo Switch, for those who love a bit of gaming on the go. It should be noted for Switch fans, however, that as a cloud version, you do require what Nintendo refer to as “a persistent high-speed internet connection” to be able to play.
We have to assume by now that you’ll have at least a passing familiarity with the adventures of Agent 47. The World of Assassination trilogy rebooted Hitman back in 2016, though while it brought new features the spirit of the franchise remined (and remains) very much intact. For those who have somehow missed it you’ll play as Agent 47, an international assassin, touring the world to inhume various targets for many different reasons.
What’s New?
Hitman 3 continues to provide multiple routes to target, and each destination has a virtually infinite number of approaches you can take. While there are definite boundaries, each location feels very open, and you decide the approach and execution throughout.
There aren’t a huge host of new in-game features within Hitman 3, with more focus on refining rather than revolutionising the series. The new title of course brings enhanced visuals and it’s great to see that new enhancements have been made available within the older titles as well. Progression systems have been reworked to give clear paths to the next unlock, and provide various ratings for players depending on their in-game actions.
When you’re on location, you’ll find new one-way shortcuts, which can only be unlocked from one direction (and of course, not the direction you would usually be travelling). Unlocking these shortcuts is permanent, and on subsequent playthroughs you’ll be able to access these to provide new routes to targets and intel.
In addition, 47 now carries a camera, which can be used in a number of ways. I mostly found myself using the camera to unlock windows through hacking features (no spoilers here) as well as scoping routes and documenting intel. It can also be used as a legitimate camera and while IO themselves admit that it’s not a photo mode, it’s definitely possible to find some creative uses for it.
If you have PSVR, Hitman 3 supports this from launch, with all 20 World of Assassintion destinations playable through the VR experience. With first-person perspective there’s a whole new immersive experience here, if you have the tech to run it.
Parent’s Eye View
Hitman 3 is rated by PEGI at 18 and above, and by the ESRB at a Mature 17+. From a parent’s point of view, or at least in my view, it’s a pretty easy one. The title is based around assassinations, getting up close and personal (and often a little bloody) with your targets. There are a huge number of ways in which to inhume your targets in Hitman 3, with industrial accidents, electrocution, drowning in toilets, poison, garotting or even the old faithful shooting them in the head.
In addition to the violence in game, there’s also a fair amount of language at all levels and drugs references. With the content in this one, there’s no way I’d be happy playing it in front of our own Micro-Bandits, and it’s one I’m saying is not for the younger generation.
Accessibility
While there’s a huge amount to do in game, and an even larger number of ways in which to do it, Hitman 3 is picking up an Accessibility rating of Moderate. This title has some great options for those who need a little more hand holding. This starts of course with more casual difficulty options, but also includes step by step guidance through intel and mission stories in each destination. These provide clear progression and goals for each action, and can be a real help if you need some assistance with finding your way around.
The great thing is, of course, that these are optional. So whether you’re after a more relaxed experience, or just need a hand getting used to things, anything is possible. Stick with a story mission all the way through, or use it to find crucial new paths and intel before taking your own path, the choice is yours.
The Run Down
Visuals – Good: In game the visuals are pretty spot on and there haven’t been many flaws at all. I’ve enjoyed some beautiful vistas, and they’ve captured the grey, damp scenery of Dartmoor’s period location beautifully. Cut scenes let the title down a little and I’ve found them to be overly grainy and with a few rough edges, but overall, especially considering the time you spend in control, I’ve been pretty happy with visuals here.
Audio – Great: Another outstanding soundtrack, great effects and solid voice acting from an established and experienced cast. I can’t fault audio at all, and I’m hoping for the ost to get onto Spotify ASAP.
Narrative – Great: No spoilers here so I don’t want to say too much, but the story is as good as you would expect continuing from events in the previous entries. While I’m remaining tight lipped on things here I don’t think it will disappoint, and there’s significant amount of background material to find both through missions and organically through each level.
Replay – Great: There’s already a huge amount to do in the series, with challenges and location mastery for each destination. The one-way permanent shortcuts boost replay, opening up new opportunities to navigate each destination and as usual the vast number of intel items, clues and stories throughout each location leave a lot to find and a new infinite number of ways to approach each mission.
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The Verdict
Overall the Pixel Bandits Shh you’re dead Level for Hitman 3 is Grab It. This has been another solid entry into the franchise and again while early it’s shaping up to be a strong contender for my game of the year. I’m a big fan of the franchise and have been for many years, and this title is a more than fitting finale for the world of assassination trilogy.
If you still haven’t tried the new evolution of Hitman yet, I would definitely suggest completing the storylines of the first two before tackling number three, but overall this is one which I think brings everything which Hitman fans are looking for.