Hitman

A triumphant return for the original assassin?

I have never played a Hitman game before. Ever. I’ve got nothing against the franchise: I’ve always appreciated it. However the games have never really appealed to me. Those of you who have read my reviews before will know I’m all about the story in my games. Hitman has always done many things right; not plot or character development though. So what made me choose to download this game? Well, I’ve heard some good things…and a price of only 12 quid is pretty appealing too! So did this game impress me? Will Agent 47 be my new favourite assassin (over Evie and Jacob Frye)?

The beginning

It all begins 20 years before the opening Paris stage. Agent 47 is dropped off by a helicopter in the middle of a vast mountain range. Two aspects strike me straight away. Firstly, the visuals. Wow. Some of the nicest backdrops I’ve seen in a game, maybe second only to Tomb Raider. Secondly, the speed at which the player can control Agent 47. Sure it’s only a few paces until another cut scene takes over, but this technique put me right in the shoes of the protagonist. As gamers we are all used to huge opening cut scenes – I found this a refreshing change of pace.

From this Agent 47’s recruitment is presented. I found this a nice introduction as a newbie to the game series. Sadly the surrounding characters in this opening section are very flat and offer little in the way of interesting plot points. The most we get is a disagreement of Agent 47’s potential. At this stage I had got everything I expected from the game so far: an uncharismatic protagonist; a very lacklustre cast of side-characters; but fantastic visuals.

The opening training level

Framing the training section of a game through presenting past experiences is hardly a revolutionary narrative structure. Although is works well in this game. Again the player is able to understand more about Agent 47 and his life. Before we begin this mission there is a flashback to the two characters assessing Agent 47 – they make this very clear it is a test. This adds to the importance of this training level – a nice touch as it’s something usually lacking in a tutorial.

The level itself again looks spectacular. Set on an expensive yacht the setting really highlights the impressive use of light and shadow. Plus in this level we get our first glimpse at other characters and their likeness. I wouldn’t say that these NPCs really stand out as anything special, but they did not take away from the splendour of the location.

This setting also offers the player’s first chance to really explore. Despite being much smaller in size to the Paris location, I still found myself finding a lot of chances to explore and find new items. Hitman utilizes a really effective guiding system that lets the player know when they’ve stumbled across something useful or important. Likewise this guide allows the player to explore while being given some direction. It’s a nice touch that works well. Despite being a smaller setting there’s a lot of different ways to assassinate your target, and each is signposted really well. Once completed your are made to complete the level again, but in a different way. Again a great way to introduce the players to the most important selling point of this game.

The second level

The flashbacks deepen a bit and it introduces the idea that one of the characters assessing Agent 47 doesn’t want him to pass. There’s an idea that he’s too strong; too dangerous. Again this is a nice way to introduce why Agent 47 is so important. On top of this the player is informed that this level has been made even more difficult due to the fact that the NPC doesn’t want us to pass. So far Hitman is doing a really great job of making the training levels seem important.

Sadly the visuals don’t really stand out in this level. There’s no difference in the graphics at all but it’s just a very dark and gloomy setting…at night. Moreover the NPCs are just as dull as the darkest corner of this setting. As a newbie to the series I’m picking up on one running theme: the targets are very flat characters.

The gameplay itself in this level is more challenging. The increase in guards really becomes apparent and the player is encouraged to use all they’ve learned in the first level. Sadly this level can actually be completed pretty quickly. Due to the excellent guiding system I found myself completing this stage in just a couple of minutes. I think this is actually a huge downfall to the game too – it makes us almost rely on the easiest route when there’s so much to do and see. You are offered the opportunity to turn this off in the next level, so maybe you can play through again without the guide turned on. Although the player is not made to have to complete this level again, and I’m sure I did as everyone else did: speed through to get to the main masterpiece.

The final level: Paris

At this stage we’ve caught up to modern day, after a really nice video montage (check the video out above – no spoilers!). Early on we’re introduced to the two targets. These targets are definitely more unique (they’re in the fashion industry) but this sadly doesn’t relate to charisma. This opening section really doesn’t do much to make the targets compelling characters.

Before being introduced to the targets the setting is shown off. And it’s incredible. This is exactly the type of level that Hitman should have. A huge sandbox with so much to explore, so many different opportunities and so many NPCs to kill so to steal their uniform. Paris is spectacular. This huge mansion is hosting a fashion show, which lends itself to bright vibrant colours. This is what most will buy the game for, and they won’t be disappointed.

There’s a whole range of different NPCs to impersonate. My personal favourite is a famous model who looks just like Agent 47. Each level requires

a certain type of uniform too -for example cleaners or waiters. Of course you can dress as security and pretty much go anywhere, but expect some others to notice that you aren’t who you say you are. With these areas comes unique opportunities to kill your target. Of course you can just sneak up on them and kill them, but where’s the fun in that? The Paris sandbox really shows off what Hitman is all about.

My verdict

I started this review not really knowing what to award this game. As I stated before this is not the usual type of game I’d play, but I’ve found myself thoroughly enjoying most of what Hitman has to offer. I’m not too sure if I’ll be buying the next stages, which may perhaps be my biggest fault for the game. It’s a really enjoyable chance to explore a diverse sandbox which offers so much chance for replayability. But as I’m writing this I feel like it’s missing something to make it a truly elite game.

The way each setting is introduced, or how each target is identified really reminds me of the Assassin’s Creed series. There’s an openness to how the player is allowed to get to the target, much like Syndicate. However Assassin’s Creed offers a whole open world to explore, Hitman lives and dies by these sections. This isn’t a comparison, and Hitman certainly stands out one its own merit, but for me I think this will be the only time I embark on an assassin’s mission as Agent 47.

7/10

Do you agree or disagree with my review? Do you think I’m right in my comparison to Assassin’s Creed? What’s your favourite part of the game? Comment below and have your say!