Hitman

'Hitman (2016)' reboots its classic franchise, aiming to recapture the open-plan feeling of earlier titles instead of the more linear - though still good - vibe of 'Hitman: Absolution (2012)'. In almost every way, it succeeds. The game is staggering in the amount of ways it an be approached, with large and labyrinthine levels that take place all over the globe. Within each map, there are a variety of varied yet believable areas - some of which are restricted and tightly guarded - that come together to form completely cohesive experiences, a microcosm of the wider world. From fashion shows packed with literally hundreds of people to clinics littered with only the most elite, the locations do a fantastic job at keeping you on your toes, tossing you more opportunities than you know what to do with. Even though there aren't tons of them, each area can be completed in a myriad of ways. The base mechanics always remain the same so it's up to you how you use them. It's all remarkably intuitive. On top of this, the game provides more scripted moments that you can opt into if you want a more guided experience. While perhaps not as satisfying as a naturally occurring success, these sequences are spectacular in and of themselves and are surprisingly rewarding if you stumble upon them yourself. Going for the coveted 'silent assassin' rating is one way to ensure bang for your buck; you have to study your target, learn their behaviours and strike in whichever way suits the situation before blending into the background once more. The piece makes particularly good use of the disguise system, often setting things up as a sort of puzzle that requires you to get a chain of costumes to move through the level unnoticed. Of course, you could always go for a 'suit only' run, which is where things get really interesting (if perhaps more traditional). One of the game's most major downsides is that it was released episodically, a format which isn't inappropriate but which saps the energy from an initial play-through. Those with spotty internet access may now opt to buy the disc version, which comes with all previous DLC, but a download is required for all levels but one and the game requires you to be 'online' in order to save your stats and challenge progress. This 'always online' angle is troublesome, as it prevents you from playing a single-player game if your wifi goes down. Still, most people won't have a consistent issue with their wifi. The game's story is quite oblique, delivered via beautifully rendered but elusive cut-scenes in-between missions. It's good enough but nothing more, never really feeling like it relates directly to your actions. The pre-mission debriefs, on the other had, do a good job of preparing you for the task, aptly coming up with a reason why your often cartoonishly evil targets must be eliminated. The thing is about gameplay, first and foremost. It's immersive, impressive and, most importantly, fun. The game really is breathtaking at times. It's a joy to dig into. 9/10

The more "mainstream" last game somewhat divided the community. Its not my favorite entry either, but the negativity is a bit overblown and Absolution certainly proved to be a clear stepping stone for this refresh of the series. The old canon still stands btw. but I noticed that a few of the targets aren't "evil", which was nearly always the case in previous games. The game is a bit more "goofy" too and could easily be reworked as a spy caper. The story is less focused on this time around. Not that Hitman games ever managed to tell a good one, but this tale is overall fine. The main selling point is obviously the finely tuned gameplay and the levels are now more open than ever. The huge crowds are another plus and now feel less of a gimmick. The game is actually a huge technical accomplishment, outside of the again janky animations, and the levels all feature astonishing attention to detail. The levels may even be a bit too huge and I would have broken some of them into 2 separate ones. I understand that the developers want the player to replay them multiple times, with changing conditions but less is sometimes more. The way the game locks away the new weekly targets after that very week is clearer misstep. Especially as you only get 1 try but the high amount of user created level remixes somewhat makes up for that. There is a lot of content to be enjoyed in this first "season" and playing though the game over 2 days felt like binge watching a Netflix show. I have full trust in the developers to deliver another quality follow-up and the retail version of the game is the best Hitman entry yet. I just hope that the "Bonus Episodes" will rely on more levels, as Sapienza ended with with 3 separate missions assigned to it. The game is lastly a great entry point to the series. 9/10

10 out of 10 The Art of the Kill, Perfected

This isn't just a game-it's a masterclass in patience, precision, and beautifully controlled chaos. With Hitman (2016), IO Interactive redefined what it means to be an assassin in a modern sandbox. Gone were the linear corridors of past entries. In their place? Massive, living environments. Dozens of ways to eliminate your target. And one core rule:

"Make it look like an accident."

The Setup: Agent 47, Back in the Shadows

After a long hiatus and the more story-focused Hitman: Absolution, this 2016 reboot brought Agent 47 back to his roots-but better. He's cold, calculating, and silent as death. Each level is a puzzle box disguised as a luxury resort, embassy, fashion show, or fortress.

You're given two targets. Maybe three. That's it.

How you take them down? That's on you.

The Gameplay: Murder as Sandbox Art Disguises - Become anyone: a model, a chef, a drummer, a bodyguard. Every outfit changes your access and approach.

Opportunities - Scripted but dynamic story paths that open up unique kills: poisonings, electrocutions, chandelier drops, even launching a guy into a jet engine.

Instinct Mode - Track enemies, locate items, and see through walls like a true ghost.

Tools of the Trade - Fiber wire, coins, screwdrivers, silenced pistols, expired sushi. If it's in the environment, it's probably lethal.

And the best part? You can mess up. A plan can go sideways-and the game rewards you for improvising.

The Levels: Big, Beautiful, Brutal

Each mission is a fully-realized world: Paris (The Sanguine Fashion Show) - A glittering event of vanity and betrayal. You can assassinate a model while pretending to be him.

Sapienza - A sun-soaked Italian town hiding a bioweapon lab beneath it. It's basically a murder vacation.

Marrakesh - A riot-torn city with a dictator, a banker, and a mess of politics.

Bangkok, Colorado, Hokkaido - Each more dangerous, intricate, and stylish than the last.

No game before this gave you such detailed, replayable maps where everything matters.

The Structure: A New Format, Bold and Smart

The game was released episodically, which at first raised eyebrows. But it worked. Each level felt like an event. IO Interactive wanted you to replay missions-over and over-mastering every method, unlocking new gear, and challenging yourself with: Escalation Missions Elusive Targets (one-shot real-time contracts) User-created Contracts

This turned Hitman (2016) into a living, evolving game. And it still holds up today.

The Tone: Dark, Cool, Self-Aware

Agent 47's deadpan seriousness paired with absurd assassination methods (death by exploding golf ball, anyone?) creates a tone that balances slick professionalism with dark humor. The story is subtle, slow-burning, and becomes more important in later entries-but the real narrative is how you kill.

Verdict:

Hitman (2016) is where the modern trilogy began-and it's a flawless return to form. Rich environments. Limitless creativity. And a central gameplay loop that never gets old. This is what happens when a studio knows exactly who its character is and builds the perfect world around him.

Silent. Precise. Brilliant.

10 out of 10.

The world is your weapon-and you are the ghost in its shadow.

Well I'm going to write this because it doesn't have enough. This game is excellent. It's gameplay is smooth, sounds and music is on point, controls are smooth and easy, fun factor is through the roof! If your a fan of the other games then this one will not (should not) disappoint. I've had yet to not like a Hitman game. This game has it all like mjd859 states, exploring, collect, and you can replay and try it a different way. I've also heard people complain you die to quick if you don't go stealth. um I do that myself and do die but then again theres times I don't.....so I don't know what to say about that. Buy this game!!! lol

First off there is no difficulty so you get what you have, also i have played Absolution close to 100 times and enjoyed it so much, in this one you barely get a story, the auto aim is awful, it aims way past the target. The way to select your weapons is crap and you die after 2 gun shot which makes the game even more frustrating...........................

If you are a casual gamer or expecting a fun story like absolution think again this is not it, its a huge step backward, good thing i paid only half price for it.