Hitman III

Hitman 3 caps off the new Hitman trilogy, but I don't think it's the end of the franchise. This game and it's two predecessors are virtually identical, and thus part of this review is sort of a look at the trilogy as a whole.

Hitman 3 gets all the important things right. It includes 5* new levels, several of which add some kind of twist to the assassination formula, one example being a level where you must locate and kill 5 unmarked targets to strike fear into their organization, and another requiring you to investigate deeply gaurded agency secrets. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of non-assassination objectives in Hitman because they tend to become a bit tedious upon replay, which is of course the best thing about the Hitman franchise. That said, I still like all 5* of the levels in this game. Hitman's design formula has always been and will always be good, and this game does it justice, no question. If you like hitman, you will like this game.

This trilogy is exactly what a hitman game should be, but it definitely still has some shortcomings that we should recognize. The first one is the story. It has some good moments that veteran hitman fans will appreciate, but it simply doesn't have enough plot points to build any intrigue, and the writing is flat. They pretty much did the bare minimum for what is expected in a hitman story and the only clever or surprising thing that happens (toward the end) is acctualy an idea that was clearly inspired by Blood Money. If you've played both these games you know exactly what I'm talking about. Mostly forgettable even though I do like the way 47 and Diana work in this story.

The other problems I have with this game and the new trilogy altogether are minor, but still need to be discussed to keep IOI honest and improve the franchise moving forward, because the truth is that these games are all just new levels to the same formula. To start, we all know the graphics are very average. Absolution's graphics are better, period. These games' gunplay is also inferior to Absolution. Guns feel much less weighty, sound pretty bland in comparison, and also have absurd amounts of bullet deviation for no reason. What happened to dual wilding pistols? What happened to taking people as human shields? This is compared to a game from 2012. I understand these games' budgets may have been tight, but with standards being raised more and more across the industry, and considering these games (2 and 3 at least) have been pretty financially successful, I expect improvements to these things in the future, even if that means just copy pasting all the upgrades from Absolution that they threw out the window. Finally, I will say that I've never loved this game's loadout system. It's always been pretty obvious which items are best and it's unfortunate that there was no weapon customization whatsoever like there was in Blood Money.

That was a lot of nitpicky criticism, but none of these things make the game less fun. They simply are ways the franchise can be improved upon in the future, something this franchise deserves.

I am am a long time fan of hitman i love the story and gameplay i play hitma like every day and stil discover new things.

A perfect conclusion to the World of assassination trilogy. This game should be a contender for GOTY

It's a bit unfair to write a review of Hitman 3, mainly because this game feels like the culmination of a massive experience that includes Hitman 1 and 2. Together, they form an interconnected web of assassinations, and Hitman 3 serves as the cherry on top of this deliciously complex sundae. As a fan of the series since its inception in 2000, it's exhilarating to see how the franchise has evolved while maintaining its core essence. I'll do my best to encapsulate my thoughts on this masterpiece.

The formula behind Hitman remains similar - you're still 47, an elite assassin taking down targets for a shadowy organization. However, everything is sharper, more refined, and packed with options that outshine its predecessors. If there's one series that has avoided the sequel curse while keeping the gameplay fresh and interesting, it's Hitman. The ability to strategize, plan, and execute your target like a chess player is what stands out in this title.

Right from the start, you're thrust into a world defined by creativity and choice. The game feels like an ultimate puzzle, as one charming YouTube reviewer put it. You can approach targets in myriad ways - silent sniper, cunning disguiser, or even a frantic gunslinger if you're feeling reckless. I personally lean toward the stealth approach, reveling in the thrill of blending in with crowds and slipping past guards. Walking around, observing NPC behaviors, and discovering new disguises never gets old. Honestly, I'd almost classify Hitman 3 as a walking and looking simulator, where your greatest satisfaction comes not just from assassinations but from the thrill of your cover being successful.

One standout level takes place in a beautifully rendered British manor. Here, you can don the guise of a private investigator and partake in an optional investigation to solve a murder. This not only adds a creative twist but showcases how invested the developers are in crafting well-thought-out scenarios. Levels such as this make the experience feel rich and vibrant.

Stealth is the name of the game, and Hitman 3 nails it. Unlike other games where enemies might just shoot on sight, NPCs react in believable ways - panicking, calling for help, or alerting security. It's this attention to detail that creates an immersive experience. Each level feels like a character of its own, offering a plethora of options to reach your goal.

If I had to voice a criticism, it would be that the final level leans a bit too linear for my taste, providing fewer opportunities for experimentation compared to the others. The story, while present, falls somewhat flat. However, it has always been about the thrill of the hunt and the unique ways you can eliminate targets. For re-playability, Hitman is arguably unmatched in modern gaming.

The characters themselves are a collection of unlikeable yet cartoonish personas that you can't help but enjoy dispatching. The voice acting is solid, featuring the iconic voice of the protagonist that has been present since 2000.

The sound design and music in Hitman 3 are also top-notch, with the aforementioned British manor standing out as a masterpiece in level design. It immerses you in the environment, making each moment feel alive and compelling.

In the end, the length of the game can vary based on how you approach it. I often found myself taking my time, going back to fix mistakes and discovering new paths. Suffice it to say, I was thoroughly entertained throughout.

In conclusion, Hitman 3 captivates with its strategic depth, artistic presentation, and engaging gameplay. It stands as the high point of the franchise and earns a solid **9/10**. If you're looking for a game that challenges your ingenuity and rewards patience, look no further than this gem.

Overall I feel that I need to say that this is a short game with 6 missions. However, they are meant to be played over and over in different styles. I loved Hitman 1 & Hitman 2 and they are included (Deluxe Edition) when you buy the 3rd installment. The story gets a few twists so that you stay intrigued, but the thing I really want to tell you about is the way story missions are made in this game... especially the one in Dartmoor. The detective side mission is absolutely phenomenal. If I have to score the game it gets an overall of around 80% due to a. Lot of bugs still in the game which make it hard to full complete... FYI (in case you hunt for Platinum on PSN; in the last mission you need to complete Silent Assassin, Suit Only for the Mastery Trophy). Overall because of the games you get with it, great value for a great game. I do recommend!