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When discussing stealth games, three franchises immediately come to mind: Metal Gear Solid, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, and Hitman. Each boasts iconic characters and rich histories, solidifying their places as pillars of the genre. While Metal Gear Solid saw a recent resurgence, Splinter Cell has remained dormant, leaving fans anticipating the return of Agent 47. This year marks a comeback for the barcoded assassin, aiming to redeem the series after the less-than-stellar Hitman: Absolution. To build anticipation, Square Enix brought the successful mobile title Hitman GO to PC as Hitman GO: Definitive Edition.

Hitman GO: Definitive Edition – Gameplay

A Miniaturized World of Assassination

Instead of free-form action and intricate planning, Hitman GO: Definitive Edition presents each level as a miniature diorama. Players still control Agent 47, but the focus shifts from twitch reflexes to strategic thinking. Gameplay is turn-based, with 47 moving between designated nodes on a grid. Each move prompts enemy movement, requiring careful planning to avoid detection and elimination.

47 can eliminate enemies from three directions: left, right, and behind. Frontal attacks are possible when facing multiple foes. Like a game of chess, successful eliminations remove enemy pieces from the board. Early levels introduce basic enemy types with limited movement, but complexity increases with the introduction of patrolling guards, requiring greater strategic depth. Adding further layers of challenge are enemies with expanded fields of vision and specialized units.

Hitman GO: Definitive Edition – Challenging Levels

Imagine a level with limited movement options, swarming with patrolling guards, stationary enemies with dual-directional vision, and snipers covering entire pathways. To overcome these challenges, Hitman GO: Definitive Edition incorporates signature Hitman elements. Distractions like thrown objects, disguises, and even sniper rifles are at 47’s disposal. These mechanics are streamlined to fit the board game format; disguises only fool specific enemy types, and sniper rifles have limited ranges. Despite these simplifications, the core Hitman experience remains intact.

Each level presents three challenges, rewarding completion with a signature Hitman insignia. Collecting these insignias unlocks new sets of levels, creating a compelling progression system that encourages mastery. The challenges themselves are varied, including retrieving briefcases and completing levels within a specific number of moves.

Hitman GO: Definitive Edition – In-Game Challenges

Polished Presentation, Minor Flaws

Transitioning from mobile to PC often results in graphical compromises. However, Hitman GO: Definitive Edition delivers surprisingly impressive visuals. Each level is meticulously detailed, showcasing the environment’s intricacies without jagged edges. The use of color effectively conveys the atmosphere, from the darkness of night to the brightness of day. Lighting effects are enhanced, particularly in night-time levels. A notable improvement is the inclusion of realistic shadows, adding depth and immersion.

Hitman GO: Definitive Edition – UI Issues

While the graphics impress, the audio falls short. The limited soundtrack, while occasionally captivating with tracks like “Ave Maria,” becomes repetitive. Other elements transitioned smoothly from mobile, except for the frustrating camera controls. Action buttons sometimes obstruct movement nodes, hindering gameplay. The camera rotation, while allowing for different perspectives, resets upon release, limiting its usefulness.

Conclusion

Hitman GO: Definitive Edition offers a unique and engaging puzzle experience that captures the essence of the Hitman franchise. Its strategic gameplay, challenging levels, and polished visuals make it a worthwhile experience for both fans of the series and puzzle enthusiasts. While the repetitive soundtrack and awkward camera controls detract slightly, they don’t diminish the overall enjoyment. This streamlined, turn-based adaptation successfully translates the core elements of Hitman into a thought-provoking and rewarding puzzle game.