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The World of Assassination trilogy concludes with Hitman 3, a finale that fans, myself included, once deemed improbable, especially after the 2017 split between Square Enix and IO Interactive and Hitman 2‘s underwhelming sales. Yet, like Agent 47 himself, the Hitman franchise persists. However, Hitman 3‘s path to release wasn’t without its bumps, including Epic Store exclusivity and a messy integration of previous game content. Once again, Hitman‘s near-perfect gameplay is hampered by external factors.

A Masterful Killing Sandbox

Hitman 3 continues the familiar rhythm of the series, with characters brought to life by excellent voice acting, thrusting 47 into situations deeply personal to him and Diana Burnwood. While the overarching narrative echoes familiar beats, especially a key plot point from Hitman: Blood Money, the real draw remains the gameplay.

Hitman is about orchestrating elaborate assassinations of the world’s 1%, reveling in the darkly comedic ways they meet their demise. Hitman 3 delivers this in spades, encouraging replayability to discover new, creative methods of dispatching targets.

Hitman 3The core gameplay remains consistent with previous entries. Improvements aren’t about new features, but subtle refinements to flow and depth. Obstacles, cover, and hiding spots are strategically placed, allowing for dynamic improvisation. Item placement is logical, with even the smallest details becoming crucial. Unlockable shortcuts and gear create a compelling gameplay loop of exploration, elimination, and escape. 47 even gains a new camera for hacking electronics, adding a fresh layer to the strategic toolkit.

The game respects player choice, allowing for various approaches. Disguises grant access to restricted areas, but obstacles demand specific tools: lockpicks for doors, screwdrivers for vents, wrenches for machinery. This scavenger hunt encourages exploration, memorizing item locations and combining them with unconventional routes like pipes and ledges for optimal playthroughs. This multi-purpose design sets Hitman apart from other stealth games, where sneaking is a mere tactic, not the optimal strategy. Each level becomes a puzzle to conquer, demanding mastery and experimentation.

A World Tour of Assassination

Hitman 3Dubai’s “On Top of the World” mission initially impresses with its breathtaking Burj Al-Ghazali setting. However, the interior lacks the density of previous locations like Paris or Miami. Its strength lies in the intricate level design, encouraging navigation between the highest floors. It’s predictable and easy to learn, ideal for “Suit Only” runs and newcomers. The Asmodeus Waltz Escalation mission further showcases Dubai’s fast-paced potential, especially its third level requiring SMG kills and no costume changes. Fans of Blood Money‘s “Dance With The Devil” will appreciate a fun cameo.

Hitman 3Dartmoor offers a refreshing change of pace with its Agatha Christie-inspired murder mystery within the Thornbridge Manor. The narrative is darkly humorous, allowing 47 to solve the case and manipulate events. However, subsequent playthroughs reveal a simpler level structure and limited assassination options. The mandatory retrieval of documents related to The Constant feels like unnecessary padding. While visually stunning, Dartmoor could benefit from an additional target and expanded environment.

Hitman 3Berlin flips the script, with 47 hunted by ICA agents. Eliminating these targets within a Berlin club delivers a message and cleverly reverses the hunter-prey dynamic. It improves upon Hitman 2‘s Mumbai by streamlining target identification. While the lack of recognition for eliminating all targets and the pre-marked targets on subsequent playthroughs are minor issues, Berlin stands out as the most “classic” Hitman experience.

Chongqing blends Hitman: Absolution‘s rain-soaked atmosphere with a bizarre narrative involving mind control experiments. The level design echoes Sapienza, with distinct indoor areas connected by a central hub. Navigating the contrasting environments of Hush’s grimy upper levels and Imogen Royce’s high-tech underground facility adds another layer of intrigue.

Mendoza, Argentina, provides a Blood Money vibe with its vineyard setting. The moderately sized level is divided into three areas: a vineyard party, a villa, and guarded hills. It features a unique, brutal Mission Story and a cleverly integrated narrative finale.

The final mission aboard a Romanian train serves as an epilogue, focusing on narrative closure. While visually detailed, its linear design limits replayability.

Frustrating Technical Hiccups

Hitman 3Despite operating independently, IOI retains Denuvo and the always-online requirement, much to the chagrin of fans. Offline mode remains a hollow shell, locking away challenges, unlocks, and progression. The messy Epic Games Store exclusivity and the protracted process of integrating previous game content are further frustrations. Despite promises, accessing Hitman 2016 content in Hitman 3 remains problematic for Steam owners, negating years of investment.

Hitman 3

Hitman 3

Hitman 3 delivers a satisfying conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy, showcasing refined gameplay and creative level design. However, persistent technical issues and questionable business decisions tarnish an otherwise excellent experience.