'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
Review of Hitman
