Agent 47’s latest adventure starts today with the release of the new Hitman game. Since its reveal at last year’s E3, the game went through a series of changes before it was finally available to the public.
What’s New
Instead of a linear path through each level, this new game takes a sandbox approach. There are multiple ways to sneak past guards and employees, as well as various methods to take down your target. In addition, each level is immense. The developers mentioned that the Paris level is six times larger than the “Streets of Hope” mission from Hitman: Absolution.
At launch, you'll have access to the Prologue and Paris missions. You’ll also be able to take on an Escalation Contract. This special contract will have you kill a specific target throughout the course of five stages. However, each stage of the contract is more difficult than the last, so you’ll have to be more creative in killing your target. Next week, the developers will introduce Elusive Targets that are around for a limited time. To make things more difficult, you have only one chance to kill the target before he or she escapes your grasp.
A Rocky Road
Initially the game was supposed to come out last December, but IO Interactive delayed it to March to increase the amount of content available at launch. At the time, the developers already told fans that a portion of the game would be available only when it comes out with the rest of the content, at some point in the future.
In January, the developers made Hitman an episodic game. At launch, players will have access to the Prologue and Paris missions only. Additional levels in Italy, Morocco, Thailand, the U.S., and Japan will come in the months following the initial release. Weekly content and Contracts Mode will also be available at launch.
Check It Out
If you want a taste of what the new game has to offer, you can buy the Intro Pack, which includes the Prologue and Paris missions, weekly content, and Contracts Mode, for $15. Each new map will cost you an additional $10, or you can upgrade to the full version for $50. You can still buy the full game at $60, or get the Collector’s Edition at $140. It comes in a special collector’s box and includes Agent 47’s tie, an art book and a statue of Agent 47.
Follow Rexly Peñaflorida II @Heirdeux. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.
