10 Things you should know about the new Hitman game

Hitman fans must surely be ecstatic after developer IO Interactive unveiled the teaser of the latest game in the franchise at Sony’s E3 summit on June 15th. The next game in the phenomenally popular series will see the ever enigmatic Agent 47, one of the most loved video game characters of all time, travel all over the globe to do what he does best.The new game, simply titled Hitman, is set to be IO’s most ambitious game to date and will combine the elements of all the previous games in the franchise into one awesome title. Keeping that it mind here are 10 things to know about the new Hitman game which aims to please (no pun intended).

#1 Each Level In Hitman Is Larger Than Hitman: Absolution On A Whole

To say that the new Hitman game is huge would be a major understatement. IO Interactive have kept their promise, which was a better more open ended Hitman game, and have made each level extremely vast. Players will be allowed to freeroam through levels and discover a large amount of Easter Eggs that are carefully hidden all around. This fact alone should get people excited.

#2 Hitman Will Be Released In A Unique Way

The new Hitman will be distinctive from other games in more than one way. The game is set for a December 8th digital release but will be released in parts. Gamers who purchase the game on the original release date will receive regular updates right into 2016, with each update being the setting for the next mission. If players wish to play the full game without the wait they’ll have to hang on till IO releases the full disc later in 2016. Quite a unique way to increase anticipation even after release I must say.

#3 Blood Money Greatly Influenced The New Game

If there were a jury present I’m sure they’d all unanimously agree that Blood Money was the most loved as well as most appreciated game in the Hitman series. The incredible sand box style of Blood Money with plenty of characters who could be a potential obstacle to 47 will make a return along with the 2006 game’s saving style will return. That means you’ll be able to save your game right before killing a vital target. If this revelation doesn’t make you fall in love with the new title I don’t know what will.

#4 Players Will Have To Equip Themselves Before Levels

Gone are the days when 47’s equipment was already decided by the games AI in previous instalments. The new Hitman will allow players to handpick their weapons before a mission depending on their style of play. If they want to perform a hit in stealth then a sniper rifle may be the best option, if they choose a more direct approach then the silent silverballers or a poison would be more ideal.

#5 47 Has Undergone Some...

No our beloved hitman hasnt grown weak or soft or anything like that. Instead his appearance has change a bit as compared to previous instalments. The iconic black gloves which have been a mainstay in previous games have been removed from some levels, perhaps in a move to add more realism to the game. However 47s trademark barcode has return where it belongs after the assassins had it removed in Absolution in order to be able to operate more freely. Rest assured the changes wont affect 47 one bit because hes now at his deadliest best if the trailer is anything to go by.

#6 47 Is Back In the ICA\'s Good Books

If youre a die hard fan of the Hitman series like me youre probably aware of 47s infamous employer the International Contact Agency (ICA). The last two Hitman games saw 47 at odds with the ICA, with the assassin even seemingly killing his longtime handler Diana Burnwood. However that turns out to be a ruse to weed out bad elements in the agency, with the ICA resurrected again by Diana at the end of Absolution. By the looks of things, the ICA is back with a band and are backing their most distinguished employee to the hilt in the new game. When 47 and the ICA combine everybody should beware.

#7 Contracts Mode Will Return

Contracts Mode, which was first introduced in Absolution, which won critical acclaim from gamers will make a comeback. For those unaware, Contracts Mode allows players to tailor make their assassination environment and share it with their peers online. This means that a player in the United Stated can put out a contract for someone in say – Spain to execute. Since the new Hitman is much larger than its predecessor, players can expect a much more extensive Contracts Mode with loads of added features. All in all this is certainly something to watch out for.

#8 The Disguise System Has Been Revamped

47’s penchant for slipping past security measures in a variety of disguises is well known, but he’ll have to take precautions in this game. If the player dons a disguise as a security guard then he’ll be able to easily slip past characters like cooks, waiters and other characters, but will be instantly recognized by other security guards in the environment. Not only will this make the game a bigger challenge but also all the more fun to crack. Don’t let this point put you off using the first disguise you see. All you have to do is move around more cautiously.

#9 The Environment Can Be Manipulated

Granted the environment could be manipulated in every previous Hitman game, but it doesn’t get more flexible than this. A player can toss a coin to distract a nearby guard or even arm a bomb near a guard’s station which can be noticed by him, disarmed and taken into a high security area which would make it vulnerable. Objects like chandeliers and gas lamps could also be rigged to fall or explode on unsuspecting targets, much like Absolution, as and when the time’s right. The developers weren’t kidding when they claimed that players of the new Hitman game would enter a world of assassination!

#10 Some Targets May Not Be There Forever

Yes you saw it right folks; the new game will see the difficulty level upped on some assassinations. Some targets that are assigned to you will remain at one place only for a limited period of time, during which you’ll have to smoke them out and take them out. If you’re unsuccessful in taking them out in the time given to you they’ll vanish forever leaving you with no second chance to have a go at them. Although missing out on a hit can be disappointing to any assassin, no less 47, the challenge is a worthy one and leaves the player no choice but to be at his lethal best.