After an four year absence, a main entry into the Hitman series has been released in a new episodic format for next-gen consoles.  Taking place twenty years before Absolution in the prologue, and sometime after the events of the former, Hitman takes Agent 47 to Paris where he is given the task of gaining intel on the auction of secrets, as well as assassinating key targets. Throughout episode one, players will discover different ways to eliminate their targets, as well as performing contract killings to keep the episode feeling fresh with every play through.

Hitman is an 2016 episodic action, stealth game, it is developed by IO Interactive, and published by Square Enix. It is available on PC, Playstation 4, and Xbox One.

The work of an assassin is never pretty.

Having been on a bit of a Hitman kick the last few years, I was thrilled when Square announced a brand new main entry into the series after four years. After previously (and successfully) experimenting with the episodic format with new IP Life is Strange, Square decided to further test the possibilities of the format with one of their more seasoned AAAs in Hitman. For the most part the, the episodic format works, but given the way you play Hitman there’s a few kinks that should be worked out.

Welcome to Paris, Agent 47.

THE GOOD: Hitman’s reboot is an welcome edition to the franchise, though the format has changed, the traditional gameplay and spirit of the franchise remains. With a brief tutorial being completed, players are treated to a video of Agent 47’s most unique and infamous kills throughout the series. Following this video, players are sent to Paris to begin episode one and the game’s first canon assassinations.  In Hitman players are given multiple options to assassinate their targets, with each opportunity giving you a different result, this creates an almost endless amount of options, and brings great replay value. Contracts are also available to give players new targets in the episode, again keeping feeling fresh.

Multiple ways to play, multiple ways to kill.

THE BAD: Navigating the menu for Episode One felt a bit odd, especially compared to other episodic games. I can’t really explain what was so odd about the navigation, but it felt off. Tips also hold your hand a bit too much, thankfully these can be removed. Also certain kills & methods made the play through entirely too easy.

A welcome return for Agent 47.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Despite a few minor annoyances, Hitman’s latest is a great game that provides different ways to get the kill, different ways to play, and different ways to experience explore the world of Agent 47. Admittedly certain kills made episode one more easy than others, but for players looking for a true challenge this can easily be avoided by changing the method of the kill. The navigation of the menu felt off, maybe due to AAA and episodic format not usually meshing together, but the overall experience of episode one is an welcomed return to the main franchise, and will keep players wanting more.