(Image credit: IO Interactive)

Agent 47 Working 9 to 5

The intense environmental mechanics fill out what may seem to be a short game with only a few missions in Hitman 3. While the graphics are improved, there are issues with AI behaviors that have not changed since the original Hitman. It also did not help that some of 47’s controls were sticky, which made it ­­­­­hard to move with precise timing. Even with these setbacks, The Load Screen reviews Hitman 3 by IO Interactive as the pinnacle of the series. The increasing list of level challenges, individual area masteries, and other game modes reinforce the instant replayability of each level.

The overarching story across all three games comes to a fitting conclusion for the saga. The narrative continues right where Hitman 2 left off, Agent 47 has identified the true mastermind behind the ISA and its shadowy owners the Providence Group. Now he must hunt them down with the help of his handler Diana Burnwood and his oldest friend Lucas Grey. Odds may be against him, but that will not stop a genetically enhanced superspy. Even though the main storyline has 6 missions, there is plenty of drama for the player to experience throughout the game.

IO Interactive tells stories throughout each level that offer some of the best moments and are not just times when 47 uses the right disguise for poisoning his target. They represent a wide range of cleverly choreographed instances for the player to manipulate unwitting victims into unique deaths. Kill a target with a battle of minds, kick a matriarch into a grave, and even become DJ death. Timing is key as I learned when I tried to set up a target at an art exhibit. I spent over 20 minutes fixing the equipment for a once in a lifetime art show only for a random NPC to trigger the trap, alerting the entire staff.

Agent 47’s universe got a graphics upgrade, which can make playing familiar levels from the past titles worth it, even for those who transferred Hitman 1 & 2 data. The dynamic lighting and shadows are incredibly designed for hiding in darkness from wandering eyes, despite not yet supporting ray tracing. Each of the 6 levels has its own personality with NPCs all appropriately themed. They are intricately laid out with many hidden treasures scattered throughout. There is so much detail put into every location that a small electronics shop is rich with vibrant features. Although a small note, the response from the mirrorlike water is not that impressive as characters splash through it. Why would a master spy be running through water anyways?

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

The gameplay of Hitman 3 may have seen the least improvement of any area since the first installment. The basic mechanics of stealth and espionage has only one change, and it can get in the way at times. Hitman can now use a cell phone for hacking devices and taking pictures, making him eligible for the Watch Dogs crew. No selfies though. The camera feature is not used frequently so it can be easily forgotten about with many alternate routes available without hacking. Most of the mechanics were fluid already in the prior titles so only subtle changes were needed. It was extremely rewarding to patiently stalk a target, learn their routine, and strike at the precise moment for a humorous accident. 

However, if the player is not stealthy and the AI hunts them down, those enemies are easy to confuse. It would not take a super spy to distract an armed security guard from firing at an intruder by throwing a baseball. At other times when Agent 47 began melee combat, nearby foes did not shoot him down. I was able to knock out one guard while another one watched with his sawed-off shotgun readied. Before the fool could fire, I snuck behind him and put him to sleep. The AI does not improve on Master difficulty, but increased guards and cameras make up for it.

For a single player third person stealth shooter, the game requires a constant online connection to IO Interactive servers for cloud saving.  Without this link, the game will not properly track player progress or save. Occasionally it was frustrating when I lost connection to the server and had to wait. Others have reported extreme issues such as waiting for hours, but in my case, it only took seconds for my PC to reconnect. This is an area that could easily get improved with future updates and even a small patch or two, so hopefully it is not a problem for long.

There were other mechanical issues that led to instant deaths or replays, such as attempting stealth attacks near stairs or ledges. They lead to loud melee takedowns every time. Another problem was dodging between covers because the transfer option must be in view, and Agent 47 prioritizes sneaking around wall corners. While one drawback was more comical: if an NPC is disturbed during their routine then they start walking away through obstacles. After poisoning an annoying artist twice, she got so sick she glitched off the map.

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

Despite those difficulties, every level presents Agent 47 with plenty of unique opportunities to handle any situation. However, for those who have beaten the campaign and want to avoid the grind of getting all the challenges, there are two other game modes currently. The Contracts Mode is made of player created contracts set across the Hitman series, but only if the player has paid for access to each game. Missions come complete with a distinctive description and list of special ways to finish the objectives that push the comical limits. The other mode is Sniper Assassin which makes its return from Hitman 2, for those looking for some extreme social distancing.

Six levels of pure 47-style action, comedy, and even some drama if the story is followed in Hitman 3. The way various scenarios are presented for the watchful player shows there is more than 10 hours of serious content that is worth replaying. If you are a gamer who strives for total challenge completion on each level, then it could take you well over 20 hours to finish. Add in Contracts Mode and Sniper Assassin with all the optional DLC content from the prior titles, and the playtime on Hitman 3 could get astronomical. If all else fails, dress as a clown and knock out the whole level if you can.

Hitman 3

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Stadia

• Developer: IO Interactive

• Publisher: IO Interactive

• Release Date: January 20, 2021