P.S. I’ll be updating this piece once I get my hands on the game today at 1:30pm PT. For now, here’s a new trailer showcasing Hitman 2 gameplay footage from Miami…
@TravMoody
HITMAN 2 (IO Interactive/WBIE – PS4, Xbox One, PC – November 13) – Full disclaimer: I wasn’t entirely thrilled that, of the 3 rumored games WB had on their 2-game (??) slate, Hitman 2 would wind up the first official announcement. That said, the rebooted, next-gen Hitman was a critical hit, including strong reviews right here at GHG.
According to WB’s press release on the newest Agent 47 saga, Hitman 2
“takes players on a global adventure across a mix of bustling international locations, including a vibrant Miami setting with the colorful ambience of an in-progress motorsport race bringing a new backdrop to the series. From sun-drenched streets to dark and dangerous rainforests, each intricate location provides multiple paths to discover and unparalleled game depth.”
Did I mention I wasn’t thrilled? Stupid me. This not-so-stealthy gameplayer has admittedly become greater at the stealth game, honing the craft with my more recent ventures in Rise of the Tomb Raider, Far Cry 5, and Assassin’s Creed Origins. Maybe this old man’s gaming-attention span has grown better with age? The spy thriller’s narrative might just hold gamer-wide attention too, as Agent 47 will discover forgotten truths about his past on his way to unravel the Shadow Client’s militia.
Perhaps the biggest deal of all, at least to this Agent Moody, is the all-new Sniper Assassin mode, a “standalone feature that brings a co-op experience to the Hitman series for the first time, allowing two players to work together online to take down their targets.” Better for my fellow lone wolves, Sniper Assassin can also be played as a single player mode. Nice!
Since Hitman 2 is being sold in a Standard ($59.99), Silver ($79.99, includes the first DLC and adds a new location, sniper map, and new outfits and weapons) and Gold ($99, includes both planned DLC packs) Editions, this means the game will no longer release in an episodic format, which may prove a smarter change considering how easy an “episodic” game can get lost in the sea of games as a service (I always wondered how well games like Killer Instinct, Life is Strange and Street Fighter V would have done if complete upon release).
Either way, there’s no doubt that many fans of Hitman were spy-thrilled with Warner Bros’ game reveal today. We’ll have more hands-on impressions come Tuesday night.
-Travis Moody
Sniper Assassin is available to play now as an early access bonus for those who pre-order the Hitman 2 Standard, Silver, Gold or Collector’s Edition.