Hitman: Absolution is broadly considered the ‘black sheep’ of the sequence due to its concentrate on cinematic storytelling over participant freedom. That is very a lot nonetheless the case with this recent launch on Change from Feral Interactive, however now that authentic developer IO Interactive has righted the ship with the superb World of Assassination trilogy, it’s a lot simpler to look again on Absolution and higher admire it for what it’s – sort of like Resident Evil 6.
Does that imply it’s good? No, removed from it. But it surely’s an interesting detour for Agent 47 that also offers ample enjoyable whereas laying foundations for later titles, together with the upcoming 007 First Gentle.
Like earlier entries, Absolution requires you to find your targets and dispatch them with as little fuss as attainable (whereas continuously evading the po-po). Nailing a excessive stealth ranking is what it’s all about, however in case you desire to go in weapons blazing, that’s an possibility. In any other case, sneaky little ‘accidents’ are sometimes the very best plan of action, and you’ll activate Intuition Mode to spotlight enemies, objects, and traps to assist formulate a plan.
Disguises allow you to entry areas that may in any other case be off-limits, however most of the guards can see via your outfits (not actually, cheeky) and uncover your true id. Intuition Mode comes into play right here too, so by holding down ‘R’ whereas in an enemy’s line of sight, you can also make your self inconspicuous sufficient to slide by.
Not like World of Assassination, Intuition Mode is finite. Counting on it an excessive amount of will deplete your provides. Taking out guards and finishing challenges will replenish it, however I counsel utilizing it sparingly and as a substitute rely by yourself senses to scope out alternatives; it’s rather more enjoyable that method.
Ranges are total smaller and extra compact than what you is perhaps used to. IO Interactive focuses much more on telling a coherent story, and it exhibits within the construction. In different Hitman titles, you’d spend a number of time strolling out within the open and mixing into your environment, however in Absolution, sneaking round and hiding behind cowl is usually extra advisable due to the close-quarters environments.
This pissed off a number of of us again in 2012, and the sport was broadly criticised for its total linearity when in comparison with earlier entries. This hasn’t modified, however there’s nonetheless a good quantity of choices accessible when deciding how you can strategy your targets. Know what you’re getting your self into and also you’ll have time.
Efficiency is precisely what I imagined it might be. You’re taking a look at 30fps with a number of minor hitches right here and there, notably in dense crowds. Textures and belongings have additionally been scaled again significantly, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good-looking recreation regardless, and the accompanying music is constantly nice.
Feral has promised a free Change 2 improve in 2026 together with an additional Contracts Mode, so in case you’re joyful to attend till then, then by all means achieve this. However Hitman: Absolution on Change is strong, flaws and all.
