Hitman 3 (Xbox Series X/S) Review

From the opening mission its clear that IO Interactive has taken full advantage of all of the next-gen hardware available to them and are eager to show itoffas soon as possible. A fantastic setting of a skyscraper inspired by the real-life Burj Khalifabrings out the best the Series X has to offer,with sunlit glass floors and water realistically reflecting the beauty of the surrounding area. It's frankly spectacular and anyone would be forgiven for thinking that this locale would not be an honest representation of the open expanses of other missions.It's a pleasure then to see that after a full playthrough, all locations 47 applies his craft to look fantastic and ensure that re-treading the boards of these areas are just as fulfilling as previous games, with the added flair of superior lighting and visuals.

When it comes down to it, experimentation is and always has been, the crutch of Hitman 3. Those expecting any major difference in gameplay and presentation are barking up the wrong Agency here (If any players are looking for that, they're also wrong). Menus, mechanics and controls are essentially identical to previous titles, allowing manual and quick saving throughout any contract in case that subtle thought-out hit turns into the inevitable bloodbath. With insurmountable oddsfor47 and Co, a control scheme that maintains the same standards already set is a welcome one. Quick thinking and just as quick taps of the correct button are essential to ensure those lethal items are dropped in a conveniently placed bush before a frisking. That isn't to say there isn't anything new here and a trained killer is only as good as the tools at his disposal, the best of the bunch being the implementation of the digital camera (yes it sounds boring but keep reading). Not only does the soul capturing boxopen up the Hitman franchise to the Next-Gen (is itcurrent gen yet?) standard of a Photo Mode, (albeit a scaled down version from some other big titles) but by focusing on particular objects and NPC's, new storyline pathways and routes around the map can be unlocked. Some of these pathways such as a locked door or ladder will also be unlocked permanently for any later playthroughs if found.

mission reveal and it's a treat to stumble across a brief conversation, following through on a tip and then seeing where the final outcome will lead. What often seems like a simple story thread often branches off into some innovative and often ridiculous territory. Each mission is meant to be savoured and there is a wealth of gameplay options available to take advantage of that fact.Jumping back in and trying a new strategy has always been a treat however it has been marred in the past by the limitations of the hardware in terms of loading. No such issue with the next gen versions. Your Billy Corgan cosplayer is ready to go at a moment's noticewith almost instantaneous save and load states. It's hard to imagine how this was ever not the norm and really enhances the experience. With practically no punishment for a quick reload, every contract can be executed to perfection and if something far less delicate takes your fancy, that is ready and waiting too (although with no waiting, at all).

As this is a Series X review, no comment can be made on the PlayStation VR mode that will be supported at launch. What has been confirmed however is that all 20+ locations from the trilogy will be fully supported. Certainly,a tantalising prospect for any Sony fans and judging by previous trailers, a fantastic addition.Very fewnegative comments can be made here, with a great all-round package on offer. This is the definitive Hitman experience and even if new to the series, is a worthwhile pickup that will open up doors of interest in the previous offerings.If there was one thread to pull at,the only noticeable gripe would be the cutscenes played out between missions. A petty point if anything, but with such a high quality in the detail of the gameplay environments, the pre-rendered reels seem a little flat in comparison.