Agent 47’s journey culminates in Hitman 3, a masterful blend of stealth, strategy, and sardonic humor that provides a truly satisfying conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy. The game doesn’t just offer more of the same; it refines and expands upon the established formula, delivering a polished and engaging experience from start to finish. From the breathtaking heights of Dubai to the misty vineyards of Mendoza, each location is a meticulously crafted playground brimming with opportunities for creative assassinations, making this iteration one of the best entries in the long-running franchise and definitely worth your time. The levels are more intricate and reactive than ever before, and it’s up to you to make the most of them.

A World of Opportunities

One of Hitman 3’s greatest strengths lies in its level design. Each location feels like a living, breathing world, populated with believable characters and intricate systems. You’re not just presented with a target and a means to eliminate them; you’re given the freedom to explore, observe, and manipulate the environment to your advantage. Discovering a new disguise, overhearing a crucial conversation, or finding a hidden passage can open up entirely new possibilities for your mission.

• Dubai: Start your journey atop the Burj Khalifa-esque Scepter, a modern marvel teeming with security and secrets.
• Dartmoor: Solve a murder mystery in a grand English manor while simultaneously eliminating your target.
• Berlin: Blend into the underground rave scene to hunt down ICA agents in disguise.
• Chongqing: Navigate the neon-lit streets and towering apartment complexes of a densely populated Chinese city.
• Mendoza: Infiltrate a lavish vineyard party in Argentina, complete with a tango performance and a high-stakes meeting.
• Romania: (Spoiler territory ー experience it for yourself!)

Gameplay Refinements

While the core gameplay remains largely unchanged, Hitman 3 introduces subtle but significant refinements that enhance the overall experience. The camera is more responsive, the AI is slightly more challenging, and the level design encourages even more experimentation. The “Always Online” requirement remains a point of contention for some, but the benefits of cloud saves and progression carry-over from previous games outweigh the drawbacks for many players.

Contracts Mode and Escalations

Beyond the main campaign, Hitman 3 offers a wealth of replayability through Contracts Mode and Escalations. Contracts Mode allows players to create and share custom assassination challenges, while Escalations present increasingly difficult variations on existing levels, pushing players to master the game’s mechanics and think outside the box.

Performance and Presentation

Hitman 3 is a visually stunning game, with detailed environments, realistic character models, and impressive lighting effects. The game runs smoothly on a variety of hardware configurations, and the loading times are significantly improved compared to its predecessors. The sound design is equally impressive, with immersive ambient soundscapes and a haunting musical score that perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere.

While the ending may leave some wanting more closure, the overall experience of playing Hitman 3 is one of immense satisfaction. The game delivers a polished and engaging stealth experience with some of the best level design in the series. It’s a fitting conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy and a must-play for fans of the franchise.