The last two hitman series have boasted some of the best stealth-driven systems on PC, and Hitman 3 puts the berry on the icing with its superb levels and locations. I have been playing the Hitman series for close to a decade now, so I can categorically say I am an old man in the game. So just when I thought I had seen it all and there was barely anything new to see, the Hitman III hit me with some surprises rolled up its sleeve.

The Hitman III is the eighth addition to the Hitman franchise for the newcomers to the game, but it is also the third and final installment to the Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy. IO Interactive developed the game for Microsoft Windows, PS 4, 5, Xbox One, and other related consoles. The first installment to the World of Assassination trilogy was released in 2016 and has remained biennial ever since. The trilogy follows the life of a genetically engineered humanoid hitman named Agent 47 as he and his old-time buddy take on the Providence. This clandestine organization controls the events of the world from the shadows.  

First Things First

The first thing that sets Hitman III as the most exciting installment in the franchise is how it encapsulates the entire plot of Hitman 1 and Hitman 2. Before the Hitman 1 & 2, I have felt like standalone episodes with the levels in each game feeling all the more standalone-ish. However, in Hitman 3, every mission has a backstory attached to it that follows the tale of Agent 47 and his handler, Diana Burn wood. 

For instance, there is a story before missions that gives you insight into who each target is, their role, and how they are connected to the entire story and life of Agent 47. At this point, I can’t delve into the details of the plot without giving you a lot of spoilers. Suffice it to say that Hitman 3 is about fighting the world order, betrayal, fate, and how, in the end, it’s just a vicious cycle after all.

Needless to say, that this game has the best levels and missions in the trilogy. Hitman 3, just like the previous entries, gives us six levels all in different locations around the world: Dubai, Dartmoor, Berlin, China’s Chongqing, Mendoza (Argentina), and Romania. But unlike the previous entries, now the levels are much larger; Dubai and Dartmoor, for instance, are massive, open, and packed full of variety. 

An Arabian Takeoff

The game opens with Dubai; IO Interactive is not hesitant to throw you into the heat of action t figure things out for yourself. The Dubai skyscraper has three separate areas connected by the mazy staff corridors, maintenance passage, and backstage. At first, I was confused about what to with Agent 47, but thanks to the Mission Stories, which are an integral part of each level, as they give a backstory and give hints on what’s next.

Dartmoor, the second level and location, takes its inspiration from the 2019 movie Knives Out. This typically means that this level would have the player acting like a detective to resolve a murder mystery and commit murder yourself.

It gets even more interesting with Berlin, where you are not given any of the usual gadgets ( IKR! what’s an agent without his gadgets). Besides, unlike the other levels, you are not told who your target is. The level requires that you play disguise and infiltrate Berlin’s nightclub life to find out who your targets are. The Changing episode is a mixture of experimenting with the new and the old style of densely packed houses. 

The Chinese city is so beautifully decorated with neon lights that can be captivating I had to rotate the camera position to take it all in. I love this mission because it incorporates some bizarre ways of killing your targets, and the game starts getting personal at this stage. I am particularly using my enemies’ gadgets against them.

The fifth location of Mendoza is probably the one with the most grind. It took me hours and multiple attempts to get through this level. Although this isn’t the final level, it certainly does feel like everything else builds up to “The Farewell,” as it is called. For the first time, the handler, Diana, is called into action and might need some savings.

For a final map, the Carpathian Mountains didn’t quite live up to the previous maps’ expectations. The level begins with you at the back of a laboratory train where you have to work your way to the front while avoiding being seen by guards. Your options are limited to either climbing onto the roof or around the coaches’ body –  it is not like there is any other choice available. The linearity gives it an anticlimactic ending to the game. 

More of An Update Than A Sequel

Hitman 3 has been described by some as more of a season update than a sequel. No better words can describe the game. In terms of gameplay mechanics, Hitman 3 is not much different from Hitman 1&2. The game retains the ability to import locations from prior seasons. The stealth system and myriads of disguise costume have been slightly improved, yet it remains the same at its core. And this is not a criticism as the stealth system is one of the best in the genre.  

Yet, Hitman 3 sets itself apart with more than just its storytelling. First, the IOI introduced less of an actual camera and more of a scanner and can hack into electronic locks. Another great change comes in its PS VR player mode. Yes, you get the option of viewing the murders first hand, and it’s an absolute mindblower. 

An Open-Ended Trilogy Ending

Generally speaking, Hitman 3 is a perfect way to end a trilogy without actually really ending it. IO Interactive brings an abundance of creative ways to take out a target. From straight-out murders to orchestrating a tragic accident that takes out the target. This takes away the bore that often comes with replaying a level, as there are different ways to eliminate a target, sometimes without necessarily getting your hands dirty.