Pixel Sundays: Hitman – The Evolution of the Perfect Killer
Today, we’re talking about a franchise that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Today’s topic is the Hitman franchise—one of the most popular stealth shooter franchises of all time, which has been with us for many years.
Summary
- The Origins of Hitman – The Birth of an Assassin
- The Evolution of Hitman Games – Trial and Error as a Gameplay Philosophy
- Game Mechanics and Gameplay – The Art of Silent Killing
- The Game World – Hitman as a Global Instrument of Murder
- Hitman’s Influence on the Stealth Genre – Unique or Outdated?
- Expectations for the Future – Where is Agent 47 Headed?
- Conclusion – The Perfect Assassination of Boredom?
This week’s Pixel Sundays article is all about Hitman. So, everything revolves around our beloved Agent 47, who has been with us in this stealth shooter for almost 25 years now. Learn all about its origins, development, gameplay mechanics, the future of the franchise, and much more.
The Origins of Hitman – The Birth of an Assassin
The creation of the Hitman franchise is closely tied to the founding of IO Interactive in 1998. The Danish game studio was established on September 16, 1998, as a merger between the seven-member team of Reto-Moto and the film studio Nordisk Film.
Originally, the team wanted to develop a fantasy MMO called “Rex Dominus.” However, upon the advice of Nordisk Film, the project was abandoned in favor of creating a simple shooter. Inspired by John Woo films like “Hard Boiled” and “The Killer,” the idea emerged to develop an action game featuring a protagonist in a suit. This character would fight his way through Chinese restaurant settings, laying the foundation for “Hitman: Codename 47.”
A crucial step in developing the first Hitman game was the creation of the in-house Glacier engine. This technology allowed the implementation of real-time ragdoll physics in the game. At the time, this was a cutting-edge feature, rarely seen in other games. As a result, the game caught the attention of British publisher Eidos Interactive, which later became its publisher.
Hitman: Codename 47 was released on November 19, 2000, for PC. The game was distinguished by its focus on creative assassinations, the use of disguises, and the freedom to complete missions in various ways. However, due to its difficulty level, the game received mixed reviews, but it laid the groundwork for the successful Hitman series.
The Evolution of Hitman Games – Trial and Error as a Gameplay Philosophy
Over the nearly 25-year history of the Hitman franchise, a lot of experimentation has taken place. There have been various design philosophies over the years, some of which didn’t work out well—but more on that later.
Following the success of “Hitman: Codename 47,” IO Interactive continued the series with “Hitman 2: Silent Assassin” (2002), “Hitman: Contracts” (2004), and “Hitman: Blood Money” (2006). These titles built upon the foundation of the first game and introduced significant improvements:
- Hitman 2: Silent Assassin: The sequel significantly improved the alarm system and enhanced enemy AI. This made it harder to remain undetected during missions, but the experience felt much more rewarding. The game also finally introduced the ability to save during missions, so players no longer had to complete everything in a single session.
- Hitman: Contracts: The third entry in the series featured a much darker atmosphere and included remakes of selected missions from Codename 47. New weapons and gadgets were also introduced, allowing for greater tactical adaptation and providing players with more options in missions.
- Hitman: Blood Money: The fourth entry in the series is considered by many to be the peak of the franchise. The gameplay is highly refined, and the levels are intricately designed. You could complete missions in numerous creative ways. Additionally, the “Notoriety” system was introduced, which caused NPC behavior to adjust based on the player’s actions. This significantly increased the replayability of missions.
With “Hitman: Absolution” (2012), IO Interactive took a bold step in a new direction. The game focused on a more narrative-driven structure with linear level designs. It was praised for its graphics and detailed environments, but the departure from the open sandbox design disappointed many fans. Despite receiving some negative criticism, the game sold over 3.6 million copies by 2013. However, Square Enix (the game’s publisher) did not reach its expected sales target.
IO Interactive took note of this mixed reception and decided to refocus on the core strengths of the series, leading to the creation of the “World of Assassination” trilogy:
- Hitman (2016): This game marked the return to open-ended mission design with expansive levels that offered numerous approaches. It was released episodically, giving players ample time to explore each mission thoroughly and experiment with different strategies.
- Hitman 2 (2018): The sequel built upon the mechanics and features of its predecessor. It introduced new locations and several enhanced gameplay mechanics. A standout addition was the “Sniper Assassin” mode, which enabled cooperative play.
- Hitman 3 (2021): The final installment of the trilogy was the most ambitious, featuring the most detailed level designs in the entire series. The game also introduced virtual reality support, further immersing players in the experience. Additionally, it allowed players to import content from previous games.
Game Mechanics and Gameplay – The Art of Silent Assassination
The Hitman games feature many unique mechanics that make them incredibly engaging. Let’s go over the most important ones.
One of the core gameplay elements is disguises and stealth. Agent 47 can use various disguises, which he can either find or acquire from NPCs. These outfits allow him to access restricted areas and avoid detection by guards. However, caution is still required—high-ranking security personnel can recognize him despite his disguise, so always be mindful of who is nearby.
Then, of course, there’s the open-level design and open mission structure. On each map, you can eliminate your targets in a variety of ways. You can simply shoot them or wait for the right moment to find a cool elimination opportunity. There are many different solutions, which makes the game so interesting. This also means you can replay the levels multiple times, as you can approach the mission differently with each playthrough.
The developers at IO Interactive have always aimed to create a vast world with realistic and detailed locations. Each map is filled with countless details and even small Easter eggs. Most objects can also be interacted with in some way. You can climb into buildings using drainpipes or similar structures, potentially bypassing the need for a disguise to get past guards. However, you’ll need to carefully explore the open world to find these opportunities.
The Game World – Hitman as a Global Murder Instrument
Even though we’ve already discussed the details of the locations, let’s dive a little deeper. IO Interactive wanted to make the locations as realistic as possible. For example, the fictional Italian city of Sapienza was inspired by coastal towns like Vernazza. Although the team never visited in person, they conducted extensive research using Google Street View and YouTube to perfectly capture the architecture and atmosphere. Maps like Paris and Miami are also incredibly detailed. The developers have consistently managed to capture the essence of each location, making players truly feel like they’re there.
Each map is also its own puzzle box, where story and gameplay are perfectly intertwined. Every level offers countless ways to play. You can sneak around, use disguises, exploit the environment, and much more. Creative thinking is rewarded, as it often leads to success.
The story might not be the main focus for everyone, which is understandable. However, Agent 47’s missions are all interconnected, and certain characters frequently reappear. This creates connections and an intricate narrative web. To uncover more details, you must eavesdrop on conversations and find notes. While this is optional, it’s still quite exciting. Additionally, doing so often reveals alternative ways to eliminate your target, making it well worth the effort.
The world of Hitman is filled with numerous NPCs. Depending on the map, not all of them are staff—some are just guests. Guards follow fixed routines that you can study. If you learn where a guard is headed next, you can sneak past undetected.
Hitman’s Influence on the Stealth Genre – Unique or Outdated?
The Hitman series has significantly shaped the stealth genre and stands out with its unique gameplay mechanics. Hitman is particularly impressive due to its open mission design and freedom of approach. No other game offers this many possibilities. The sandbox elements also contribute to the replayability of missions, unlike many other stealth games that are often abandoned after a single playthrough.
Unfortunately, pure stealth games are becoming increasingly rare. Stealth elements are often optional in modern games, with the focus shifting more towards action. However, the success of the “World of Assassination” trilogy proves that there is still a demand for pure stealth games today. This raises the question: what does the future hold?
Expectations for the Future – Where Will Agent 47’s Journey Lead?
IO Interactive is currently working on “Project 007,” a James Bond game. They announced this in November 2020. It features an original storyline that explores the origins of the famous secret agent. This marks a significant step for the studio—moving away from their comfort zone into something new.
Does this mean the end of Hitman? No, don’t worry. Just because the studio is now focusing on Project 007 doesn’t mean the Hitman franchise is over. IO Interactive stated that after completing the “World of Assassination” trilogy, Agent 47 is taking a break but is not retiring.
Conclusion – The Perfect Assassination of Boredom?
With nearly 25 years of history, Hitman has established itself as one of the most consistent and innovative stealth game franchises. Since Agent 47 first appeared in 2000, the series has evolved, experimented, but always retained its unique core: The art of silent killing. Despite changes in the gaming industry, the Hitman franchise has stayed true to its principles.
When and in what form the next Hitman game will appear remains uncertain. However, with Project 007, IO Interactive is introducing a new spy franchise. Still, we hope to see Agent 47 return. Sometimes, taking a break to gather new ideas can be a great thing. So, for now, we wait and see—perhaps replaying Hitman 3 to discover new ways to eliminate targets in the meantime.
Hey, I’m Kilian, but online you’ll probably know me as “Tux1243.” I've been part of the team for almost two years now, always trying to keep you in the loop with the latest and coolest gaming news. I also have a huge passion for doing deep dives and detailed analyses of entire game series and franchises. I love getting to the bottom of things and exploring the little details and backstories that make game worlds so fascinating.
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