Does Hitman 3 Have All 3 Games In It? The World of Assassination Explained
The short answer is yes, sort of. What was formerly known as Hitman 3 has been rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination. This isn’t just a name change; it signifies a major shift in how the entire trilogy is accessed and experienced. So, while you don’t technically install three separate games, Hitman: World of Assassination effectively contains the content from Hitman 1, Hitman 2, and Hitman 3, provided you either owned them previously or purchase the relevant access passes. Let’s dive into the details and clear up any confusion.
The Evolution to World of Assassination
Previously, accessing all the content across the Hitman trilogy was a complex process involving multiple editions, DLC packs, and access passes. This created a confusing landscape for both new and returning players. IO Interactive, the developers, recognized this and streamlined the entire system with the World of Assassination update.
This update essentially merges Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 into Hitman 3’s engine and framework. You’ll launch Hitman: World of Assassination, and from the main menu, you can access all the missions, locations, and storylines from all three games. This creates a seamless and unified experience, vastly improving accessibility and simplifying the purchase process.
Understanding the Access Pass System
The “catch,” if there is one, is the Access Pass system. While owning Hitman 3 (now Hitman: World of Assassination) grants you access to the base game’s content, accessing the levels and missions from Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 requires owning the respective Access Passes.
- If you owned Hitman 1 and/or Hitman 2 previously: You should automatically receive the corresponding Access Passes for free after the update to Hitman: World of Assassination. This is a huge benefit for long-time fans who invested in the earlier installments.
- If you didn’t own Hitman 1 and/or Hitman 2: You can purchase the Access Passes separately to unlock their content within Hitman: World of Assassination. This gives you the flexibility to cherry-pick which games you want to experience or to complete the entire trilogy.
Benefits of the Unified Experience
Consolidating the trilogy into a single game offers several key advantages:
- Simplified Installation: You only need to install one game, Hitman: World of Assassination, rather than managing three separate installations. This saves valuable storage space and streamlines the overall experience.
- Unified Engine and Features: All content benefits from the improved engine and features of Hitman 3, including updated graphics, gameplay mechanics, and UI. This ensures a consistent and modern experience across the entire trilogy.
- Seamless Progression: You can seamlessly progress through the entire World of Assassination storyline without switching between different games. This enhances the narrative flow and allows for a more immersive experience.
- Simplified Purchases: The Access Pass system makes it easier to understand what content you own and what you need to purchase. This eliminates the confusion of navigating multiple editions and DLC packs.
- Access to all game modes: You can seamlessly experience all the different game modes that the different titles have brought.
What About Challenges and Unlocks?
While the core levels and missions from Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 are integrated into Hitman: World of Assassination, some challenges and unlocks may not directly transfer. This is often due to changes in gameplay mechanics or level design. However, many challenges and unlocks are replicated or adapted within the new framework, ensuring a satisfying sense of progression.
Furthermore, the Games Learning Society explores the challenges and solutions in video game design and the complexities of transferring elements from one game to another. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to buy Hitman 1 and 2 separately?
No. With Hitman: World of Assassination, you don’t need to buy the original Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 games separately if you own the Access Passes. The content is integrated directly into Hitman: World of Assassination.
2. What happens if I already own Hitman 3?
If you owned Hitman 3 before the change, you received a free upgrade to Hitman: World of Assassination. This includes access to the base game content and the option to purchase Access Passes for Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 if you didn’t already own them.
3. How do I get the Hitman 1 and 2 Access Passes?
If you owned Hitman 1 and/or Hitman 2, the corresponding Access Passes should be automatically granted to your account. If you didn’t own them, you can purchase them from the in-game store or your platform’s digital storefront.
4. Is Hitman: World of Assassination a free upgrade?
The upgrade to Hitman: World of Assassination was free for existing Hitman 3 owners. However, access to the Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 content depends on whether you owned those games previously or purchase the relevant Access Passes.
5. Do I need to keep Hitman 1 and 2 installed?
No. Once you have the Access Passes for Hitman 1 and Hitman 2, you only need to have Hitman: World of Assassination installed. You can uninstall the original games to free up storage space.
6. Will my progress from Hitman 1 and 2 transfer?
Yes, if you previously transferred your progress to Hitman 3, that progress should remain intact within Hitman: World of Assassination.
7. Are there any graphical or gameplay improvements for Hitman 1 and 2 content?
Yes. The Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 levels benefit from the graphical and gameplay enhancements of the Hitman 3 engine, providing a more polished and consistent experience.
8. Is Hitman: World of Assassination worth buying?
If you’re a fan of stealth games and haven’t experienced the World of Assassination trilogy, Hitman: World of Assassination is an excellent value. It offers hundreds of hours of gameplay across a wide range of diverse and intricately designed levels.
9. Can I play Hitman 1 and 2 content separately?
No, you can’t play the original Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 games within Hitman: World of Assassination as standalone titles. They are integrated as levels and missions within the larger game.
10. What if I only want to play Hitman 3 content?
You can absolutely play only the Hitman 3 content within Hitman: World of Assassination. The game allows you to select which missions and locations you want to access.
11. Are there any downsides to the World of Assassination model?
Some players miss the original standalone versions of Hitman 1 and Hitman 2. However, the benefits of a unified experience and simplified access outweigh the downsides for most players.
12. Does Hitman: World of Assassination include all DLC from Hitman 1 and 2?
The Access Passes typically include the main story content and most of the significant locations and missions from Hitman 1 and Hitman 2. However, some minor DLC or cosmetic items might need to be purchased separately.
13. Is Hitman: World of Assassination available on all platforms?
Hitman: World of Assassination is available on most major platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Check your platform’s digital storefront for availability and pricing.
14. Is there a physical version of Hitman: World of Assassination?
No, the World of Assassination model is primarily digital.
15. What is the price of Hitman: World of Assassination?
The price may vary depending on your platform and region. Check your platform’s digital storefront for current pricing. Typically, it would be equivalent to the original price of Hitman 3.
Conclusion: A Streamlined Assassination Experience
The transition to Hitman: World of Assassination is a significant improvement for the Hitman franchise. By consolidating the trilogy into a single game and simplifying the Access Pass system, IO Interactive has created a more accessible and user-friendly experience for both new and veteran players. While the initial confusion surrounding the changes was understandable, the end result is a cohesive and rewarding way to experience the entire World of Assassination storyline. So, embrace the unified experience, sharpen your skills, and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the world of assassination.