Can I Skip Hitman 1 and 2? A Seasoned Agent’s Perspective
Yes, you can technically skip Hitman 1 and 2, but should you? That’s a far more nuanced question. While Hitman 3 cleverly integrates content from the previous two games, offering a unified experience, skipping 1 and 2 means missing out on a significant amount of expertly crafted content, intricate level design, and the gradual narrative build-up that makes the World of Assassination trilogy so compelling. Think of it like starting a delicious seven-course meal with dessert. Sure, it’s tasty, but you’re missing all the preceding flavors that enhance the overall experience. Choosing to skip the first two installments means choosing to jump right into the action without the gradual buildup of character development, weapon unlocks, and contextual knowledge.
The Allure of a Unified Experience: Hitman 3’s Accessibility
Hitman 3 was designed with the intention of allowing players to access the entirety of the World of Assassination. If you own Hitman 1 and 2, you can import their levels into Hitman 3, essentially creating one massive, interconnected game. This is incredibly appealing for newcomers. However, even with this unified experience, the game structure subtly assumes you have some familiarity with the basics established in the earlier titles.
Why Starting at the Beginning Matters: Immersion and Mechanics
The initial levels in Hitman 1, particularly the ICA Facility, are carefully designed to teach you the fundamental mechanics of the game. You’ll learn about disguises, routes, opportunities, and the sandbox nature of each environment. Skipping these levels means potentially struggling to grasp these core concepts, especially regarding intricate NPC behaviors and the consequences of your actions.
Think of it like learning to play a musical instrument. While you can theoretically jump straight into a complex piece, you’ll lack the fundamental understanding of chords, scales, and techniques that make the piece truly sing.
Narrative Cohesion: A Story Best Experienced Chronologically
While Hitman has never been a series driven by a deeply complex narrative, the World of Assassination trilogy does tell a coherent story that spans all three games. Skipping Hitman 1 and 2 will leave you with gaps in your understanding of the characters, the overarching conspiracy, and Agent 47’s personal journey. You’ll miss key character introductions and plot developments that add depth and resonance to the events of Hitman 3.
The Sheer Volume of Content: Missions, Challenges, and Replayability
Hitman 1 and 2 are packed with content. Each game features a diverse range of locations, targets, and challenges, offering countless hours of gameplay. Skipping these games means missing out on experiencing classic levels like Sapienza, Paris, and Miami, all renowned for their intricate design and emergent gameplay possibilities. Each location offers a multitude of ways to eliminate targets, encouraging experimentation and rewarding creativity. Ignoring these locations means missing a significant chunk of the overall Hitman experience.
Replayability: Discovering New Approaches
The true genius of the Hitman series lies in its replayability. Each mission can be approached in countless ways, from silent assassin runs to elaborate accidents to all-out chaos. Skipping Hitman 1 and 2 means missing the opportunity to experiment with different playstyles, discover hidden areas, and master each level to its fullest potential. The games incentivize you to revisit locations, uncover new secrets, and perfect your assassinations.
Financial Considerations: Finding Value
Often, Hitman 1 and 2 can be found at discounted prices. Purchasing them, even after buying Hitman 3, can be a cost-effective way to access a vast amount of content and enhance your overall experience. Consider waiting for sales or bundles to maximize your value.
Final Verdict: It’s a Matter of Preference
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to skip Hitman 1 and 2 is a personal one. If you’re primarily interested in the latest graphics and features, and you’re comfortable learning the mechanics on the fly, you can certainly jump straight into Hitman 3. However, if you value a complete and immersive experience, a gradual learning curve, and a deeper understanding of the narrative, starting with Hitman 1 is highly recommended.
Remember, Games Learning Society explores the educational potential of games, and the Hitman series offers a masterclass in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and adaptable gameplay. Learn more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the options:
1. Will I be completely lost in the story if I skip Hitman 1 and 2?
You won’t be completely lost, but you’ll miss character introductions and plot threads that enrich the overall narrative. The main plot of Hitman 3 is relatively self-contained, but knowing the backstory enhances the experience.
2. Is the gameplay significantly different between Hitman 1, 2, and 3?
The core gameplay mechanics are largely the same across all three games. However, Hitman 2 introduced a few new features, such as picture-in-picture alerts and the ability to hide in foliage, which are carried over into Hitman 3. Hitman 3 also adds a few new gadgets and mechanics, like persistent shortcuts, but the fundamentals remain consistent.
3. Are the graphics and performance much better in Hitman 3?
Yes, Hitman 3 features improved graphics, lighting, and performance compared to its predecessors. The difference is noticeable, but Hitman 1 and 2 still look good, especially if played on modern hardware.
4. If I buy Hitman 3, can I buy the levels from Hitman 1 and 2 separately?
Yes, you can purchase the Access Passes for Hitman 1 and 2 within Hitman 3, which grants you access to the levels from those games. This is a good option if you want the unified experience but don’t want to purchase the older games separately.
5. Are there any exclusive items or unlocks in Hitman 1 and 2 that I can’t get in Hitman 3?
Yes, there are a few exclusive items and unlocks that can only be obtained by playing Hitman 1 and 2. These are usually tied to completing specific challenges or Escalation Contracts within those games.
6. Is the difficulty level consistent across all three games?
The difficulty level is generally consistent, although some levels are inherently more challenging than others. The AI behavior and NPC routines are similar across all three games.
7. Can I transfer my progress from Hitman 1 and 2 to Hitman 3?
Yes, you can transfer your progress, including unlocks, mastery levels, and challenge progress, from Hitman 2 to Hitman 3. However, transferring progress from Hitman 1 to Hitman 3 requires first importing your progress into Hitman 2.
8. What are Escalation Contracts, and are they worth playing in Hitman 1 and 2?
Escalation Contracts are challenging missions with increasingly difficult objectives. They’re a great way to test your skills and learn the intricacies of each level. Many Escalation Contracts offer unique unlocks, making them worth playing.
9. Are the target stories as engaging in Hitman 1 and 2 as they are in Hitman 3?
The target stories, or opportunities, are a key element of the Hitman experience, and they’re well-designed across all three games. Each location contains a variety of creative and engaging target stories that provide unique ways to eliminate your targets.
10. How does the VR mode affect the experience of Hitman 3 if I haven’t played the previous games?
The VR mode in Hitman 3 is a significant addition, but it can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the game’s mechanics. Starting with Hitman 1 and 2 allows you to gradually acclimate to the gameplay before jumping into the immersive VR experience.
11. Are the contracts mode experiences worth playing in Hitman 1 and 2?
The contracts mode in both Hitman 1 and 2 are amazing and worth playing, especially if you want to test the boundaries of the map’s systems. You can also share your contracts and play other people’s, bringing lots of replay value into the title.
12. Will the maps from Hitman 1 and 2 look noticeably dated if I play them through Hitman 3?
The maps are upscaled and look great when played through Hitman 3. They also have the graphical enhancements that Hitman 3 has, so they will not look out of place when played through Hitman 3.
13. What are some common mistakes new players make when starting with Hitman 3, and how do Hitman 1 and 2 prepare you for them?
New players often rush into situations without proper planning, neglect to use disguises effectively, or fail to explore the environment thoroughly. Hitman 1 and 2 teach you the importance of patience, observation, and experimentation, which helps you avoid these common mistakes in Hitman 3.
14. If I’m only interested in the story, should I just watch a summary of Hitman 1 and 2 before playing Hitman 3?
While watching a summary can provide you with the basic plot points, it won’t capture the nuances of the characters, the atmosphere of the levels, or the emergent storytelling that unfolds through gameplay. Experiencing the story firsthand is always preferable.
15. Are there any mods available for Hitman 1 and 2 that enhance the experience, and do they work if I play the levels through Hitman 3?
There are mods available for Hitman 1 and 2 that can enhance the experience, such as graphical improvements, gameplay tweaks, and new content. However, these mods typically don’t work if you play the levels through Hitman 3.