Is Hitman Expansion Worth It? A Deep Dive into the World of Assassination’s DLC
Yes, Hitman expansions are generally worth it, particularly if you enjoy the core gameplay loop and crave more of the expertly crafted levels and creative assassination opportunities that the Hitman series is known for. The value proposition depends on which expansion we’re talking about, your personal preferences, and whether you already own parts of the trilogy. However, the expansions typically offer significant additions to the game, providing new locations, missions, weapons, and even gameplay mechanics, greatly extending the lifespan and replayability of the base game.
Understanding the Hitman Landscape: World of Assassination
Before diving into specific expansions, it’s crucial to understand the current state of the Hitman “World of Assassination” trilogy. IO Interactive, the developers, have streamlined the experience by rebranding Hitman 3 as “Hitman: World of Assassination,” which now includes content from Hitman 1 and 2 via Access Passes. This means purchasing “Hitman: World of Assassination” essentially gives you a massive package of content.
Evaluating Specific Hitman Expansions
While the overall “World of Assassination” package is highly recommended, let’s consider the merits of specific expansions, particularly those released for Hitman 2, as these are frequently discussed and offered separately sometimes.
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Hitman 2 Expansion Pass: This is perhaps the most frequently discussed expansion pack. It’s absolutely worth it if you enjoy Hitman 2’s core gameplay. It includes:
- Two new sandbox locations: New York (The Bank) and Haven Island (The Resort). These are high-quality maps with unique environments and challenging assassination opportunities. The Bank, in particular, is a fan favorite due to its intricate layout and high-stakes atmosphere. Haven Island offers a luxurious and sun-soaked environment with a darker underbelly.
- Two new Sniper Assassin Maps: Hantu Port and Siberia. These offer a different gameplay style, focusing on long-range assassinations and strategic planning. While some players may find them less engaging than the core sandbox levels, they provide a refreshing change of pace and offer unique challenges.
- Four new Special Assignments: These are smaller, self-contained missions that offer unique objectives and scenarios. They provide a decent amount of additional content, although they may not be as substantial as the full-fledged sandbox locations.
- Cosmetic Packs: While the suits and items in the Winter Sports Pack and Smart Casual Pack don’t impact gameplay, they add a bit of visual variety for those who enjoy customizing Agent 47’s appearance.
The key takeaway is that the Hitman 2 Expansion Pass adds substantial, high-quality content that significantly enhances the Hitman 2 experience. The new locations alone are worth the price of admission for most fans.
Key Considerations Before Purchasing Expansions
- Do you enjoy the core Hitman gameplay? If you find the base game repetitive or unengaging, the expansions are unlikely to change your mind. They offer more of what Hitman already does well, but they don’t fundamentally alter the gameplay formula.
- What content are you missing? If you already own Hitman 3 (now “World of Assassination”), you may already have access to some of the content included in the older expansions. Check your entitlements carefully to avoid purchasing redundant content.
- What is the price? Expansions often go on sale, so it’s worth waiting for a discount before purchasing. Compare the price of the expansion to the amount of new content it offers to determine if it’s a good value for you.
- Always Online Requirement: Keep in mind that the Hitman games require an always-online connection, even for single-player content. This can be a significant drawback for some players, so it’s worth considering before investing in the game and its expansions.
The Impact of “Freelancer” Mode
The “Freelancer” mode, added to “Hitman: World of Assassination”, has also impacted the value proposition of the game. This mode offers a roguelike experience, tasking players with completing a series of contracts across various locations from all three games. This mode leverages all of the maps, making the various locations even more valuable.
Why Hitman is Popular
Hitman’s enduring popularity stems from its exceptional level design, freedom of choice, and replayability. Each map is a meticulously crafted sandbox environment filled with opportunities for creative and inventive assassinations. The level of detail and interactivity is unparalleled, and players can spend hours experimenting with different approaches and discovering new secrets.
Games like Hitman exemplify how interactive experiences can be powerful tools for learning and problem-solving. The Games Learning Society understands this potential, exploring how games can be used to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. You can explore more about their mission at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hitman Expansions
1. Do I need to own Hitman 1 or 2 to play the Hitman 2 Expansion Pass?
No. If you own Hitman 3, you can purchase the Hitman 2 Access Pass (or individual levels) and play them within Hitman 3. The Hitman 2 Expansion Pass content is also accessible through the Hitman 3 framework.
2. What’s the difference between the Access Pass and the Expansion Pass?
The Access Pass gives you access to locations from previous Hitman games within the latest Hitman game. The Expansion Pass typically contains entirely new content, such as new locations, missions, and Sniper Assassin maps, which are additive to the content already in the base game.
3. Will my Hitman 2 progress carry over to Hitman 3?
Yes, your progress and unlocks from Hitman 2 can be transferred to Hitman 3, as long as you are playing on the same platform or within the same ecosystem (e.g., Steam). IO Interactive provides detailed instructions on how to perform this transfer.
4. Is Hitman DLC free?
No, the DLC is not free. However, if you own Hitman 3, you may have received a free upgrade to “Hitman: World of Assassination,” which includes access to Hitman 1 and 2 content.
5. Should I play Hitman 2 before Hitman 3?
While you can jump directly into Hitman 3, playing Hitman 2 first will provide valuable context for the story and introduce you to key characters and plot threads. However, the story is relatively lightweight, and the games are primarily focused on gameplay, so it’s not essential.
6. Are Hitman expansions automatically installed?
When installing a Hitman game, all available DLCs from your account will be downloaded by default.
7. Can I refund a Hitman expansion if I don’t like it?
Generally, you can refund DLC within 14 days of purchase, as long as you’ve played the base game for less than two hours since buying the DLC. Check the specific refund policies of your platform (e.g., Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store).
8. Does playing the DLC change the ending of Hitman 3?
Some say doing the dlc alters the ending in a similar way to another significant, but optional part of the base game.
9. What happens if I buy DLC without owning the base game?
The DLC will be added to your account, but it won’t be downloadable or accessible until you install the base game it’s intended for.
10. Can I sell my Hitman DLC?
No, you can’t sell your Hitman DLC, as it is permanently tied to your account.
11. Is Hitman 3 suitable for a 13-year-old?
Hitman 3 is rated Mature 17+ by the ESRB and PEGI 18. It contains violence, blood, and mature themes, so it’s generally not recommended for children under 17.
12. What is the best Hitman game to start with?
Hitman: World of Assassination is the best starting point because it includes the content from all three previous games in a single package.
13. Do I need all three Hitman games installed to access all content?
No. With Hitman: World of Assassination, you only need to have that installed to access the maps from Hitman 1 and 2, provided you own the appropriate Access Passes.
14. Is the Hitman story important?
While there is an overarching narrative connecting the Hitman games, it’s generally considered secondary to the gameplay. The story is enjoyable but not essential for understanding or appreciating the game.
15. What is the “Freelancer” mode in Hitman: World of Assassination?
“Freelancer” is a roguelike game mode where players take on a series of procedurally generated contracts across various locations from the World of Assassination trilogy. It adds a new layer of challenge and replayability to the game.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Taking the Contract?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase Hitman expansions depends on your individual preferences and budget. However, the expansions generally offer a substantial amount of high-quality content that significantly enhances the Hitman experience. If you enjoy the core gameplay loop and crave more of the series’ expertly crafted levels and creative assassination opportunities, the Hitman expansions are definitely worth considering. Just be sure to research what content you already own and wait for a sale to get the best value for your money.