Should You Dive into Hitman 1 or Hitman 3 First? A Seasoned Agent’s Guide
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The world of assassination awaits, agent. You’re itching to don the suit, slip into the shadows, and orchestrate elaborate takedowns. But where do you begin your journey into the World of Assassination trilogy? Should you start with the meticulously crafted beginning in Hitman (2016), now accessible through the World of Assassination package, or jump straight into the refined experience of Hitman 3 (2021)? The answer, like a perfectly executed kill, depends on your personal preferences and gaming style.
The Verdict: Start with Hitman 1 (Accessible via Hitman 3’s World of Assassination)
For the most comprehensive and rewarding experience, start with Hitman 1 (now included in Hitman World of Assassination). This is the best way to go for beginners. It provides a gradual introduction to the gameplay mechanics, level design philosophy, and overarching narrative. While the article you read suggests the story is a “joke,” ignoring it entirely misses a crucial element of what makes these games so engaging. The story, while not the primary focus for all players, provides context, motivation, and a satisfying throughline that enhances the assassination sandboxes.
Here’s why starting with Hitman 1 is the recommended approach:
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Gradual Learning Curve: Hitman 1 serves as a well-paced tutorial for the intricate gameplay mechanics. Each level introduces new opportunities and challenges, allowing you to master the art of disguise, infiltration, and silent elimination at your own pace.
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Narrative Foundation: While the story might not be the main attraction for everyone, it’s still there. It sets up the characters, the conflicts, and the stakes that will escalate throughout the trilogy. Starting with Hitman 1 gives you a better understanding of these elements, which makes the subsequent games more meaningful.
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Appreciating the Evolution: By experiencing the games in chronological order, you’ll better appreciate the refinements and improvements made in each iteration. You’ll notice the subtle enhancements to the AI, the expanded range of tools and gadgets, and the increasingly complex level designs.
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The “World of Assassination” Package: With Hitman 3 becoming “Hitman World of Assassination,” you essentially get access to all three games in one package. This eliminates the need to purchase separate games and makes the chronological approach much more convenient and cost-effective. This single change to the game makes it very easy to start with Hitman 1.
The Argument for Starting with Hitman 3 (World of Assassination)
While starting with Hitman 1 is generally recommended, there are some valid arguments for jumping straight into Hitman 3.
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Improved Graphics and Performance: Hitman 3 boasts the most polished graphics and smoothest performance of the trilogy. If you’re particularly sensitive to visual fidelity, this might be a compelling reason to start with the latest installment.
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Standalone Experience: While the story connects all three games, Hitman 3 can be enjoyed as a standalone experience. The missions are self-contained and offer a wide range of creative assassination opportunities.
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Access to Previous Content: With the “World of Assassination” package, you can always access the Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 levels later if you enjoy Hitman 3. This allows you to experience the entire trilogy at your own pace, without being forced to start from the beginning.
However, keep in mind that starting with Hitman 3 might leave you feeling a bit lost in terms of the story and character relationships. The game assumes you have some familiarity with the previous installments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you decide where to begin your Hitman adventure:
What is Hitman World of Assassination?
Hitman World of Assassination is essentially Hitman 3 with access to the levels from Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 rolled into a single package. Current owners of Hitman 3 received a free upgrade to this version, making it the definitive way to experience the entire trilogy.
Do I need to play Hitman 1 and 2 before Hitman 3?
No, but it’s highly recommended. While Hitman 3 is enjoyable on its own, playing the previous games first provides a better understanding of the story, characters, and gameplay mechanics. If you want to understand what the game is doing, then start with Hitman 2.
Can I play Hitman 1 and 2 within Hitman 3?
Yes, through the “World of Assassination” system. If you own Hitman 1 and 2, you can import their levels into Hitman 3 for free (check the specifics of how the Access Pass system works on the platform you are playing on), allowing you to play the entire trilogy within a single game.
Is the Hitman story important?
The importance of the story is subjective. While some players might find it engaging and integral to the overall experience, others might focus solely on the gameplay. The story provides context and motivation, but it’s not essential to enjoying the core assassination gameplay.
Are Hitman 1, 2, and 3 just map packs?
This is an oversimplification. While each game introduces new locations and challenges, they also feature incremental improvements to the gameplay mechanics, AI, and overall presentation. Each game expands upon the foundation laid by its predecessor.
Which Hitman game is the best to start with for beginners?
Hitman 1 (accessible via Hitman World of Assassination) is the best starting point for beginners. It offers a gradual learning curve and introduces the core gameplay mechanics in a manageable way.
Is Hitman 3 the same as Hitman 1 in terms of gameplay?
Hitman 3 builds upon the gameplay mechanics introduced in Hitman 1 and 2. While the core gameplay loop remains similar, Hitman 3 features refinements to the AI, gadgets, and level design, leading to a more polished and engaging experience.
Can I transfer my progress from Hitman 1 and 2 to Hitman 3?
Yes, it is possible to transfer your progress from Hitman 2 to Hitman 3. Follow the instructions provided by IO Interactive on their website to ensure a smooth transition. As for transferring from Hitman 1 to Hitman 3, your best course is to transfer from Hitman 1 to Hitman 2 and then transfer to Hitman 3.
Is Hitman 3 worth playing if I’ve already played Hitman 1 and 2?
Yes, Hitman 3 is worth playing even if you’ve already played the previous games. It offers new locations, challenges, and story developments, making it a satisfying conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy.
How long does it take to beat Hitman 1, 2, and 3?
The length of each game varies depending on your playstyle and completion goals. On average, focusing on the main objectives takes around 8-10 hours per game. Completing all challenges and exploring every location can easily extend playtime to 50+ hours per game.
What are the key differences between Hitman 1, 2, and 3?
Each game introduces new locations, challenges, and story developments. Hitman 2 added features like picture-in-picture and the briefcase. Hitman 3 offers the most polished graphics, refined gameplay mechanics, and a more cinematic presentation.
Should I buy Hitman 1 and 2 separately or just get Hitman World of Assassination?
Given the current availability of Hitman World of Assassination, it’s generally more cost-effective and convenient to purchase that package. It includes access to all three games in one.
Is Hitman a difficult game to learn?
Hitman can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. The game offers a wide range of difficulty options and opportunities to experiment with different approaches. The “opportunities” system provides guidance, making it easier to learn the ropes.
What makes the Hitman games so popular?
The Hitman games are popular due to their open-ended gameplay, intricate level designs, and the freedom they provide players to approach assassinations in creative and unconventional ways.
Are the older Hitman games worth playing?
The older Hitman games (Codename 47, Silent Assassin, Contracts, Blood Money) offer a different kind of experience compared to the World of Assassination trilogy. While they might feel dated in some aspects, they are still worth playing for their unique level designs and challenging gameplay. Blood Money is often cited as a fan favorite.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to start with Hitman 1 (through the World of Assassination package) or jump straight into Hitman 3, the world of Agent 47 awaits. Embrace the challenge, experiment with different strategies, and enjoy the thrill of becoming the ultimate assassin. Dive into the stealth mechanics and complex strategic gameplay which make it so fun. No matter where you start, you’re in for a fantastic gaming experience. Remember to follow the Games Learning Society for more insights into the world of gaming and its impact on education and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Good luck, agent. Your mission awaits.