Agent 47’s Fate After Hitman 3: A Deep Dive
Agent 47’s journey after the conclusion of Hitman 3 is left somewhat open-ended, but the canonical ending points towards a future where he and Diana Burnwood continue their work as independent operatives, targeting powerful and corrupt individuals. While Providence is dismantled, the game suggests that the need for their unique skills will persist, hinting at future adventures, although the precise nature of these remains unknown.
The Canon Ending and Its Implications
The most commonly accepted and narratively satisfying ending sees Agent 47 sparing Arthur Edwards, aka The Constant, after Diana Burnwood secures her position as the new Constant. Instead of eliminating Edwards, 47 allows Diana to use her newfound power to dismantle Providence from within. This dismantlement is crucial, as it liberates both 47 and Diana from the clutches of the shadowy organization.
The final scene features a phone conversation between 47 and Diana. They acknowledge that while they’ve severed ties with the ICA (International Contract Agency) and Providence, the world still requires their particular set of skills to keep unscrupulous elites in check. This strongly implies that they will continue to operate as an independent duo, taking on missions that align with their moral compass.
While this ending provides closure to the World of Assassination trilogy, it also strategically leaves the door open for future installments. IO Interactive has confirmed that they intend to make more Hitman games, so this ambiguous conclusion serves as a launchpad for exploring new narratives and challenges for Agent 47.
The Other Endings: Memory Loss and The Constant’s Control
Hitman 3 offers two alternative endings that drastically alter Agent 47’s fate:
- The Memory Wipe Ending: Choosing to inject himself with the serum results in Agent 47 losing all his memories. He wakes up in a padded cell, essentially reverting him to a blank slate. This ending implies a tragic fate, turning him back into a controllable assassin, potentially for someone else’s agenda. It completely undermines the personal growth and relationships he developed throughout the trilogy.
- The Constant’s Domination Ending: Killing The Constant and simply walking away results in a less defined ending. While it stops Edwards’ immediate threat, it doesn’t address the deeper issues of global corruption. Also Diana’s fate is ambiguous.
These alternate endings are generally considered non-canonical, as they conflict with the established narrative arc and the promise of future Hitman games. They serve more as thought-provoking “what if” scenarios, exploring the potential consequences of different choices.
The Future of Hitman: Speculation and Possibilities
With IO Interactive confirming the development of future Hitman titles, the question becomes: what can we expect for Agent 47?
- Independent Operations: The canon ending strongly suggests that 47 and Diana will operate independently, choosing their own targets and missions based on their own moral code. This could lead to more complex narratives with deeper character development.
- New Threats: The dismantled Providence leaves a power vacuum, which could attract new and even more dangerous organizations. These new threats could provide compelling antagonists for future games.
- Evolution of Gameplay: Future Hitman games could explore new gameplay mechanics, expanding on the social stealth and intricate assassination opportunities that define the series. This could involve new gadgets, disguises, and environments.
- A More Mature 47: Throughout the World of Assassination trilogy, Agent 47 has shown signs of emotional growth. Future games could delve deeper into his character, exploring his internal conflicts and his evolving relationship with Diana.
It’s also worth noting that IO Interactive is working on a James Bond game, Project 007. This experience could inform the design and narrative of future Hitman games, potentially introducing elements of espionage and international intrigue.
Ultimately, Agent 47’s future remains uncertain, but the possibilities are vast. The ending of Hitman 3 provides a solid foundation for exploring new narratives and challenges, ensuring that the iconic assassin will continue to stalk the shadows for years to come.
Agent 47’s Legacy and Impact
Beyond the games themselves, Agent 47 has had a significant impact on popular culture. He’s become a recognizable figure, synonymous with stealth, precision, and a cold, calculated approach to problem-solving. His iconic look, the bald head, barcode, and signature suit, has been widely parodied and referenced.
The Hitman series itself has also contributed to the evolution of the stealth genre, emphasizing player agency and creative problem-solving. The games encourage players to experiment with different approaches, rewarding ingenuity and strategic thinking.
The GamesLearningSociety.org highlights the educational aspects of video games. The Hitman series promotes observation, planning, and adaptability. These are all valuable skills that translate well into real-world situations.
The Hitman franchise has proven its staying power, consistently delivering engaging and challenging gameplay experiences. Agent 47’s journey is far from over, and his future adventures promise to be just as thrilling and intriguing as his past exploits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Hitman 3 the last Hitman game ever?
No. While Hitman 3 is the final game in the World of Assassination trilogy, IO Interactive has confirmed that they will make additional Hitman games in the future.
2. How many endings does Hitman 3 actually have?
Hitman 3 traditionally features two endings players can choose, but there’s a secret ending that can only be obtained under certain circumstances. In essence, there are three possible endings.
3. What happens if I inject myself with the serum in Hitman 3?
Injecting yourself with the serum in Hitman 3 erases Agent 47’s memory, effectively turning him back into a blank slate. He wakes up in a padded room, implying he will once again be manipulated by others.
4. Does Diana betray Agent 47 in Hitman 3?
Diana appears to betray Agent 47 in Hitman 3, injecting him with a serum to knock him unconscious and handing him over to Arthur Edwards. However, this is a ruse to allow Diana to become the new Constant and dismantle Providence.
5. What is the “canon” ending of Hitman 3?
The “canon” ending is generally considered to be the one where Diana becomes the new Constant and dismantles Providence, with Agent 47 sparing Arthur Edwards.
6. What happens to Providence after Hitman 3?
In the canon ending, Diana, as the new Constant, dismantles Providence.
7. Will Agent 47 and Diana continue working together after Hitman 3?
The ending strongly suggests that Agent 47 and Diana will continue to work together as independent operatives, targeting powerful and corrupt individuals.
8. Is Agent 47 a good guy or a bad guy?
Agent 47 is often described as an anti-hero. He’s a murderer for hire, but he often targets individuals who are morally reprehensible, blurring the lines between good and evil.
9. Does Agent 47 ever regret killing his targets?
The games generally portray Agent 47 as a professional who carries out his assignments without remorse. However, there are subtle hints throughout the series that suggest he is not completely devoid of emotion.
10. How does Agent 47 stay in such good physical condition?
To maintain his physical condition and skills, Agent 47 practices combat, shooting, assassination, and stealth techniques regularly.
11. Why does Diana forgive Agent 47 for killing her parents?
Diana acknowledges that she has been seeking revenge for many years, and it was never going to bring her the peace she desired. She realizes her partnership with 47 has saved many lives and she accepts that.
12. How many chromosomes does Agent 47 have?
Agent 47 is said to have 47 chromosomes, giving him significant biological advantages. However, this is a fictional element of the series.
13. Is Hitman 3 better than Hitman 2?
Many consider Hitman 3 to be the best game in the World of Assassination trilogy, praising its cinematic narrative and intricate level design. However, it is subjective and depends on personal preference.
14. Does Agent 47 age?
Agent 47 does appear to age throughout the series. He visibly looked older and had more wrinkles in Hitman: Absolution than in the previous games.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of video games?
You can explore the Games Learning Society website for more information about the educational benefits and implications of video games: GamesLearningSociety.org.