Which Hitman Should I Play First? A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Agents
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The world of assassination awaits, agent. You’re eager to step into the shoes of the legendary Agent 47, but with a sprawling franchise, the question looms: Which Hitman game should I play first? The answer, boiled down, is Hitman: World of Assassination (formerly Hitman 3). This is the definitive starting point for new players due to its consolidated content, improved mechanics, and overall user experience. Don’t fret about missing vital story elements; Hitman: World of Assassination includes access to levels from Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 through the Access Pass system, allowing you to experience the entire “World of Assassination” trilogy within a single, streamlined package.
However, understanding why this is the best starting point and navigating the nuances of the Hitman universe requires further explanation. Let’s delve deeper into the world of Agent 47 and address common questions that plague aspiring assassins.
Why Start with Hitman: World of Assassination?
Several compelling reasons advocate for beginning your Hitman journey with Hitman: World of Assassination:
- Consolidated Content: The game acts as a hub, integrating all the levels from the “World of Assassination” trilogy into one seamless experience. This eliminates the need to switch between different games and provides a unified interface. If you own Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2, you can access their content within World of Assassination for free via Access Passes.
- Modern Mechanics: The gameplay mechanics and quality-of-life improvements introduced in Hitman 3 are present across all included levels. This ensures a consistent and polished experience regardless of the mission you choose. Expect refined AI, improved graphics, and smoother controls.
- Story Accessibility: While the Hitman story might be secondary to the gameplay for some, starting with World of Assassination allows you to experience the narrative chronologically by playing the levels from Hitman (2016), Hitman 2, and Hitman 3 in order.
- Streamlined Progression: Progression is unified across all levels within World of Assassination. Unlocks, challenges, and mastery levels earned in one location carry over to others, providing a satisfying sense of progression and customization.
- Continual Updates: IO Interactive continues to support and update World of Assassination with new content, challenges, and seasonal events. This provides an ever-evolving experience and ensures the game remains fresh and engaging.
Navigating the Hitman Universe: Beyond the Starting Point
While Hitman: World of Assassination is the ideal entry point, understanding the broader Hitman landscape is crucial for appreciating the series’ evolution.
- The Classic Era: The original Hitman games (Codename 47, Silent Assassin, Contracts, Blood Money) established the core gameplay loop of social stealth and assassination. While still enjoyable, these games feature older mechanics and less forgiving gameplay. Consider exploring these after experiencing the modern trilogy for a taste of Hitman’s roots.
- Hitman: Absolution: This entry deviated from the sandbox formula, focusing on a more linear, narrative-driven experience. While divisive among fans, it offers a unique perspective on Agent 47 and can be considered a standalone experience.
- The World of Assassination Trilogy: This trilogy (Hitman (2016), Hitman 2, Hitman 3/World of Assassination) represents a soft reboot of the franchise, emphasizing large, intricate sandbox environments and player freedom.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the Hitman series and decide where to begin your journey:
1. Do I need to play the previous Hitman games to understand World of Assassination?
No, you do not need to play the previous games. World of Assassination includes access to the levels from Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 through Access Passes.
2. Is the Hitman story important?
The importance of the story is subjective. Some players prioritize the intricate gameplay and emergent situations, while others appreciate the overarching narrative. The “World of Assassination” trilogy has a connected story, so playing the levels in order will provide a more coherent narrative experience.
3. What are Access Passes in Hitman: World of Assassination?
Access Passes grant you access to the levels and content from previous Hitman games within Hitman: World of Assassination. These can be purchased separately if you don’t own the original games, or obtained for free if you already own them on the same platform.
4. Should I play Hitman: Absolution?
Hitman: Absolution is a standalone game with a different gameplay style than the rest of the series. If you’re curious about a more linear, action-focused Hitman experience, you can try it, but it’s not essential for understanding the “World of Assassination” trilogy.
5. Are Hitman 1, 2, and 3 the same game now?
Hitman 3 has been rebranded as Hitman: World of Assassination. This version incorporates content from Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 through the Access Pass system, creating a unified experience.
6. Can I play Hitman 1 and 2 stories within Hitman: World of Assassination?
Yes, as long as you have the Access Passes for Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2, you can play all of their content, including the stories, within Hitman: World of Assassination.
7. Is Hitman (2016) better than Hitman 2?
Both games are excellent and offer similar gameplay experiences. Hitman 2 features slightly refined mechanics, improved levels, and a more engaging story for the trilogy. The levels are just as large as the first game but more refined and better detailed than ever.
8. Do I need to buy Hitman 1 and 2 again if I own them and want to play them in Hitman: World of Assassination?
You should receive the Access Passes for free if you own Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 on the same platform as Hitman: World of Assassination. However, you might need to follow specific steps to claim them depending on the platform.
9. What if I’m only interested in the gameplay and not the story?
Even if you’re not interested in the story, starting with Hitman: World of Assassination is still recommended due to its improved mechanics, unified progression, and access to all the levels. You can simply focus on the gameplay challenges and ignore the narrative elements.
10. Are the older Hitman games worth playing?
The older Hitman games are worth playing if you’re interested in the series’ history and evolution. However, be prepared for older mechanics and less forgiving gameplay. Start with World of Assassination first.
11. Where can I learn more about game design and education?
The Games Learning Society is an excellent resource for learning more about the intersection of game design and education. Explore their website, GamesLearningSociety.org, to discover research, articles, and community discussions on the power of games in learning.
12. Is Agent 47 a good guy?
Agent 47 is an assassin who kills people for money. While some of his targets may be morally questionable, he is ultimately a professional killer, not a hero.
13. Is Agent 47 human?
Agent 47 is a cloned human designed to be genetically superior to the average human.
14. Are all Hitman games connected?
While Hitman has carried forward the essential storyline in its games, 2016’s Hitman is the beginning of the “World of Assassination” trilogy, which is a soft reboot of the franchise. For this reason, the first four games are seen as the original series, while Absolution is considered a standalone offering.
15. Which Hitman game has the best levels?
This is subjective, but many players consider the levels in Hitman 2 to be among the best in the series, with standout locations like Miami and Mumbai. However, all three games in the “World of Assassination” trilogy offer diverse and intricately designed levels.
Ultimately, the best Hitman game to start with is Hitman: World of Assassination. It provides the most accessible and comprehensive entry point to the world of Agent 47, allowing you to experience the entire trilogy in a single, polished package. Now go out there, agent, and make some silent eliminations.