Note: This game was kindly provided by IO Interactive, along with The Drop and The Banker DLCs. A big thank you to the IO team for the opportunity to revisit this masterpiece.
Returning to Hitman: World of Assassination years after my first experience felt like reuniting with an old friend: the familiarity is there, yet it still manages to surprise. This definitive collection of IO Interactive’s modern trilogy brings together all the content from the three games and elevates the formula to an almost perfect level. Creative freedom, level design, and an obsessive attention to detail remain at the core of an experience that rewards both patience and boldness.
A world of possibilities
In Hitman, every mission is a stage open to imagination. You can barge in and create chaos or choose a surgical, silent approach. There are dozens of ways to eliminate a target: elaborate disguises, “fortunate” accidents, discreet poisonings, or long-distance assassinations. The game never forces a single path—on the contrary, it encourages experimentation, failure, and trying again.
The level design is impressively meticulous. Each map is a living ecosystem, with NPCs following routines, contextual conversations, and visual cues that help create unique opportunities. The elegance of Paris and its luxurious fashion show hiding political intrigue; the sun-drenched, picturesque streets of Sapienza, where a secret laboratory threatens the world; the futuristic clinic in Hokkaido, isolated atop a mountain; the frantic Miami race filled with crowds and adrenaline; the vibrant, claustrophobic chaos of Mumbai; and the deceptive tranquility of Mendoza, with its sunlit vineyards—each location is memorable, distinct, and invites repeated exploration.
Freelancer Mode: tension at the limit
Freelancer mode is perhaps the biggest innovation in this edition. Here, Agent 47 has no safety net: every failure means losing equipment, money, and progress. There are no mid-mission saves and no way to immediately replay objectives.
The player organizes operations from the safehouse, a customizable space where contracts are prepared, weapons are tested, and strategies are decided. Each campaign is dynamically generated, with random targets, locations, and conditions. The result is an intense challenge where improvisation and adaptability are just as important as planning.
This format creates a unique level of tension, ideal for veterans seeking a genuine challenge. The absence of checkpoints and the unpredictability of events turn every mission into a risky gamble—and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive.
Visual and audio quality
Visually, Hitman: World of Assassination is stunning. The textures, lighting, and environmental density make every scenario feel alive. There is an obsessive attention to detail: the reflection on a glass, the ambient music of a café, the way the world moves forward without necessarily depending on Agent 47.
The soundtrack and sound design are equally strong. The themes range from suspense to cinematic grandeur, enhancing the most dramatic moments without ever becoming intrusive.
Less positive points
Despite being an excellent experience, there are minor imperfections. The AI, while generally competent, can sometimes react in odd or unrealistic ways. The learning curve can also be steep for newcomers, requiring some patience before fully mastering all the mechanics.
Bullseye
Hitman: World of Assassination, in its current form, is one of the best stealth games ever made. The combination of freedom, creativity, and intelligent design makes it an almost inexhaustible experience. Freelancer mode adds intensity and unpredictability, while the DLCs expand the content in a satisfying way.
With a roster of memorable maps, deep gameplay, and top-tier visual and audio production, this is a must-play for fans of the genre—and a strong contender to occupy dozens (or hundreds) of hours of your time.
Final score: 9/10
Platform Reviewed: Playstation 5 & Lenovo Legion GO