'You're going to be knackered, 47'

IO Interactive has announced plans to consolidate its celebrated Hitman trilogy into one singular platform �Hitman: World of Assassination, will see the missions, modes, DLC, and in-game store of the highly celebrated murder simula?tors brought together in one easy-to-access dashboard.

Launching January 26, Hitman: World of Assassination will become the singular purchasable entity with which to play Hitman (2016), Hitman 2 (2018), and Hitman III (2021). All Hitman III owners will be automatically upgraded to the new platform, with the option of adding all of their additional Hitman and Hitman 2 content. On Steam, a "complete the set" option will allow players to fill in the gaps within their Hitman collec?tion at a discounted price, omitting the content that th?ey already own

For those picking up these ace titles for the first time, IO Interactive is releasing two ne??w bun??dles:

Hitman: World of Assassination ($70 USD)
Includes: Hitman III, plus Hitman Game of the Year Access Pass and Hitman II Standard Access Pass.

Hitman: World of Assassination Deluxe Pack ($30 USD)
Includes: Hitman III Deluxe Pack, Hitman III Seven Deadly Sins Collection, and Hitman II Expansion Access Pass.

"We’re drastically simplifying the purchase experience for new players. Hitman: World of Assassination will be the single available option to start playing," explains IO in a lengthy statement. "Essentially, these two changes will mean that all new players and existing Hitman III owners will have the same base content ownership. There will be no more confusion over which edition to buy, what content you own, how to redeem Legacy pac?ks or import locations, etc. We’re done with that."

"We’re absolutely certain that these changes will have a hugely positive effect on existing players and new players alike. It will also make our lives a lot easier too, there’s no doubting that. For many players, it will mean free content to enjoy. For others, it will mean significantly cheaper downloadable content prices. For new players, who probably aren’t reading this here, they’ll have a much better experience buying Hitman games."

"Between now and when these changes come into effect, we’ll be keeping a close e?ye on the reactions and questions that arise."

The Hitman: World of Assassination consolidation will take place January 26. For full details on the transition and how it will affect your platform/games, be sure to read the full statement right here.

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You probably shouldn't let Agent 47 cook, though

[Update: It's time to redeem the three PlayStation Plus games for September: Hitman 2, Overcooked! All You Can Eat, and Predator: Hunting Grounds.]

The PlayStation Plus lineup for September 2021 has been locked in, and it's a pretty good month for co-op aficionados. Overcooked! All You Can Eat, Hitman 2, and Predator: Hunting Grounds will be the three games available for Pl??us subscribers this month.

The PlayStation 5-specific game this month is Overcooked, the cooperative cooking experience. You have to deal with hazards and obstacles while trying to complete tickets, and it is both stressful and really fun. The All You Can Eat edition packs in both the first and second Overcooked! games, as w?ell a??s some additional content. Really, for an upcoming fall season where you might need to entertain some family, this is sure to be a hit (or potentially ruin relationships, who knows).

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-FR-apUaX0

Hitman 2 is one of the two PlayStation 4 games, and really, if you haven't played any of the entries in IO's Hitman reboot trilogy, check this out. Hitman 2 has some good variety in its maps and is a general blast to play. The Miami level is honestly one of the better ones in the series, in my humble Hitman opinion.

Predator: Hunting Grounds rounds out the September PlayStation Plus roster, and it's a bit of a flawed game. Still, it sounds like it might be worth checking out as a free option for co-op night with your friends. I wonder if playing both this and the new Aliens game at the same time will create a new Alien vs. Predator.

These three games will be available from Sept. 7 through Oct. 4. This also serves as a reminder that you've got a few more days until Sept. 6, when Hunter's Arena: Legends, Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville, and Tennis World Tour 2 leave the Plus lineup.

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I need to use the bathroom...

This month marks an incredible two decades since Agent 47 first strode into our lives - poorly disguised - before leaving us for dead in a convenient laundry hamper. Yes, the Hitman franchise turns 20-years-old th?is month. That's 20 years of silent assassinations, unfortunate accidents, perfectly-fitting discarded clothes and, of course, rubber duckies.

IO Interactive first introduced us to The ICA and its top operative, 47, way back in PC release Hitman: Codename 47 (2000) - a title now so utterly quaint in its clunkiness that modern eyes might wonder how the franchise found the success it enjoys today. In the ensuing decades, Hitman has remained relevant thanks to its ability to adapt with the changing face of video games, adopting a successful episodic approach with popular reboot Hitman (2016) which began the still ongoing World of Assassination arc.

I've been a massive fan of the Hitman franchise since its inception, enjoying each entry as and when they launched. I've watched the series substantially improve since its humble beginnings, and have enjoyed over 100 missions of murder and mayhem that have spanned the entire globe. Hell, I even appreciate what IO tried with the controversial Hitman: Absolution, that despite its more linear playstyle still featured m?emorable missions and nervous, twitchy action.

I'm very excited to see what IO Interactive, now self-publishing, have in store for 2021 and beyond. With a brand new sequel already in the works for next-?gen platforms, it seems that our favourite genetically cloned assassin is not quite ready for retirement just yet. As such, bad dudes and dudettes should continue to keep their doors locked, their windows bolted, and their wedding cakes guarded... But frankly, if you're on 47's list, you're already dead.

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Santa's slay

IO Interactive has revealed Hitman 2's content plans for the Holiday season. The coming weeks wi?ll see the return of disguises, missions, events and even weapons that all feature a dash of Christmas cheer.

From today through December 20, the murderous stealth title will see the return of missions such as Snow Festival and Holiday Hoarders, the completion of which will unlock the Santa 47 and Snow Festival suits, along with the nasty Ice Pick utensil. Returning Elusive Targets and Escalation contracts include The Chef, The Truman Adventure, The Rafael Misadventure, and The Stowaway, among others.

The trailer below, presented by master-of-pointing Clemens? E. Koch, will give you a mission briefing on the upcoming events.

The dates for each returnin??g contract or event are as?? follows:

• The Truman Convention Escalation Contract in Santa Fortuna (Colombia): Dec. 5
• The Raaz Algorithm Escalation Contract in Mumbai (India): Dec. 5
• The Chef Legacy Elusive Target in Paris (France): Dec. 6-15
• 12 Days of Contracts Community Curated Contracts: Dec. 12
• The Han Encasement Escalation Contract in Mumbai (India): Dec. 12
• Holiday Hoarders Seasonal Event in Paris (France): Dec. 17
• Snow Festival Seasonal Event in Hokkaido (Japan): Dec. 17
• The Rafael Misadventure Escalation Contract in Sgàil (North Atlantic): Dec. 17
• The Kotti Paradigm Legacy Escalation Contract in Paris (France): Dec. 17
• IO Interactive’s Monthly HITMAN 2 Livestream on Twitch: Dec. 17
• The Stowaway Legacy Elusive Target in Sgàil (North Atlantic): Dec. 20 - Jan. 6

Hitman 2 is available now on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

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Hello AGAIN, 47

Although IO Interactive's murder 'em up Hitman 2 continues to receive fresh victims and content one year on from its initial release, it appears that the studio already? has Agent 47's next mission well at hand. In fact, work has already begun on the next title in the long-running stealth series.

Speaking on its official blog, IO Interactive detailed the upcoming November content for Hitman 2, also noting that this update would bring with it the final patch for the game regarding fixes and technical tweaks. The team reveals that they are now "at a place where we are looking increasingly to the future." Before adding that "In real terms, we’re moving more and more of the Hitman 2 team to join the next Hitman game, which is well underway."

Given the likelihood that the new Hitman game will be a next-gen title, it seems unlikely that it will meld with Hitman 2 the way that the latter melded with the original Hitman. It's more likely that this new release would be a standalone?? product, bui??lt from the ground up with an entirely new engine. This is purely speculation on my part though.

It's been almost 20 years since our favourite Suspicious Ba??ld Person walked in off the streets and needed to use the bathroom, but here's to the future of Agent 47, and the inc??reasingly doubtful looking future of a whole new generation of marks.

Hitman 2 is available now on PS4, PC and Xbox One. You can check out all of November's upcoming content in the trailer below. For more details, visit the IO Interactive blog.

The next Hitman game is "well under way" [PC Gamer]

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Is that a pumpkin on your head or are you juARRRGHHH!

Murder marathon Hitman 2 is set to get some free conte??nt today, welcoming in the Halloween season with a new Escalation contract, some unlockable rewards, and a creepy new disguise for the man who loves to go bump in the night, Agent 47.

Although details are slim, we can see from the ?horror-movie style trailer below that the contract is set in a special spookified variant of Hawke's Bay, where players can earn themselves a new skin - the tactical wetsuit - as well as a bat-shaped throwing star, not dissimilar to the ones carried by The Dark Knight himself.

The small update is rounded out with a bizarre new costume, which sees 47 become a hellish scarecrow, donning a ragged sackcloth outfit and a ghastly pumpkin head. Hardly the stealthiest of getups, unless you're standing still in a field, I suppose. In addition to this new content - which will a??rrive on all platforms today - a run of "Trick or Treat" Featured Contracts are currently live in-game.

Hitman 2 is available now on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

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This is my Last Resort

Hitman 2's final DLC pack will take the iconic master assassin to the tropical getaway called Haven Island. IO Interactive will be releasing the content for expansion pass owners on September 24, 2019, and it will be rounding out the current round of DLC. The mission, titled "Last Resort," will see 47 posing as a guest to take out a couple of targets without being spotte??d...or blowing everyone away and dealing with the mess later.

Haven Island is home of the HQ of a reputation management service. This is, expectedly, a resort for a bunch of terrible peo?ple that need exorcising. IO is being tight-lipped on the story details (likely to avoid spoilers) but has stated this new sandbox will come with 75 challenges, 20 mastery levels, four unique items, a new suit, and seven new achievements/trophies. That's a whole lot of Hitmanning.

The new level will also be playable in "Contracts" mode when it launches next week. While this is the current end for Hitman 2's DLC, I wouldn't be? surprised to see IO Interactive coming up with a second season next year. There's a lot of nasty people in 47's world that need dealing with.

HITMAN 2 – Haven Island [IO Interactive]

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Hello AGAIN, 47...

Yesterday saw the release of a short documentary by production company Noclip, looking at the rollercoaster ride developer IO Interactive has been on during the production of the now-legendary Hitman series. It seems that, despite the ups and downs, the Danish studio isn't quite ready to ha??ng up the silverballers just yet.

Toward the end of the doc - which you can check out below - we're told that the team is already hard at work designing the third entry to this current Hitman trilogy, which saw a soft reboot of sorts with the release of Hitman in 2016. The new entry will, no doubt, bring another atlas of detailed and exciting locations for Agent 47 to ply his shady trade, along with another pack of suckers ready to take two to the noggin. The team expects Hitman 3 to return to the episodic format? delivery system.

But that's not all, as it seems IO's Copenhagen team is also at work on an entirely new, non-Hitman project, which would be the studio's first since the 2010 release of the aesthetically creative but ultimately bland Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days. No details at all are forthcoming on this new project, but it's welcoming to see that IO isn't ?locked into the confines of one single series for the rest of its career.

As for 47's current escapades, Hitman 2 is available now on PS4, PC, and Xb?ox One. A new chilly Siberian mission ??will be made available in-game today.

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Two missions and Sniper Assassin for $15

If you've been wanting to get into the world of Hitman 2 without spending too much money, today is your lucky day. Developer IO Interactive has released the "Santa Fortuna Pack," a $15 starter package that grants access to two missions and the Sniper Assassin bonus mode. Available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Santa Fortuna is an incredibly cheap way to get your stealth action fix (if you disregard the free Hitman 2 pack).

Included in the pack are the "Hawke's Bay" and "Santa Fortuna" missions, the "Three-Headed Serpent" story mission, Colombia playable in Ghost Mode (Hitman 2's competitive multiplayer feature), and Himmelstein in Sniper Assassin. All current and future contracts will be availab??le via this pack, a?s well.

What makes this deal even sweeter is that if you already own the 2016 Hitman, you can replay that with all of the improvements Hitman 2 brings. While you could already do that with the free pac??k, having some extra content to dig into for $15 isn't a bad deal. There's no mention of a discount for the full experience, but I'm sure IO Interactive will be granting something to buyers of this new pack.

Hitman 2 Santa Fortuna Pack gets you 2 missions, Sniper Assassin map for $15 [VG 24/7]

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Bloodshed behind bars

IO Interactive has released a video detailing the monthly content headed to slick murderthon Hitman 2. Along with the usual run of new challenges and contracts, this month will see the arrival of all-n?ew sniper challenge "The Prison".

On July 30, this challenge will see yer boy 47 pack his duffel coat for a trip to snowy Siberia, where he must undertake a contract set in a dangerous penitentiary that h?ouses some of the world's vilest criminals. More details about this unique location are set to be revealed as the month progresses.

As for the rest of this month's content, music be the food of DEATH, as 47 undertakes new Es??calation, Challenge and Featured contracts based around eliminating - or joining - bands of musicians. Your reward for completing these tuneful assassinations will be your very own violin, a must have for conflicted, arty assassins in 1960s movies.

The first Escalation??, "The Babayeva Dissonance", arrives today. This will be followed by the "I'm With The Band" challenge on July 11. Featured Contract "Tone Deaf" is com??ing July 18, while Legacy Target "The Bad Boy" is preparing to take two to the skull on July 19. The isolated locale of Hawke's Bay will be added to Contracts mode on July 30.

Finally, a run of anniversary skins will be made available for free to all players who sign up for an IO account over at the official Hitman website. This new wardrobe will bring a selection of outfits and disguises from the previous Hitman release into Hitman 2.

Hitman 2 is available now on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

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Available June 25 in the Expansion Pass

Everyone loves a good bank job, and Hitman 2 is happily leaning into our innate love of high-stakes tension with its latest assignment. Starting June 25, Hitman 2 Expansion Pass owners are off to New York – an exciting addition in and of itself – to take on the Golden Handshake campaign mission.

The bank looks luxurious and intimidating in all the right ways. I hope IO Interactive makes the most of it, because as a stealth playground, it's loaded with potential. Agent 47 has a two-pronged goal here: taking care of Athena Savalas, the condescending director, and nabbing data from the vault.

"Over the years, Savalas has also developed a refined disdain for the middle class, reducing customers to numbers on sheets of paper with no thought to the things she destroys with her constant 'less is more' approach to small and medium-sized businesses. Rumors of wanton gambling with client money and the bank’s finances are beginning to catch up to her and with the board of directors looking? for a new CEO of Milton-Fitzpatrick, Savalas is eagerly covering her tracks, using any means necessary."

As you'd e??xpect, the more you get up to no good in New York, the more stuff you'll unlock. Aside from earning extra starting locations through the Mastery s?ystem, you'll also be able to score a customized Bartoli 12G shotgun and a spiffy new trench coat. Personally, I'm all about 47's sweater after hearing Savalas' sarcastic comment in the trailer. Hubris will be her downfall, and not a moment too soon.

New York and the Golden Handshake make up half of the Expansion Pass, which goes for $40 these days. I know Hitman 2 doesn't always have the biggest pr?esence around here, but I feel like this level could be?? an easy in for folks who are open to this sequel but haven't fully committed just yet.

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Blood Money

Developer IO Interactive has released details regarding this month's content for their stealth-action title Hitman 2, which continues to provi?de 47's fans with new locations to explore and new heads to pop??.

This month, yer boy will be visiting a U.S. investment bank, possibly to deposit the millions of dollars he has earned in recent months, possibly to throw a briefcase at a dude's head, whichever comes first. The Bank location arrives as?? part of an all-new campaign mission titled "Golden Handshake" which will see 47 performing another perfect-executed contract, no doubt on some nasty ne'er-do-well.

The June Roadmap for #HITMAN2 has arrived and a ton o??f new content is on the horizon for all players!

Read all about what's coming in June right here: //t.co/9npGe0OXsp pic.twitter.com/Cce3LqdKya

— IO Interactive (@IOInteractive) May 31, 2019

Also coming this month are two new "Special Assignments," which offer new targets and challenges in previously visited locations. June will see us return to congested streets of Mumbai and the deep jungles of Santa Fortuna to hunt down a duo of elusive marks. All of the above will be available to owners of the Hitman 2 Expansion Pass from June 25.

As always, there will also be a glut of free content, which sees the return of some Legacy Elusive Targets, some new Escalation Contracts and, on the surreal side, the new Muffin Man challenge, which tasks 47 with causing baked goods-based carnage out in Whittleton Creek. For more details on all of the above, check out the official Hitman 2 website or the video in the tweet below.

Hitman 2 is available now on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

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Welcome to Miami

It's time to polish up those Silverballers once again, as IO Interactive has announced that one of the most infamous Elusive Targets is returning to stealth action title Hitman 2, allowing players who missed out on?? the contract first time around to take another stab at it. Literally.

EX MI5 agent Mark Faba played by Hollywood thespian Sean Bean, will be roaming around in-game between May 3 and June 3. Faba - now a dangerous assassin known as "The Undying" - will offer players one single opportunity to put an end to? his misdeeds. If you blow the contract, you've blown it for good... or at least until they put him in the game again.

Alongside the return of the Elusive Target, the Hitman 2 Miami Pack is now available to purchase, and contains the sunny Miami locale? along with all associated missions, contracts, Ghost Mode, and other content. You can check out the details on this DLC in the trailer below.

Hitman 2 is available now on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

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Making a Killing

Spring is in the air, but even the freshly-cut flowers and bright sunlight cannot deter our favourite Suspicious Bald Person from carrying out his nefarious activities, as IO Interactive reveal April's content for their great stealth title, Hitman 2.

First up, and available right now, is the Mumbai Challenge Pack, which rewards professionals with a special Magnesium Pouch. April 12 brings a Legacy Elusive Target; "The Prince", who will b?e visiting ?Sapienza for 10 days, let's see that he decides to stay permanently, eh?

A new featured contract "Ghost Busters" will arrive on April 17, to be followed up April 25 with a new Escala?tion event, titled "The Nolan Disinfection". We will end the month back in Santa Fortuna for a new Ghost Map. All in, it's a busy month for 47. I'm always left wonde??ring when he finds the time to spend all that money he earns, but I guess red ties don't grow on trees.

Hitman 2 is available now on PS4, Xbox One and PC.

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New Zealand free on all platforms

IO Interactive has introduced the Hitman 2 - Starter Pack as a new option for experienci?ng its stealth assassin series. Free on all platforms (PC, PS4, and Xbox One), you can now step into th??e world of Agent 47 and try out the well-received sequel without dropping a dime. This new option will include the "New Zealand" level with access to the "Nightcall" campaign mission from the main game.

The pack gives players access to everything that Hawke's Bay has to offer: you'll be ??able to complete challenges, earn unlocks, discover hidden stashes, try out different starting locations, and work on upgrading 47's weapons. The starter pack even includes both the "Professional" and "Master" difficulties, so you'll really be able to hone your craft before plunking down on the main game. All progress made in this version will carry over, so there isn't much reason to not try it out.

HITMAN 2 – Starter Pack [IO Interactive]

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For the holidays

From now until January 8, you can return to Paris to relive the original Hitman limited-time holiday quest. Framed around "present stealers," you'll battle a rendition of Harry and Marv from Home Alone as you aim to unlock the ??Santa out?fit for the entire rest of the game.

Wait, Paris? Yep, although Hitman 2 is out with a set of all-new levels starting with Miami, this event debuted in the previous game and still takes place in the inaugural Paris stage. In order to access it you'll need the Legacy Pack for the second game, which is free if you opted for the Hitman season pass.

Hitman 2 launched just ??recently on November 13, and has since ho??sted a Sean Bean event on top of the return of this one.

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Much ado about muffin

Warner Bros. Interactive has released the schedule for December regarding Hitman 2 and the exploits of its anti-hero, Agent 47. Across this new month, various new contracts and targets will appear in-game, as well as a special holiday "surprise".?? Which doesn't sound particularly fun, given that 47 is involved.

??December 6 will bring about "Occupational Hazards"; which is the first of five community-created contracts that will arrive over the coming year. This will be followed up on December 13 with a new Escalation Contract titled Aelwin Augment, which sees our favourite suspicious bald person plying his trade on the secretive Isle of Sgail.

December 18 will bring around the aforementioned holiday "surprise". 47 isn't a stranger to committing murder at The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, nor to dressing up as jolly old St. Nick, so we'll have to see what's in store. December 21 will bring with it a new Elusive Target?, as "The Revolutionary" turns up in Santa Fortuna with time to kill. Finally, December 27 returns to Santa Fortun?a with a new Escalation Contract.

Phew, that's a lot of stealth-action to keep up with, but it's good to know Hitman fans will have plenty to do over the holiday period. Hitman 2 is available now on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

Hitman 2 December roadmap [Official]

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Contextecution

In the latest story of context-free social media problems, a twitter user was recently banned from the platform for implying that he was going to kill Sean Bean. Of course, they were merely referring to an in-game event which is now live in Io Interactive's Hitman 2.

In the first of the sequel's Elusive Target missions, players mus?t track down and eliminate the former 006/Boromir/Sharpe - who is now in the guise of the fictional Mark?? Faba - but by mentioning their plans to do so, user "TheFatConsoler" earned themselves a ban from the blue bird's website.

Eventually, after an email and some press, the ban was lifted and Consoler's account reinstated. This obviously isn't the first time talking about gaming on twitter has led to out-of-context trouble. Earlier this year, an Elite: Dangerous player was banned for violent threats after talking out wiping out non-existent interplanetary species, the Thargoids.

Twitter is bann?ing people who? tweet about Sean Bean in Hitman 2 [VG247]

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Elusive Target #1 is live

IO Interactive has a real knack for creating oh-so-killable individuals for us to track down in Hitman, but just this once, I'm inclined to let the poor sap live. As we were expecting, the first Elusive Target for Hitman 2 (2018) is none other than Se?an Bean, who appears in-game as ?Mark Faba aka "The Undying."

The ??actor has been through enough across his death-filled filmography, don't you think?

If you're playing Hitman 2 (and Chris says we have pretty good reason to do so), here's the timeline: Sean Bean will be around for 14 days. You have one chance?? to take him out between now?? and December 4, 2018. There's even a participation award in the form of an unlockable Explosive Pen.

Ther??e will be many more Elusive Target missions, but there's only one Se??an Bean. Good luck.

The post It’s time to hunt down Sean Bean in Hitman 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Hitting it again, man

Hitman really got its groove back in 2016 despite the initial uproar against its episodic format. Amazingly it actually stuck to its schedule (a rarity) and gave us all six main maps (with bonuses) throughout the y??ear: a virtue in this age of frequently delayed, experimental Early Access wild west.

Even though Hitman 2 is not episodic, because we covered each ??map individually in the last game, I'm goin?g to roll with that format.

Hitman 2 (PC, PS4 [reviewed], Xbox One)
Developer: IO Interactive
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Released: November 13, 2018
MSRP: $59.99

So I already said Hitman 2 isn't episodic, but the format is by?? and large the same as it was in the last iteration. Sure you get all of the maps upfront now, which is great, but they're linked together tenuously at best: a modus operandi that may or may not be up your alley. I welcome its return. 

Miami

Somewhere along the line IO Interactive just said "screw it??" with trying to create this deep-seated lore with Agent 47 and just rolled with the idea of giving ?us silly, loosely related sandboxes that allow us to slap guards with raw fish. Miami is the epitome of that mentality.

It's bright, flashy, and functional. The open-ended fixture of the last Hitman returns, much to my delight. After a short tutorial (in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand) you're whisked away to take out a military goods magnate, who basically moonlights as a tech genius. The aforementioned "flash" is the backdrop of a fancy party at a bustling race track (during a race no less), which provides plenty of opportunities for absurdity. It just feels good to play Hitman again, walking into a?? job with absolutely no weapons on-hand a?nd improvising with otherwise non-lethal objects. I mean, you can knock out the very first well-meaning guard who frisks you: yes!

IO Interactive also gets to flex its viral storytelling muscles a bit. As I already made clear, the?? "shadow agent" overarching framework is fairly generic, but the individual maps have myriad tales to tell. From general vapid banter to the discord between all of the map's major players (and targets), it's often fun to just sit and listen. On a technical level, Miami pushes the engine a little further than most maps to date (the vehicle physics are a little janky), but it doesn't buckle under the pressure.

It's a home-run intro.

Santa Fortuna, Colombia

As you enter Colombia to slay a trio of cartel members, the mood change is swift. The lush jungles of t?he area are a natural follow-up for Miami's palm trees,?? but the proceedings are more dour: like there's a fog looming over the map.

There's still plenty of fun to be had though, like beating on the front gate of a drug kingpin's compound with a hippo door knocker or slowly sneaking through the (mostly linear) jungle perimeter. While it seems like filler on the surface the compound itself is home to some more nuanced points of interest and a few of the more compelling m??ini-natures. It works in spite of its simplistic shell of a layout.

Mumbai

As Hitman's globe-trotting adventure continues it moves into the particularly enthralling locale of Mumbai with an equally gripping objective: you have no idea what one o??f your kills looks like (try this one on a higher difficulty with all the guides/bells and whistles off).

Its intro cinematic describes the streets of Mumbai as "maze-like," and I'm inclined to agree. As usual, IO centers the map around a few major set piec??es (an abandoned train yard, a movie set, and the aforementioned labyrinthine slums), all of which sing. Crowded areas just work so well in these games, as you ??can use the herd to your advantage while simultaneously divining a way to hide your misdeeds from them.

Large swarms also remind us that hey: this is something ??IO may have wanted to do in the past, but couldn't because of technical limitations. Another thumbs way up.

Whittleton Creek, Vermont

IO takes another crack at Americana with Whittleton Creek, a stark contrast to the drab and weak Colorado episode in 2016. Not to sound like an HGTV infomercial but having been to Vermont, I can attest to its beauty: it's not just a random inclusion here. The small suburban town is rife with hilarity, from unassuming citizens having a regular old barbecue to the gigant?ic wi??nd turbines looming over it all.

What I dig most though is the openness of it all, its contrast to some of the busier maps in Hitman 2. You can find your targets here in under a minute, but Whittleton Creek asks you to take your time and smell the [Helen's Kitchen] muffins, chat with a hopeful homeowner's association head, and sol??ve a mole problem. You won't be all willy-nilly killy here? either, as there's an investigation to be had.

IO can pack a whole lot into ?such a small space: the microcosmic change of pace works to its benefit.

Isle of Sgail, North Atlantic

The final mission is predictably dramatic, taking us to the ??high seas at one of the "most secret locations in the world." As cliche as it sounds, the Fort Knox approach allows the island to serve as a challenge map of sorts: appropr??iate for an endgame.

The Eyes Wide Shut motif adds to its allure, as shady ne'er do wells pour in for a chance to bid on illegal goods and services and an entire army guards its riches. This decadence brings to mind some of the high society parties of the Star Wars franchise: a compliment, keeping in line with IO's ability to l??ean into the camp and embrace it.

Hitman 2 is a colossal collection of puzzles begging to be solved through multiple playthroughs. It's meticulous in its scoring system, objectives, and unlocks. Even though this would have worked perfectly as a "season two" for the original Hitman, the need for a new package is perfectly understanda?ble given their situation. I don't even need the Sean Bean and company timed challenges or the promising now-in-beta Ghost Mode (an asymmetrical gametype where you try to kill more targets than an opponent that exists in an alternate reali?ty): just keep giving me more maps and I'll keep playing.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publ??isher.&nbs??????????????????????????p;Sniper Assassin is not covered in this assessment.]}

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47 is back to use the bathroom

The return of Agent 47 is almost upon us, as Warner Bros. and IO Interactive prepare for the release of Hitman 2 in just a few?? days time. One final trailer has been released by the publisher, to check that you have your tie stra??ight, your head shaved, and your silverballers polished.

The one-minute sizzle reel sees our favourite professional doing what he does best, traveling to exotic locales and causing a series of unfortunate accidents for those who see themsel??ves above and beyond the law. The motto of the trailer is "Make the World Your Weapon", a reference to the many environmental hazards just itching to be given that necessary shove by the Suspicious Bald Person.

The series is nearly two decades old now, and we all know the score. Still, I personally always welcome the further adventures of Agent 47, Diana Burnwood, and the ever-growing list of poor saps who find themselves in the crosshairs. You can check out Chris Carter's review right here.

Hitman 2 launches November 13 on PS4, PC and Xbox One

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Possible return to 47's past?

We are creeping (through bushes, probably) ever closer to the release of IO Interactive's Hitman 2, which laun??ches ?November 13 on PS4, PC and Xbox One. But, a recent listing by the European ratings board, the ESRB, appears to show it might not be the only sneak 'n' stab release on the horizon.

Two Hitman titles from the past have been rated for release on PS4 and Xbox One, 2006's Blood Money - considered by some fans to be the best game in the series - and 2012's controversial Absolution, which is far better than its reputation deserves and you give it cr??edit for. Yeah you, I see you?? there, rolling your eyes...

It's worth noting that both titles already support Xbox One's backward compatibility, but still, we could have a digital release or a double-pack on the horizon. I hope so, as they're both great games, and would slide snugly alongside Warner Bros. Hitman and forthcoming Hitman 2. The??re are no further details at this time, but we will keep you informed.

Hitman 2 launches on PS4, PC and Xbox One November 13.

Hit??man:?? Blood Money and Absolution rated for modern platforms by ESRB [Twitter]

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Gameplay tweaks hope to deliver the ultimate assassination experience

Warner Bros. and IO Interactive have released a new trailer for upcoming stealthy/stabby title Hitman 2. The video, titled "Hitman: Perfected??" look??s at how the new games aims to sharpen every element of the long-running series gameplay with new features and modes.

In the lightning-fast promo, Hitman 2 gives us a glimpse at new multiplayer modes, such as the PvP "Ghost" mode and a co-op variant of Sniper Assassin. As for the standard campaign missions, new mechanics have been implemented including a better and more detailed mini-map, fairer visual cues for security camera line-of-sight and picture-in-picture hints. Hitman 2's melee combat has been improved, as well as its stealth mechanics, allowing for more reliable cover in foliage and among crow?ds. This is not to mention the new weapons, tools and huge new maps for 47 to ply his deadly trade.

Having spent a little time with Hitman 2 already, I can confirm that I found it packed with small changes (such as the melee combat) that really improved the flow of the game, as well as realistic map design and the game's impressive crowd tech. I'm very much looking forward to donning the tie once more and seeing how Hitman 2 delivers on release.

Hitman 2 launches November 13 on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

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Globetrotter, manslaughter

Agent 47 best have his passport handy. He'll be doing a lot of global travel in Hitman 2. He'll be doing a lot of murdering too, by the looks of things.?? Surprise, surprise.

We're three weeks out from the release of Hitman 2, and developer IO Interactive has given us the rundown of the places Agent 47's jetset life will take us. There are seven locales in Hitman 2: Hawke's Bay?, New Zealand; Miami, USA; Santa For??tuna, Colombia; Mumbai, India; Whittleton Creek, USA; Isle of Sgàil, North Atlantic; and Himmelstein, Austria (Sniper Assassin mode).

There won't be any downtime between assignments, either. When Hitman released under Square Enix in 2016, it was an episodic game that introduced a new location every five weeks (or so). Hitman 2,? which is published by Warner Bros., simply launches as a full game on November 13. All the contract killin' i??s coming fast and furious -- just how 47 likes it.

Hitman 2 -- Locations Reveal [IO Interactive]

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Ghosting

When Hitman 2 launches next month, it will include a first for the series: competitive multiplayer. While not a massive scale deathmatch,? the aptly titled "Ghost" mode will see two players face off in an assassination contest to kill as many targets as possible in a time limit. There won't be any interaction between the two players,? just two versions of 47 running around to help track progress.

The official description reads:

Ghost Mode in HITMAN 2, gives players the chance to simultaneously hunt targets while in the same location and can see a &?ldquo;ghost” version of their rival gamer to track progress against their own, but they exist in separate realities unaffected by the actions of their adversary. In Ghost Mode, the player who can outsmart, outplay and outkill their opponent by eliminating five targets first, will declare victory.

HITMAN 2 - Ghost Mode Gameplay Reveal [Hitman via YouTube]

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How do you do, fellow Hitmen?

Warner Bros. and IO Interactive have released another trailer to whet your stealth-slasher appetites for upcoming sequel Hitman 2. The new spot explores some of the wacky weaponry available to 47 in his n??ext wave of contracts.

From prosthetic limbs to electronic explosives, as well as bizarre distractions such as wall-mounted beepers and bomb-laden rubber ducks, Hitman 2 hopes that would-be Agency assassins will use their ingenuity and imagination to put together the perfect hit, utili??sing all of 47's deadly tech, and even the surrounding environment to, quite literally, make a killing.

Along with lock-crackers and concussion grenades, we also see how even the?? humble mirror can be used to peer round?? corners, tracking marks on the sly. Be wary though, as mirrors work two ways, and can be used to spot 47 just as easily.

Hitman 2 launches on PS4, PC and Xbox One on November 13.

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Miami mission becomes racetrack riot

I'm pretty good at Hitman. I've been playing the games ever since Hitman: Codename 47, a game so clunky that you had to love it in order to put up with its intolerable menu system and unrelenting control issues. The games have such an allure to me. It's not the violence, it's the planning, the lateral thinking, and the execution (pun fully intended). I love them all. Yes even Absolution, which is way better than you give it credit for.

Which is why, at EGX in Birmingham this weekend, I made a beeline for the stand guarded by a giant plastic duck sporting the iconic suit and tie, as I was particularly eager to get my mitts on IO Interactive's Hitman 2, which is currently sneaking its way toward PC,?? PS4? and Xbox One.

While Hitman 2 is titled as such, it's tough to quantify the game as a "sequel". Essentially, 47's latest killing spree is more accurately a "second season" follow-up to the 2016 episodic release Hitman, the first title launched under new publisher Warner Bros. As such, it contains th??e same engine and coding as the previous game, so don't expect massive changes in terms of visual upgrades, animations or mechanics??.

That said, after watching the very, very cool briefing, delivered in true Mission: Impossible style, 47 appeared on the sun-drenched streets of Miami, standing at the entrance to an exciting motor-racing event. Yer boy Forty is here to "retire" scumbag father-daughter pairing Robert and Sierra Knox, whose amazing engineering ingenuity has also proved equally useful on the arms black market. Today Sierra - also a top-tier racer - takes on the final stage? of her latest Grand Prix, while her father shows off his newest tech at a nearby convention center. They're both about to have a very bad day.

Knowing that the game has little to show that hasn't been seen in the previous season, the demo wisely chooses to showcase one of Hitman 2's biggest innovations; its mass crowd tech. The opening of the Miami stage is teeming with character models, with the map purportedly featuring some 2000 NPCs in all. As 47 pushes his way through the race fans, mascots and security guards, there is constant inane babble from everybody, further giving the extras an element of "life".

Also of note is the excellent map design. The Miami racetrack and convention center are completely be?lievable locations, laid out in an architectural pattern which makes sense, and allows savvy players to navigate the areas according to gut feeling. When it was suggested I go to the car park, and then later the stands, I found my way there naturally, via a route that just "felt right". This map design and crowd tech lends the game a realism that only serves to make the tension of the mission all that more exciting and suspenseful. Even despite 47 wearing shoes with no socks.

As? is to be expected, there are all sorts of methods at your disposal to reach and assassinate your hapless victims. Disguises, pre-deployed weapon caches, on-site procurement of deadly household items and? high and low vantage areas, all designed to add replay value and allow you to find your perfect route to achieving the dream goal of all Hitmen and women: the "Silent Assassin" rating.

However, that ain't happening anytime soon. Playing a map for the very first time, aware that your time to play is limited, called for me to be a little less Day of the Jackal and a little more John Wick. After securing 47's trusty Silverballer handgun on-site, I unfortunately raised alarms when I was then caught subduing a Race Marshal. Still not wanti??ng to spill innocent blood, I made a break for the convention centre. ?But things just went from bad to worse as I broke up a tour group, left a sniper rifle lying in the toilets, and accidentally punched a female executive down a staircase. My Hitman was clearly spelt with a silent "S".

With the situation too far gone, and not enough time to try again, I was left with no choice but to perform - with needle-threading accuracy - the act of beating up a mechanic in a bathroom, smashing a fusebox, and buying some sweet VIP seats off of a ticket scalper. Hopefully, the disastrous chaos of the day will lead to the Knox family going out of business, where they can't harm anybody anymore. See, you can get results w?ithout anyone getting hurt. Think outside the box a little.

There's no denying that Hitman 2 is likely to just be "more of the same", and it won't pull in those who have previously shown a dislike for the series. To get the best out of the Hitman games, patience, trial-and-error, failure and restarts can be necessary. But fans have long since grown used to the idea that Hitman is a marathon, not a sprint, with practice, timing and experimentation leading to the most satisfying of s??uccesse?s.

Hitman 2 is, essentiall?y, a full-size expansion pack to the previous episodic series. Only this time there'll be no waiting around, as this entry will be the full game on launch (or as full a release as DLC kings Warner Bros. will allow). It's looking pretty damn good. I can't wait to get globe-trotting with 47 again, visiting exotic locations across the globe, trying on a range of cool new clothes, meeting beautiful, interesting people, and then killing them wit??h a corkscrew.

Hitman 2 launches November 13 on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

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Jungle stealth en vogue in 2018

Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for their upcoming stealth assassination title Hitman 2. The new clip features everyone's favourite Suspicious Bald Person, Agent 47, as he winds?? his way through the darkest jungles of Colombia.

A far cry from the bright urban environment of previously revealed locations like Miami, 47 will be required to be??come one with the undergrowth as he picks his way through Santa Fortuna. This is the homebase of the dangerous Delgado C??artel, of which three heads are currently located, surrounded by heavily-armed guards. But is 47 trapped in the deadly compound with them, or are they trapped in there with him?

Hitman 2 launches November 13 on PS4, PC and Xbox One.

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How to Hitman

A new trailer for Warner Bros. and IO Interactive's upcoming release, Hitman 2, looks at the adaptive mindset of titular anti-hero Agent 47, focusing on h??????????????????????????is ?ability to react to his current situation, using intuitive improvisation in order to achieve his, and the player's, morbid goals.

In the Hitman series, this comes down to the use of disguises, hidden tools and the environment itself in order to carry out contracts quickly, efficiently and with the minimum of fallout. We get to see the dangers of fault garage equipment and disco lighting, as well as 47's chameleon-like abi??lities to fit in with a crowd, right up until the moment the world starts looking for "a suspicious bald person".

You too will have the chance to play Manchurian Candidate in just a couple of months, when Hitman 2 launches on PS?4, PC and Xbox One. Watch your step.

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I didn't see that coming

The upcoming Hitman 2 is looking to be a marked improvement over the 2016 reboot. With improved graphics, level density, and enemy AI, it may be hard to return to 47's episodic adventures after 2's release. Well, it would have been before IO Interactive's announcement today. If you somehow skipped out on Hitman (like I have for some odd reason), you'll actually be able to play the entirety of season one within Hitman 2.

Being dubbed the "Hitman Legacy Pack," this DLC will include all six locations from the 2016 reboot with added features from Hitman 2. This brings about things like stealthing through bushes, picture-in-picture modes, 47's stealthy briefcase and a whole bunch more. Essentially, Hitman 2 is doubling in size before it even launches.

If you happen to already own season one, you'll be given the DLC for free when Hitman 2 launches. There isn't a mention of what price the pack will be for newcomers, nor whether this will include the content from the GOTY version (which had an extra mini-campaign). At the very least, the next Steam sale on Hitman is looking incredibly enticing.

HITMAN [Twitter]

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