Let’s kick off with HITMAN World of Assassination by IO Interactive A/S, published by IO Interactive A/S. To start with, one thing I really appreciate is how players praise the creative freedom it offers. For instance, one Steam user calls it a “remastered stealth trilogy.” They’re impressed by the updated visuals and buttery-smooth controls. That said, some players do gripe about the confusing DLC bundles—which, let’s be honest, can interrupt the flow of a good speedrun. Honestly, IO Interactive could simplify those store editions to streamline access. And for a speedrunner like me, clean menus aren’t just nice—they’re essential.
Now, when I say I dug into every contract, every suit, every instanced target—I mean it. Players can’t get enough of the 20+ stunning locations, stretching from Dubai to Tokyo. From what I’ve seen, the Full Game Standard Edition offers the best bang for your buck. One review even noted that bonus maps like New York and Haven Island were available for under four euros. If you’re the type to chase every last challenge, grabbing the Access Pass is a no-brainer. After all, tracking collectibles and completing map-specific goals offers satisfying depth.
As an explorer at heart, I was thrilled to discover hidden rooms beneath Paris’s cathedrals. Also, moments like these are the kind of detail that makes the world feel alive. One user even called the live content “endlessly replayable,” and I couldn’t agree more. What really seals the deal is the freedom of approach: swap disguises, trigger chaos, or go full sniper ghost. It plays like an open-world sandbox—just with assassin flair. Personally, I’d compare it to Assassin’s Creed in terms of that sneaky verticality.
From a more professional gameplay perspective, the precision of the controls and AI reactions stands out big time. NPC pathfinding tests your timing and awareness. I memorized patrol loops down to the second. Using coins, explosive pens, and environmental traps creatively elevates the genre. If you’ve played Dishonored, you’ll notice similar vibes in how choice and consequence shape your approach. That’s all powered by IO Interactive’s World of Assassination engine, and it shows.
Speaking of systems that flow well, the map design clearly favors speedruns. Disguises effectively teleport you past locked zones. You can skip whole floors using vents or chute pipes. In fact, I even shaved 30 seconds off Berlin’s finale by glitching through a wall—what a rush. That sense of momentum? It hits like Mirror’s Edge fused with spycraft mechanics.
On top of that, it’s also worth noting how the mechanics feed directly into the assassin fantasy. New weapons unlock after each mission, and I documented every elusive target arc just to find those hidden Escalations. Even better, the Challenges menu tracks 100% completion, keeping the pressure high. Also, optional objectives nudge you into mastering every corner of Chongqing’s skyscraper.
And the sandbox design? It really shines when things get unpredictable. I’ve chased random NPC conversations that revealed valuable clues. One time, I even raced a getaway car through Mendoza’s hills. Those moments remind me of Mafia’s open-world surprises.
To shake things up further, the game introduces Freelancer mode—a rogue-lite twist. You get to build custom loadouts, weigh risks, and adapt on the fly. Think Into the Breach meets Hitman. I especially love the strategy that comes before each heist. That pre-run planning adds a whole new layer of depth for experienced players.
Now, Agent 47’s quiet, calculated professionalism anchors the entire narrative. Even while speedrunning Sapienza, I could still follow the ICA’s tangled twists. According to IO Interactive, they aimed for a “spy-thriller vibe” throughout the trilogy—and it pays off. The pacing keeps you invested, even when you’re laser-focused on optimizing splits.
Every target in HITMAN World of Assassination ties into the plot with intent. Elusive contracts even sprinkle in lore. Meeting Diana Burnwood in high-tension moments builds that iconic spy-partner dynamic. I went so far as to log NPC dialogue just to catch hidden story cues. That kind of world-building feels incredibly polished.
Every level feels like it’s telling its own story. Marrakesh, for instance, sets the stage with a royal wedding. You can feel the political tension, especially when navigating through the riot-ready crowds and government checkpoints. That level of detail rivals Red Dead Redemption in atmosphere, blending scripted sequences with emergent NPC behavior that reacts to your disguise choices.
As for the dialogue, it’s sharp, minimal, and totally in line with Agent 47’s character. The brief cutscenes help maintain immersion, too. IO Interactive’s smart pacing ensures you’re never bogged down between missions, and the voice lines vary based on your in-game decisions, subtly changing how intel unfolds.
On the technical side, the Glacier engine delivers. I consistently get solid frame rates on PC with RTX enabled, even during large-scale crowd scenes. Shifts in color palette—from sun-soaked Dubai to neon-drenched Tokyo—help with visual tracking. Plus, minimal texture pop-in makes real-time escape planning smoother, especially when sprinting through open-air markets or complex interiors.
I also scouted every vantage point for Photo Mode shots. You can capture hi-res moments straight out of a spy flick. The art team clearly took cues from Mission: Impossible, and it shows—each map feels like a diorama in motion.
Crowded plaza markets? Still buttery smooth. High crowd density doesn’t lag, and the night lighting in Bangkok is absolutely authentic. It’s a visual feast all around.
In terms of console performance, benchmarks show PlayStation and Xbox delivering stable 30 to 60 fps. The 2024 patch also helped slash load times—a big win for fast replays.
Let’s not forget the sound. Composer Niels Bye Nielsen builds tension with tracks like “Delhi Deco.” Footstep sounds on different surfaces let me time patrols precisely. I only mute crowd noise when I need total clarity for late-stage runs.
Voice acting is top-notch. Gabrielle Skeete’s portrayal of Diana Burnwood adds crisp authority. Mission sound effects—like rifle echoes—inject realism. Playing with surround sound helped me catch subtle cues, including whispering guards.
Ambient audio like car horns and market chatter brings each location to life. The audio team nailed everything from regional accents to local music styles.
More importantly, the audio mix balances perfectly—music, voices, and effects blend so well that I never miss crucial stealth cues, like silenced pistol shots. That level of clarity is vital in pro strats.
As for character design, elusive targets often feature bold, one-off designs. These contracts excite me most in speedruns. They push adaptability to the limit and force you to stay sharp.
Beyond that, costume unlocks also come with cool backstories. Each suit ties into the narrative. ICA file org charts flesh out side characters, which makes full completion more rewarding.
Take Mendoza, for example—meeting the corrupt baron there was a standout. His dialogue felt genuine. You can empathize—or foil his plan by siding with a guard. That level of choice adds emotional stakes and replay value.
Also, Freelancer mode introduces even more depth with new characters and spy recruitment arcs. Each run evolves as you invest in intel, keeping competitive players fully hooked.
When it comes to difficulty, scaling is also handled elegantly. You can select from easy, normal, or professional flags. Many speedrunners prefer Professional mode for early gear unlocks. It’s a balanced system that supports all skill levels. In fact, one top Steam reviewer even praised the smooth curve—no weird spikes.
And if you’re chasing full mastery, challenge tiers in HITMAN World of Assassination deliver. Master difficulty adds timers and weapon limits, making it a real test for seasoned players.
Of course, exploration naturally introduces challenge, too. Thick crowds make tracking harder, and I sometimes trigger alarms on purpose just to try new tactics.
Also, Freelancer mode forces hard choices through limited resources. It’s tough—but fair. Hardcore players will thrive here.
Replay value? Through the roof. Between user contracts, Escalations, and Elusive targets, the content never feels stale. I’ve replayed Berlin 50 times, and the persistent Freelancer rank system means there’s always a new goal to chase. It reminds me of Celeste’s challenge ladders—grind-heavy, but satisfying.
Yes, I unlocked every achievement. The mission replay system tracks best times, kills, and overall scores, making refinement an ongoing process.
To keep things fresh, monthly live content updates drop new Escalations, much like Warframe’s content model. These additions bring fresh tools and targets into play, keeping veteran players engaged.
What’s more, each Freelancer run shuffles the meta. Random missions, evolving intel, and tactical constraints ensure no two playthroughs are alike. Because of that, the game’s longevity puts Hitman right alongside top-tier roguelikes.
In short, HITMAN World of Assassination is IO Interactive’s definitive stealth package. Seamlessly combining the best of Hitman 1, 2, and 3, it excels thanks to its refined Glacier engine, intelligent AI, and deeply replayable mission design.
If you’re a fan of stealth games that demand thoughtful planning, clever improvisation, and rewarding experimentation, this curated list of top-tier titles is exactly what you need next. Dishonored 2 delivers stealth gameplay fused with supernatural abilities and levels that respond dynamically to your choices. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla expands the genre into a massive open world, blending smooth stealth mechanics with visceral melee combat. For those who thrive on tactical depth, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain offers unmatched freedom with its open-ended mission design. And if you’re in the mood for something more surreal, Control brings a visually arresting world of shifting architecture and cinematic action that still rewards stealthy approaches. Dive into these standout titles and keep your stealth instincts razor-sharp with every mission.
