Hitman Series Official Thread

[Eisberg]

Someone asked this of Tim Sweeney:

So I'm going to be curious. I'm one of the unfortunate souls scammed by IO at this point ( yes I will use this language) with Hitman 3 and "free upgrade". Tim Sweeney could you provide comments on 'why' I have to rebuy Hitman 1 and 2 instead of linking Steam copy?

And this is Tim Sweeney's response

Sorry, the team is looking into this with IO. It’s never Epic’s intent to create a situation where someone who owns a game on Steam would have to buy it again on Epic Games Store.

https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/s...45928931966976

Now I feel this is significant because I have seen Epic look into stuff before and it resulted in a change. For example, when the VR version of Operencia: Stolen Sun was announced, the developers only announced it for Steam and stated it would not be coming to Epic nor GOG. I contacted both Tim Sweeney and GOG about this situation, Tim Sweeney stated he'll get a team on it, GOG never responded. When the VR version came out, it was released on Epic at the same time as Steam, GOG still did not get it.

So now that Epic is on it, there is still a possibility all of this will be resolved in some way.

[the_sextein]

I didn't have an epic store account and I don't personally have a reason to have more than one digital game store on my PC. However, IOI is one of the last remaining independent PC game developers that still deliver games that require more than pointing and shooting with AAA quality.

My thoughts were if EPIC's cash handouts were going to help struggling independent studios remain independent from companies like EA and Microsoft than perhaps I should support the effort even if it's a minor hassle for me as a consumer.

Two days ago I pre ordered Hitman 3 for it's release a week later. Now it looks like to me that someone at IOI either made incorrect assumptions or EPIC's lawyers sold some snake oil to IOI. After Sweeny's response I'm leaning on an honest oversight on IOI's part.

Either way if the result of taking free handout cash from EPIC means that gamers who purchased Hitman 2018 have to purchase it again in order to get the full trilogy install then I will be forced to return the game for a refund.

I'm sure children are throwing tantrums across the net over this but I'm not really upset since it looks like a mistake to me. The money isn't a big deal either but I don't want to support anti consumer practices that could result in intentional behavior like this in the future.

Hopefully they will figure something out before launch because Hitman 3 was going to be my "go to" game for the next 3 weeks while beta testing the classic Baldur's Gate beta patch on the side. I'd hate to have to wait a year after console release just so IOI could get some cash from EPIC.

I really like Hitman 2016 and 2018. They are not as good as the originals in some ways but they are better than the originals in others. All in all I think they are solid games and I figure Hitman 3 will be more of the same regarding the last two hitman games. Also, IOI announced that they will be adding RTX effects to the game later on in the year which should be great.

[Nagorak]

Hopefully it is all an honest mistake. I wonder why Hitman 2 wasn't sold on Epic? Seems really weird to me. But, either way, since the games log in to some server online it seems to me your progression/achievements should be able to be imported cross-store. Personally I don't actually care whether that stuff is imported or not. I got the classic achievements once to say I did it, not for bragging rights.

Originally Posted by the_sextein

I really like Hitman 2016 and 2018. They are not as good as the originals in some ways but they are better than the originals in others. All in all I think they are solid games and I figure Hitman 3 will be more of the same regarding the last two hitman games. Also, IOI announced that they will be adding RTX effects to the game later on in the year which should be great.

I honestly think the recent Hitman games are better than all of the other ones with the exception of possibly Blood Money. All the levels are solid, with multiple ways to approach the assassinations. There are no crap infiltration levels like in OG Hitman 2 or Absolution, no frustrating lack of saves (OG Hitman), or generally crap mechanics (Absolution).

OG Hitman and OG Hitman 2 were arguably more revolutionary, but if we're grading on just overall gameplay/enjoyment the newer versions get the nod, IMO. Still don't understand how we got the weird regression in gameplay that occurred with Absolution compared to Blood Money and Contracts.

[the_sextein]

IOI was published by Eidios software until Hitman Blood Money. Square Enix purchased IOI's Hitman IP and as a result the game got better graphics and extremely dumbed down gameplay with absolution. It was square Enix's goal to make Hitman more mainstream for more profit by creating an action game and leaving the stealth elements in the past. Square got a new CEO shortly after absolution. Hitman 2016 was a compromise made between IOI and Square Enix's new CEO however it failed to sell up to square Enix's expectations and they were dropped immediately after. The episodic launch of Hitman 2016 was square enix's way of releasing all of it's new titles at the time as well.

IOI went to warner bro's for Hitman 2018 and I think some licensing issue between them is what kept it from being sold on the EPIC game store. IOI went independent for this release and they have a new 007 James bond game coming out soon. Hopefully they can stay in business on there own.

I agree with you for the most part regarding the newer games. They have great level design and alot more advanced AI and scripted kills. I still feel that the original games had more satisfying kills that didn't require any kind of scripted sequences outside of accidents in blood money. Overall I think the new games are great though.

[the_sextein]

Looks like they are going to sit down on their day off and fix this issue. Good on them.
https://twitter.com/IOInteractive/st...99132966318084

[twonha]

Originally Posted by the_sextein

Looks like they are going to sit down on their day off and fix this issue. Good on them.
https://twitter.com/IOInteractive/st...99132966318084

That's great. Here's hoping this message gets as much traction as the previous message. (Spoilers: it won't. )

[the_sextein]

2 days to go, hope it delivers a satisfying conclusion.

[the_sextein]

Well, the reviews are out and it did well. This is the highest rated Hitman title ever from what I gather. One of the best games to come out this year so far.


https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hit.../1900-6417632/

https://www.pcgamer.com/hitman-3-review/

https://www.ign.com/articles/hitman-3-review

https://www.gameinformer.com/review/...ler-conclusion

[Jet Black]

Having not gotten into the rebooted Hitman stuff, would it be worth jumping right into Hitman 3 and watching "the story so far" bit, or would it make sense to just play the free copy of Hitman 1 reboot I have on Epic instead (to keep me busy)? Like I need more games to keep me busy... lol

[the_sextein]

Hitman 2016 GOTY is free when you pre order Hitman 3 and Hitman 2018 is going to be 80% off for the next 10 days.

One of the cool things about this is it combines all 3 games into one game. Anything you unlock in Hitman 1 can be used in Hitman 3 and vice versa. Another cool thing is that the older games benefit from all of the engine improvements from the Hitman 3 engine. So the new RTX lighting effects could very well upgrade all 3 games to the new standard when they upgrade the graphics later this year. Personally, I'd buy all 3 of them. Like old Hitman games, the story isn't a big deal but the quality of the last 3 games are all similar in terms of art style, level design ect. and they are pretty cheap now with consistently fun gameplay.

[Jet Black]

I know it's been talked about in the thread, but I still don't understand how that works for people who don't own Hitman 2. I purchase Hitman 3 on Epic and Hitman 2 on Steam will be 80% off? I don't even see Hitman 2 on Epic.

Edit: Okay, I think I found the info myself. It seems that H1 and H2 are DLC within Hitman 3, so I wouldn't see any discount until actually opening the game and purchasing the DLC inside. Wish I knew what 80% off was, though. Is it 80% off of $60 or $30?

[the_sextein]

I'm not sure either. They have two versions. Hitman 2 basic has 6 missions and Hitman 2 gold has the 6 missions plus 2 bonus missions. I already own the gold version so mine will transfer over in a couple weeks but IOI hasn't said what the two different versions are going to cost, only that they are 80% off.

[Jet Black]

At least I won't have to preorder. I like the 10 days from release so I can at least understand what's up. I'm wondering how those first missions will work and if the story is all there etc. Seems like a lot of hours playing all 3 at once.

[Sundance Kid V2]

Originally Posted by Jet Black

I know it's been talked about in the thread, but I still don't understand how that works for people who don't own Hitman 2. I purchase Hitman 3 on Epic and Hitman 2 on Steam will be 80% off? I don't even see Hitman 2 on Epic.

Edit: Okay, I think I found the info myself. It seems that H1 and H2 are DLC within Hitman 3, so I wouldn't see any discount until actually opening the game and purchasing the DLC inside. Wish I knew what 80% off was, though. Is it 80% off of $60 or $30?

i have the exact same scenario...

[KAC]

I got the free Hitman. Will bone and see if it is worth punching through the rest.

[Jet Black]

I took the plunge. Figured that getting H1 for free and H2 at a discount, the package was a pretty good deal. Picked it up from Greenman Gaming for a slight discount and that discount basically covered the cost of the basic version of H2 (gold version was more than 2x the basic version!). H2 DLC was going for about $10 CAD so maybe $6-7 USD, which is pretty decent for an entire game.

Another reason I picked this up is the list of releases for 2021 looks kinda uninteresting for a while. Not until Gotham Knights is there a for-sure buy for me and that is summer I believe.

[Exposed]

So I'm a bit confused by the purchase options. I've never played any of the recent Hitman series, so I plan on starting from Hitman 1 to Hitman 3.

So buying Hitman 3 gets me Hitman 1 GOTY for free, but I need to buy Hitman 2 separately. But what the hell is this cluster****?
https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-U...SC&pageSize=30

3 different options for Hitman 2. I'm assuming the most expensive option Hitman 2 Gold addon is what I need? It includes the expansion content, or is that yet another purchase if I wanted to play all of Hitman 2?

Confusing as ****!

[Jet Black]

I just bought the standard Hitman 2 content for the campaign. I think the gold gives some side stuff that isn't necessary. I'll have enough content without gold, but it's up to you. I agree, I don't understand that bullshit at all.

OMFG, I didn't even buy the right version. I got the Hitman 3: Hitman 2 Expansion which sounded right, but that is just the extended stuff and not the base game. That one is called Standard. If I go ahead and get gold now I'll have wasted money. Sent a request for a refund. Very poor wording on this.

[Sundance Kid V2]

Originally Posted by Jet Black

I just bought the standard Hitman 2 content for the campaign. I think the gold gives some side stuff that isn't necessary. I'll have enough content without gold, but it's up to you. I agree, I don't understand that bullshit at all.

OMFG, I didn't even buy the right version. I got the Hitman 3: Hitman 2 Expansion which sounded right, but that is just the extended stuff and not the base game. That one is called Standard. If I go ahead and get gold now I'll have wasted money. Sent a request for a refund. Very poor wording on this.

there is way too many versions. I read thru it all... had to do a double check a few times.

Not going to buy it... will wait till super cheap. If it comes to steam I'll pick it up there.

[Jet Black]

**** Epic. I contacted them and requested a refund, and they refused because I played more than 2 hours of the game (despite having not touched the DLC yet). I ended up purchasing the Standard edition on top of the Expansion, which was actually more expensive than just buying gold. I sent them a complaint and we will see what happens. At this point I just want them to grant me the gold edition and be done with it. Such an awful sales page.

Here is a screenshot for anyone else trying to figure this **** out.

[NIGELG]

Originally Posted by Sundance Kid V2

there is way too many versions. I read thru it all... had to do a double check a few times.

Not going to buy it... will wait till super cheap. If it comes to steam I'll pick it up there.

[Nagorak]

Originally Posted by the_sextein

IOI was published by Eidios software until Hitman Blood Money. Square Enix purchased IOI's Hitman IP and as a result the game got better graphics and extremely dumbed down gameplay with absolution. It was square Enix's goal to make Hitman more mainstream for more profit by creating an action game and leaving the stealth elements in the past. Square got a new CEO shortly after absolution. Hitman 2016 was a compromise made between IOI and Square Enix's new CEO however it failed to sell up to square Enix's expectations and they were dropped immediately after. The episodic launch of Hitman 2016 was square enix's way of releasing all of it's new titles at the time as well.

IOI went to warner bro's for Hitman 2018 and I think some licensing issue between them is what kept it from being sold on the EPIC game store. IOI went independent for this release and they have a new 007 James bond game coming out soon. Hopefully they can stay in business on there own.

I agree with you for the most part regarding the newer games. They have great level design and alot more advanced AI and scripted kills. I still feel that the original games had more satisfying kills that didn't require any kind of scripted sequences outside of accidents in blood money. Overall I think the new games are great though.

Thanks for the summary. I had forgotten that the new Hitman was released episodically. I refuse to buy most episodic games until they are fully complete. I don't imagine the episodic format helped sales.

In any case, like you I hope IOI manages to survive on its own. Maybe Hitman style games aren't meant to be AAA blockbusters, but have to be scaled back to be more for their niche audience.

[Nagorak]

Originally Posted by Jet Black

I just bought the standard Hitman 2 content for the campaign. I think the gold gives some side stuff that isn't necessary. I'll have enough content without gold, but it's up to you. I agree, I don't understand that bullshit at all.

OMFG, I didn't even buy the right version. I got the Hitman 3: Hitman 2 Expansion which sounded right, but that is just the extended stuff and not the base game. That one is called Standard. If I go ahead and get gold now I'll have wasted money. Sent a request for a refund. Very poor wording on this.

That sucks. There really are too many different version. I don't even know why they sold Hitman 2: Standard, they should have just had Gold with the extra two missions. There is no reason they should still be selling limited versions on a new game.

Personally, much as I enjoy the Hitman games, I'm still not paying full price for a game when I have such a long backlog of games to play. I need at least a 25% discount to bite.

[Jet Black]

Originally Posted by Nagorak

That sucks. There really are too many different version. I don't even know why they sold Hitman 2: Standard, they should have just had Gold with the extra two missions. There is no reason they should still be selling limited versions on a new game.

Personally, much as I enjoy the Hitman games, I'm still not paying full price for a game when I have such a long backlog of games to play. I need at least a 25% discount to bite.

Yeah I got ****ed, but love the game anyway. They wouldn't refund or grant me gold with both the standard and expansion, so shame on me I guess. It's too bad a fun game has left a bad taste because of the stupid Epic store.

Having only played about half of the Hitman 1 portion, the levels are good and the engine looks great. The episodic nature is obvious and levels are meant to be replayed with more unlocks over and over. I find it pretty funny most of the time and shocked My wife when she heard me say "Yes! I'm about to drown this asshole in the toilet!"

[Exposed]

I don't know if this will help anyone, but if you're like me and never played any of the recent Hitman games and don't know what to buy, this is what you need:

1. Purchase Hitman 3 Standard or Deluxe edition. Personally I didn't feel Deluxe was worth it, there's no extra locations.

2. Purchase Hitman 3 DLC (Access pass): Hitman 1 GOTY edition. This is free with any Hitman 3 standard or deluxe purchase until January 30th, after that you have to buy it.

3. Purchase Hitman 3 DLC (Access Pass): Hitman 2 Gold edition. $20 currently.


This will give you all locations and content from the prior Hitman 1/2 games including their respective DLC locations. Download and install.

Now, what confused me was if I was just getting the locations/levels, not the whole game. You are getting the entire Hitman 1 and 2 game content, including cutscenes. The levels have supposedly been updated to Hitman 3 engine but I never played the original so can't compare. But, the main thing is that it's the whole game and you can start from Hitman 1 and proceed to Hitman 2 before actually starting the Hitman 3 content.

That's what I wanted and bought last night.

[DeathKnight]

FYI if you got Hitman 1 season 1 for free from Epic back in August of last year (or for some reason purchased it through Epic previously) you'll get the free upgrade to the GOTY access pass for an indefinite period of time when purchasing Hitman 3. Apparently no expiration.

[Destroy]

Bunch of racial bigots, they left out vegan and PETA!!

[Jet Black]

Originally Posted by Destroy

Bunch of racial bigots, they left out vegan and PETA!!

No, that was on purpose. PETA would never allow Agent 47 to slap the **** out of people with a giant fish if they were involved...

[the_sextein]

I've hardly had time to play this lately but I've decided to start over with Hitman 2016 and just play through the whole trilogy as one game. Looks like the Hitman community is pretty happy with Hitman 3 levels and I look forward to getting to them eventually. I figure I will do a thorough playthrough and unlock everything which will probably take most of the year. There isn't a whole lot coming out this year that I care about unless Dying Light 2 or Stalker 2 actually make it so I'm going to use this to keep me busy.

The 3000 series destroys the glacier engine. Hopefully the RTX effects that they add later on this year will give the game a nice little upgrade in visuals.

Benchmark results at 4k max everything:

[KAC]

Can you go Rambo in these games?