The Hitman series has captivated gamers for over two decades, immersing them in the thrilling world of Agent 47, a genetically enhanced hitman with a license to kill. With its complex level designs, semi-open worlds, and trademark ragdoll physics, the franchise has built a massive fanbase. While the gameplay has evolved over the years, the core experience of being a silent assassin remains as compelling as ever.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the chronological order of all the Hitman games, from the first release in 2000 to the latest installment in 2021. We’ll explore the personal story of Agent 47 and his journey through various missions set in exotic locations. Additionally, we’ll provide recommendations on the best play order for the games to ensure you have the most immersive and enjoyable experience.
Hitman: Codename 47 (2000)
The journey begins with Hitman: Codename 47, the game that started it all. Released in 2000, Codename 47 introduces players to the silent assassin, Agent 47, and his induction into the International Contract Agency (ICA). In this game, players witness Agent 47’s escape from his creators and his training to become a world-class assassin. The gameplay revolves around completing contracts in semi-open levels, utilizing disguises to blend in with the environment and access restricted areas.
It’s important to note that while Codename 47 is the first game in the series, there is a slight plot gap between the first level and the rest of the game. This gap was later filled by the training levels in the 2016 Hitman reboot, which depict Agent 47’s training at the ICA. Codename 47 revolutionized the stealth genre by introducing the concept of blending among enemies using disguises, setting the foundation for the games to come.
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (2002)
Following the events of Codename 47, Hitman 2: Silent Assassin takes place after Agent 47’s retirement from the ICA. Living a peaceful life, Agent 47 befriends Reverend Emilio Vittorio. However, when Vittorio is kidnapped, Agent 47 is compelled to return to his life as an assassin and track down the assailants. Silent Assassin introduces new elements to the gameplay, such as the use of the fiber wire, a compass, and binoculars. It also features multiple possible approaches and outcomes for missions, allowing players to choose their playstyle.
By achieving the highest rating of “Silent Assassin” in this game, players can unlock new weapons, enhancing their arsenal. Silent Assassin received critical acclaim for its technical improvements over its predecessor, including enhanced AI and more varied mission designs.
Hitman: Contracts (2004)
Hitman: Contracts, released in 2004, serves as both a sequel and a remake. The game features gameplay elements and mechanics from Silent Assassin while incorporating levels from Codename 47. Contracts allows players to revisit levels from the first game with improved graphics and gameplay mechanics. The game delves into Agent 47’s past contracts through a series of flashbacks, providing a deeper understanding of his character and motivations.
With its dark and atmospheric tone, Contracts received positive reviews for its graphics and storytelling. The improved and highly suspicious AI added an extra layer of challenge to the gameplay. Contracts sold over 2 million copies and further solidified the Hitman franchise as a staple in the stealth genre.
Hitman: Blood Money (2006)
Considered by many fans to be the best game in the franchise, Hitman: Blood Money takes players back into Agent 47’s shoes as he embarks on a mission to take down the Franchise, a rival organization to the ICA. The Franchise aims to develop its own cloning technology for assassins, posing a significant threat to the ICA. Blood Money introduces new features that enhance the gameplay experience, including the ability to dispose of bodies, climb obstacles, use NPCs as human shields, and make assassinations look like accidents.
The game garnered significant attention and controversy due to its advertisements depicting death and murder. Despite the controversy, Blood Money received critical acclaim for its immersive gameplay, intricate level designs, and replayability. It sold over 2 million copies and was featured in a trilogy pack alongside Silent Assassin and Contracts.
Hitman: Absolution (2012)
Hitman: Absolution, released in 2012, takes a slightly different approach from its predecessors. The game follows a more linear narrative structure and deviates from the larger sandbox missions associated with the franchise. In Absolution, Agent 47 receives a contract to eliminate Diana, his previous handler, for betraying the ICA. However, he discovers that Diana was trying to protect a genetically engineered girl named Victoria from a life of violence. Determined to save Victoria and stop the production of genetically modified assassins, Agent 47 embarks on a personal mission.
While Absolution received mixed reviews from fans and critics, it introduced the “Contracts Mode,” allowing players to create their own missions and share them with the community. The game’s linear structure and the introduction of new gameplay mechanics, such as the instinct feature, divided opinions among fans. Nevertheless, Absolution remains an important chapter in the Hitman series, providing insight into Agent 47’s complex character and motivations.
Hitman (2016)
Hitman (2016) marked the start of the World of Assassination trilogy, representing a reboot of the franchise for the next generation of consoles. The game features episodic releases, with each episode introducing a new contract for Agent 47 to complete. The World of Assassination trilogy provided a more refined and immersive Hitman experience, combining the best elements from previous games with improved AI and world simulation.
In Hitman (2016), players explore large open-world sandboxes, offering seemingly endless options for eliminating targets. The game received positive reviews for its return to the franchise’s roots and the introduction of episodic content. It was nominated for and won multiple awards, attracting over 13 million players since its release.
Hitman 2 (2018)
Hitman 2 continues the story from its predecessor, with Agent 47 on a mission to uncover the identity of the “Shadow Client.” The game retains the large open-world sandboxes and multiple approaches to completing missions. Hitman 2 introduces new gameplay mechanics and features, enhancing the overall experience. It received positive reviews upon release, although it faced tough competition from other high-profile game releases during the same period.
One notable addition to Hitman 2 is the inclusion of the locations from the previous game, updated with the latest features. This allows players to experience the entire World of Assassination trilogy in one package and provides a seamless continuation of Agent 47’s journey.
Hitman 3 (2021)
Hitman 3 serves as the epic conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy. In this installment, Agent 47 is tasked with eliminating the three “Partners” of the Providence organization. The game features lush and sprawling level designs, offering challenging missions that can be completed in various ways. Hitman 3 also introduces the Freelancer mode, which adds roguelike elements to the game, providing a new level of replayability and challenge.
The release of Hitman 3 was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming the most successful entry in the franchise. The developers even added the levels from the previous two games into Hitman 3, allowing players to experience the entire trilogy in one cohesive package.
Recommended Play Order for the Hitman Games
While the Hitman games can be played in their release order, it’s also possible to enjoy them in a different sequence. The chronological order of the games aligns with their release order for the most part, with a few exceptions in the original series. For a purist experience, playing the games in the release order provides a comprehensive understanding of the series’ evolution. However, if you prefer a more streamlined and modern approach, starting with Hitman (2016) and progressing through the World of Assassination trilogy offers a highly immersive and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hitman series has captivated gamers for over two decades, offering thrilling stealth gameplay, intricate level designs, and a captivating storyline. Whether you choose to follow the chronological order or the modern trilogy, you’re in for an unforgettable journey as you step into the shoes of Agent 47, the silent assassin. So gear up, plan your strategies, and prepare to infiltrate the world of assassination in the Hitman games.
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