Hitman
Hitman is a franchise that encompasses a series of stealth video games, developed by several companies including IO Interactive and published by Eidos Interactive and later by Square Enix. The series revolves around the character Agent 47, a genetically enhanced assassin known for his bald head and barcode tattoo on the back of his head.
History
The Hitman franchise began with the release of the first game, Hitman: Codename 47, in 2000. Developed by IO Interactive, this game introduced players to the world of contract killings through the eyes of Agent 47. Here are key points in the franchise's history:
- 2000: Hitman: Codename 47 was released, setting the stage for the series.
- 2002: Hitman 2: Silent Assassin followed, refining gameplay and introducing more detailed levels.
- 2004: Hitman: Contracts was released, featuring a darker tone and revisiting some of the missions from the first game.
- 2006: Hitman: Blood Money was introduced, focusing on the consequences of Agent 47's actions.
- 2012: Hitman: Absolution shifted the gameplay with a more linear structure but was met with mixed reviews.
- 2016: Hitman, often referred to as Hitman: World of Assassination, brought a return to open-ended sandbox environments with episodic content release.
- 2021: Hitman 3 concluded the World of Assassination trilogy, focusing on narrative closure and gameplay refinement.
Gameplay
The core gameplay of Hitman involves stealth, strategy, and assassination. Players are tasked with eliminating targets in various locations around the world, often with multiple ways to complete objectives:
- Disguises: Agent 47 can change into various outfits to blend in or gain access to restricted areas.
- Environment: The environments are designed to be interactive, allowing for numerous assassination methods using environmental hazards.
- Non-lethal Options: Players can also choose to complete missions without killing anyone other than the target, emphasizing stealth and cunning.
- Reputation System: Introduced in later games, this system affects NPC reactions based on Agent 47's past actions.
Reception and Influence
The Hitman series has been praised for its unique gameplay mechanics, complex level design, and the moral questions it poses about the nature of violence and choice. However, it has also faced criticism, particularly for some entries that strayed from the core formula:
- The series has influenced other stealth games, with its emphasis on player choice and freedom in approaching objectives.
- It has spawned various adaptations, including a 2007 film titled Hitman, which received mixed reviews.
- The narrative and character development have evolved, with Agent 47's backstory being fleshed out over time.
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