Should You Play Hitman [60fps]
### Full Article Based on the Video Transcription:
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**Introduction: The Reviewer’s Perspective**
Hitman, the latest release from Square Enix, holds a special place in the reviewer's heart due to his upbringing with the series. However, he expresses disappointment, particularly referencing *Hitman Absolution*, which left many fans underwhelmed. With the announcement of a new episodic Hitman game, questions arose about whether it would work, be worth the money, and surpass the previous installment. The reviewer answers these questions as he delves into the game.
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**The Episodic Nature of the Game**
One of the most critical points the reviewer makes is about the game's episodic release model. Regardless of whether players purchase the full pack or the starter pack, they only receive one mission initially. This mission is spread across two maps: taking down a target on a boat and another on a military base, with additional content involving two targets in an open-world environment. The reviewer feels that this setup leaves players with a sense of missing content, akin to watching a TV show where the next episode hasn't been released yet.
The episodic format also means that the game is centered around replaying missions, which may appeal to fans of the series but could leave others feeling disconnected from the overall narrative. The reviewer acknowledges that this approach might help players with busy schedules by allowing them to return periodically as new content is released, but it still feels like a significant portion of the game is missing.
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**Contracts Mode and Replayability**
A notable feature of *Hitman* is its Contracts mode, where players can create and share contracts. This allows for replaying maps with different targets and objectives, such as taking down specific guards or civilians wearing certain outfits or using particular weapons. The reviewer highlights this as a strong point for those who enjoy replaying missions in various ways, emphasizing the game's flexibility.
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**Performance and System Requirements**
The reviewer discusses performance settings, noting that *Hitman* requires a beefy setup to run smoothly. While DirectX 2 is available, it must be enabled before booting up the game. The reviewer tested the game on medium settings at ultra-wide resolution (2560x1080) and found frame rates inconsistent, rarely exceeding 60 FPS in some areas. This performance issue is a minor drawback for those with weaker hardware or those aiming for high frame rates.
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**In-Game Experience: The Showstopper Mission**
The reviewer dives into the *Showstopper* mission, set in Paris, though he keeps story elements to a minimum to avoid spoilers. He emphasizes the quality of cinematics and the game's immersive open-world environments. The map is alive with NPCs going about their lives, adding depth to the world.
However, the AI in the game is not without flaws. For instance, when an explosion occurs in a lounge, some NPCs flee while others remain indifferent. This inconsistency can pull players out of the experience. Despite these issues, the reviewer appreciates the game's replayability and the ability to explore various methods of completing missions.
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**AI and Immersion**
The reviewer points out that the AI in *Hitman* is not perfect. While some NPCs react appropriately to actions taken by the player (such as entering restricted areas or killing targets), others are indifferent, which can be jarring. This issue is particularly noticeable when the AI fails to respond to obvious suspicious behavior.
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**The Impact of Episodic Release on Storytelling**
One of the most significant criticisms the reviewer has is about the game's narrative. The episodic nature of the release makes the story feel disjointed and lacking in emotional investment. While he acknowledges that the gameplay mechanics are improved compared to *Hitman Absolution*, the absence of a cohesive narrative leaves him indifferent to the storyline.
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**Replayability and Player Choices**
Despite its flaws, *Hitman* offers plenty of replayability through its Contracts mode and various opportunities to complete missions in different ways. The reviewer highlights the ability to play the game seriously or humorously, with options ranging from stealthy assassination to more chaotic methods like poisoning drinks, drowning people in toilets, or even pushing targets off cliffs.
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**The Issue of No Disc Version**
Another point of contention for the reviewer is the lack of a disc version of the game. The full retail package won't be available until January, leaving players who purchased the game early without access to the complete experience. This delay could harm sales, as many gamers expect to play the game they purchased immediately.
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**Final Thoughts: Should You Play Hitman?**
In conclusion, the reviewer answers the question posed in his video title: "Should you play *Hitman*?" His answer is nuanced but ultimately positive. While he acknowledges the game's shortcomings—such as AI issues and its episodic nature—he believes it's a solid offering for fans of the series. He recommends trying the starter pack to see if it's worth upgrading, especially since the full game will likely be more affordable once released.
For those who enjoyed *Hitman: Blood Money* or other stealth-based games, *Hitman* is worth playing. However, he advises potential buyers to consider waiting for the full release or exploring alternatives like *The Division* if they prefer a more traditional single-player experience.
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**Conclusion**
The reviewer wraps up his video by encouraging viewers to subscribe for more content and join him next week for his review of *Far Cry Primal*. He invites comments on how terrible he was, whether readers have played the game, and what they thought of it. Overall, his verdict is mixed but leans towards recommending *Hitman* for its strengths, despite its imperfections.
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