IO Interactive speaks Hitman: Absolution

Hitman was never an easy game.

Being a series centered around stealth and blending in to the various environments as you work to execute your contracted hit, it’s only fair that stepping out of the mould of silent precision killer would result in punishment.

But things are changing in the world of Agent 47, as Hitman: Absolution brings evolution to the series – giving you more ways to do what you love – kill people in cold blood.

The Euro PlayStation Blog got the chance to speak to developers, IO Interactive, about the direction they’ve taken with Absolution – how things have changed; what we can expect; and how this is going to be the best Hitman yet.

This is funny because he's a hitman. And he's hitting a man.

Setting the scene

“We’re taking the story somewhere else” said lead programmer, Hakan Abarak, “you start the game by killing the only truly human connection Agent 47 has ever had. And that changes the stakes immensely.”

The key idea behind handling Agent 47 in Absolution, is by giving him more depth. Where before he was simply a killing machine, carrying out whatever contract he was given – now he’s on a personal mission.

It’s a darker, more personal story, according to IO, and it will become clear how the game’s title fits into the picture.

But don't expect drama to replace the action

Between brains and brawn

Possibly the biggest (and most welcomed) change in the new Hitman direction, is how you’re allowed to go about things. No longer are you limited to only being stealthy – if you’re more heavy-handed, Agent 47 is now a capable fighter and can take enemies head-on.

As opposed to drowning in bullets as per the previous games.

The strict stealth option is definitely still there – but the key word here is “option”.

The obvious benefit to being stealthy (seeing as it remains very much a stealth game) comes from being able to take in the world a bit more, and get more immersed in the mission you’re carrying out.

That is to say – run in shooting, and you’re going to miss out on awesome moments.

Of course, the aggressive route has its benefits, too.

Evolution

When it comes to the evolution of the series, Abarak was quick to point out all the new things IO were able to do with the new engine.

The AI has been improved – reacting in a bunch of new ways to what 47 is doing. When disguised for instance, he’ll have to act more convincingly, dependant on who’s around, and how he’s dressed.

They’ve also developed 47’s abilities, giving him new skills and “senses” which you’ll use as you see fit. This includes a “geiger counter” type sense that will indicate how close you are to being detected.

Hitman: Absolution is looking to be a game to watch in 2012 – taking more than a few pages out of the books of some recent successful releases *cough*DeusEx*cough*.