Hitman: Sniper Challenge impressions (Xbox 360)

In anticipation for Agent 47’s Hitman return following a 6 year hiatus, gamers who pre-order Hitman: Absolution can download a free game, Hitman: Sniper Challenge.

Now, Sniper Challenge is essentially a pre-order incentive to scratch that itch until Agent 47 makes his full return in November, but is it worth downloading and taking aim?

In a short answer, yes.

As the title would suggest, the downloadable game is obviously centred around the gameplay element of sniping. Based in one location, Agent 47 is tasked with taking out a group of enemies from afar. You cannot move or change your position; instead you’re set-up with your rifle, and take aim at various skyscrapers. The goal is to take out a VIP target, although a missed shot or a mistake will alert the guards, sending the VIP to his helicopter.

While this is a relatively simple objective, in typical Hitman fashion, the game ramps up the challenge by requiring players to think about when, how, and which enemies to take out.

With not being in the same building as their target, players obviously cannot hide bodies, and must therefore be smart about how they ‘off’ the many guards around the level. Shooting an enemy behind a dark corner, into a pond or off the balcony is usually the best option. One of the best moments was shooting an elevator button, opening the doors and shooting a guard down the elevator shaft after he came to investigate. This leaves the game emphasising the core feature of the entire series – timing.

Hitman: Sniper Challenge is not meant to be a deep prequel, it’s purely a fun mini-game to keep you busy until Absolution arrives, and if you’re interested in buying the game, there’s no real reason to not pre-order it and download Sniper Challenge. By playing through it, you’ll also unlock a sniper rifle and some other perks, such as larger ammo clips, to use in Absolution when it comes out.

In terms of a pre-order incentive, Hitman: Sniper Challenge is a good example for other publishers and developers to learn from.

If you’re not sold on Hitman: Absolution yet and want to see more, check out all of MyGaming’s coverage of Hitman: Absolution.