Rock Paper Shotgun Hitman Feed

enThu, 12 Jan 2023 16:24:49 +0000A new Hitman 3 mission briefing video explains how Freelancer mode workshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/a-new-hitman-3-mission-briefing-video-explains-how-freelancer-mode-worksCJ WheelerThu, 12 Jan 2023 16:24:49 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/a-new-hitman-3-mission-briefing-video-explains-how-freelancer-mode-worksRoguelikeSandboxStealthHitman 2Hitman 3IO InteractiveBlockbusterHitmanStory RichSimulation

The long-awaited Freelancer mode for Hitman 3 goes live later this month, tasking the world’s blandest professional killer with taking down nefarious organisations one target at a time. To prepare for Freelancer’s launch on January 26th, devs IO Interactive have shared a new trailer that’s essentially just the mission briefing your Agent 47 will see when he begins his bloodthirsty roguelike quest. You can watch the mission briefing below, if you’re feeling suitably assassinatey.

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Hitman 3 to become World Of Assassination, will include entire trilogy of missionshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-to-become-world-of-assassination-will-include-entire-trilogy-of-missionsGraham SmithTue, 03 Jan 2023 21:18:23 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-to-become-world-of-assassination-will-include-entire-trilogy-of-missionsSandboxStealthHitman 2Hitman 3Action AdventureIO InteractiveBlockbusterShooterHitman

Hitman 3 will be renamed Hitman World Of Assassination, and Hitman 1 and 2 will be delisted from sale. These changes are Io Interactive's solution to the currently messy process of buying Hitman games or working out what you already own. From January 26th, when these changes take effect, there will be just two Hitman packages for sale. This might mean that you're getting some existing content for free, and it will mean that future DLC purchases should cost less.

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Hitman 3 goes fairy tale with November's Three Little Pigs escalation contracthttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-goes-fairy-tale-with-novembers-three-little-pigs-escalation-contractCJ WheelerThu, 03 Nov 2022 11:25:48 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-goes-fairy-tale-with-novembers-three-little-pigs-escalation-contractSandboxStealthHitman 3Hitman 2IO InteractiveHitmanStory Rich

Good ol’ Ian Hitman is still assassinating away in Hitman 3’s second year of extra stuff to do, and he’s getting ready to huff, puff, and blow some targets away on November 10th. IO Interactive shared their roadmap for what’s ahead this month in Hitman 3, with a new escalation contract that takes its inspiration from one of my kids’ favourite stories, the Three Little Pigs. You can catch up on what’s in store for Ian this month by watching the video below.

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Hitman 3’s roguelike Freelancer mode delayed into 2023https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3s-roguelike-freelancer-mode-delayed-into-2023CJ WheelerWed, 05 Oct 2022 10:15:38 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3s-roguelike-freelancer-mode-delayed-into-2023RoguelikeStealthHitman 3Hitman 2IO InteractiveHitmanSimulation

Agent 47 is still going freelance, but not this year. IO Interactive have pushed Hitman 3’s planned free Freelancer mode back again, this time to January 26th. The delay was announced along with the reveal of a closed technical test for Freelancer starting early next month. And here I was, thinking that Ian Hitman never missed a target.

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Bungie, IO and Ubisoft start looking to transfer Stadia players to other platformshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/bungie-io-and-ubisoft-start-looking-to-transfer-stadia-players-to-other-platformsCJ WheelerMon, 03 Oct 2022 15:34:55 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/bungie-io-and-ubisoft-start-looking-to-transfer-stadia-players-to-other-platformsGoogleAssassin's CreedIO InteractiveUbisoftDestiny 2HitmanBungieStadia

Since Google announced they were giving up on Stadia last week, some developers and publishers are taking steps to ensure players don’t lose their progress when the platform shuts down in January. So far, Bungie, IO Interactive and Ubisoft have issued statements to reassure Stadia users that they’re investigating ways to salvage their saves. It’s a welcome development following Google’s sudden shutdown revelation.

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We almost got a Hitman movie directed by James Gunnhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/we-almost-got-a-hitman-movie-directed-by-james-gunnCJ WheelerWed, 07 Sep 2022 15:48:48 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/we-almost-got-a-hitman-movie-directed-by-james-gunnFilm & TelevisionHitman 3Hitman 2IO InteractiveHitman

The Hitman games are often good and usually fun, it’s fair to say, particularly the recent World Of Assassination trilogy. Ian Hitman’s turn in the two films released about his adventures has been rougher to recommend, though. That’s why it’s simultaneously disappointing and awesome to learn that Guardians Of The Galaxy, The Suicide Squad and – shudder – Slither director James Gunn narrowly missed his target when he pitched a Hitman movie.

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Hitman 3 hits Steam and Game Pass today, also adds new mode and PC VRhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-hits-steam-and-game-pass-today-also-adds-new-mode-and-pc-vrAlice O'ConnorThu, 20 Jan 2022 13:13:48 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-hits-steam-and-game-pass-today-also-adds-new-mode-and-pc-vrStealthGame PassHitman 3Hitman 2IO InteractiveHitman

It's a big day for splendid sandbox stealth stabber Hitman 3, now entering its second year of content and support. The developers, Io Interactive are going hard out the gate by adding the new Elusive Target Arcade mode and bringing VR support to PC. It's also ending Epic exclusivity today, hitting not only Steam but Game Pass too, with the full trilogy coming to Microsoft's subscription service. Busy busy.

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Hitman pulled from sale on GOGhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-pulled-from-sale-on-gogGraham SmithSat, 09 Oct 2021 18:38:40 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-pulled-from-sale-on-gogStealthGog.comHitmanIO Interactive

GOG have pulled Hitman from sale. The bald assassin joined the DRM-free digital shop in September, but was met with damning reviews. That's because, while theoretically DRM-free, Hitman relies on online connectivity for a lot of its features to work. In pulling the game offline, GOG apologised, saying that they "shouldn't have released it in its current form."

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Hitman is now on GOG, but getting slammed for its lack of offline featureshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-is-now-on-gog-but-getting-slammed-for-its-lack-of-offline-featuresGraham SmithSat, 25 Sep 2021 20:22:30 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-is-now-on-gog-but-getting-slammed-for-its-lack-of-offline-featuresGog.comHitmanIO Interactive

Good news! Hitman: Game Of The Year Edition is now on GOG and 70% off. Bad news! The game requires an internet connection for so many singleplayer features that customers on the DRM-free digital store are real mad about it.

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You can play one of Hitman's best levels, Sapienza, free until July 4thhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/you-can-play-one-of-hitman-s-best-levels-free-until-july-4thLauren MortonFri, 25 Jun 2021 19:08:27 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/you-can-play-one-of-hitman-s-best-levels-free-until-july-4thStealthHitman 3IO InteractiveStrategyHitman

Assassination sandbox Hitman 3 has gone and made another of its levels available free for a limited time. As it did with the Dubai level back in March, the free Starter Pack version of Hitman 3 is currently giving players access to one of the best levels from the first game in the trilogy. You can murder your way through multiple Sapienza missions from today through July 4th if you own the starter pack or the full Hitman 3 game.

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Every level from Hitman 1, 2 and 3 rankedhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/every-map-from-hitman-1-2-and-3-rankedMatthew CastleFri, 29 Jan 2021 16:59:34 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/every-map-from-hitman-1-2-and-3-rankedHitman 3Hitman 2IO InteractiveFeatureHitman

At last! A ranking of all 21 Hitman levels from the World of Assassination trilogy. Did you ask for it? No. Did the editors ask for it? Also, no. But what’s more Hitman than waiting for a loud distraction - the recent redesign of RPS - and using the confusion to slip you something unexpected. Of course, I hope this list doesn’t prove to be an emetic. That’s what Graham likes to call a website ‘no no’.

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Hitman 3 has already recouped its development costshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-recoups-development-costs-in-under-one-weekLauren MortonFri, 29 Jan 2021 16:57:43 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-recoups-development-costs-in-under-one-weekHitman 3HitmanIO InteractiveHitman 2

Assassination experts Io Interactive booted their latest murder man game out the door and are now proudly announcing that Hitman 3, despite some server issues in its first few days, has already recouped its development costs. Folks seem to have having a grand old time in Ian Hitman's latest adventure, which hopefully only spells good news for that James Bond game the studio is set to work on next.

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Hitman 3's progress migration site is down but Io Interactive are working on ithttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3s-progress-migration-site-is-down-but-io-interactive-are-working-on-itLauren MortonWed, 20 Jan 2021 16:51:34 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3s-progress-migration-site-is-down-but-io-interactive-are-working-on-itStealthHitman 3Hitman 2IO InteractiveHitman

Launch day log in issues aren't a thing I'd expect to hear about surrounding a single player stealth romp but hey, it's 2021. There are no rules. Hitman 3 is out today and it seems that the website meant to import your prior hitmaning progress into the newest murder fest is having a bit of a struggle. That wouldn't be so bad, except waiting to make that import is effectively keeping players from starting in on Hitman 3. Io Interactive say they're on the case.

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Hitman 3 is out nowhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-is-out-nowAlice O'ConnorWed, 20 Jan 2021 13:22:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-is-out-nowStealthHitman 3Hitman 2IO InteractiveHitman

Ian Hitman's current trilogy of sandbox stealth-o-murder games wraps up today with Hitman 3, which launched just a few minutes ago. As he fights a vast conspiracy, he'll do murders in new levels everywhere from England to Dubai, and get into a few of his trademark daft situations. One mission is just a murder mystery potentially starring Ian, an actual murderer, as the detective. Unfortunately, the promised ability for owners of the previous two games to connect and play them inside 3 is delayed.

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IO Interactive says PC players won't need to rebuy Hitman 2 to play its levels in Hitman 3 after allhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/io-interactive-says-pc-players-wont-need-to-rebuy-hitman-2-to-play-its-levels-in-hitman-3-after-allImogen BeckhellingMon, 18 Jan 2021 13:06:10 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/io-interactive-says-pc-players-wont-need-to-rebuy-hitman-2-to-play-its-levels-in-hitman-3-after-allHitman 2Hitman 3IO InteractiveEpic Games StoreBlockbusterHitman

Last week, IO Interactive said players would need to own Hitman 2 on the Epic Games Store if they wanted to import its levels to Hitman 3. That was pretty rubbish - for owners of the game on Steam, it meant you either couldn't have those levels, or you'd need to buy it again. Thankfully, IO are looking for a solution, and guarantee players won't need to rebuy the game after all.

"We are continuing to work with our partners to allow PC players who own Hitman 1 or Hitman 2 to import locations from those games at no additional cost," they said on Sunday.

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Despite advertising otherwise, players need to re-buy Hitman 2 to import its levels to Hitman 3https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/despite-advertising-otherwise-players-need-to-re-buy-hitman-2-to-import-its-levels-to-hitman-3Graham SmithSat, 16 Jan 2021 14:43:56 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/despite-advertising-otherwise-players-need-to-re-buy-hitman-2-to-import-its-levels-to-hitman-3StealthHitman 2Hitman 3Action AdventureIO InteractiveEpic GamesEpic Games StoreHitman

Hitman 3 will no longer offer the ability to import levels from Hitman 2 when it launches later this month, unless players re-purchase Hitman 2 on the Epic Games Store first. Near the bottom of a long and complicated pre-launch guide, developers IO Interactive said the change in plans was "due to various circumstances out of our control." Hitman 1 and 2 were both released on Steam, while Hitman 3 is launching as an Epic Games Store exclusive.

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It's Hitman's 20th anniversary, so here are 20 facts about the silly stealth simhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/its-hitmans-20th-anniversary-so-here-are-20-facts-about-the-silly-stealth-simCraig PearsonThu, 19 Nov 2020 17:33:19 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/its-hitmans-20th-anniversary-so-here-are-20-facts-about-the-silly-stealth-simHitman: Blood MoneyHitman: Codename 47Hitman: Sniper ChallengeHitman 3Hitman 2Hitman: ContractsIO InteractiveHitman GO: Definitive EditionHitman: AbsolutionFeatureHitman 5Hitman 2: Silent AssassinHitman

Hitman: Codename 47 was released 20 years ago today. In all that time, IO Interactive have crafted an entertaining seven-game series (not including spin-offs), with the eighth aiming for the heart in January 2021. The subject matter might be grim, but from the very first game, IO Interactive were always happy to fold information and easter eggs into their immersive sim (don't @ me) to a ridiculous degree. The games all have murderdeathkills, but they also have hauntings, mythical creatures, and real-world actors as targets.

I've had a blast digging up some forgotten facts and 47's more bizarre moments (this does mean this list contains some spoilers, so beware). There are so many that this could have been 200 facts for 20 years, but I stuck with 20. It seemed right. Enjoy!

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Hitman and Shadowrun are free on the Epic Games Storehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-and-shadowrun-are-free-on-the-epic-games-storeAlice O'ConnorFri, 28 Aug 2020 12:24:55 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-and-shadowrun-are-free-on-the-epic-games-storeStealthFree gamesPCAction AdventureRPGMacSingle PlayerXbox OneShadowrun ReturnsThird personAndroidBird view / IsometricPS4StrategyHarebrained SchemesSquare EnixBlockbusterShooteriOSHitmanStrategy: Turn-Based StrategyIO InteractiveEpic Games StoreIndieShadowrun Returns: DragonfallShadowrun: Hong Kong

Two different illicit gig economy experiences are yours for free this week on the Epic Games Store, which is currently giving away 2016's stealth assassination game Hitman and a collection of the Shadowrun cyberpunk fantasy RPGs. Sure, basically you're being paid to kill and rob people in both, but you'll go about it in different ways.

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Hitman 3 suits up for a final contract next Januaryhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-suits-up-for-a-final-contract-next-januaryNatalie ClaytonThu, 11 Jun 2020 21:29:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-suits-up-for-a-final-contract-next-januaryStealthHitman 2Hitman 3Action AdventureIO InteractiveE3E3 2020Hitman

Polish that chrome-dome, 47. It's time for your final mission. Announced during Sony's big ol' PlayStation 5 reveal stream, Hitman 3 is gearing up for one last trilogy-ending job next January on Sony's next-gen tellybox as well as PC and Xbox. True to form, our first look at Hitman 3 was an elusive one. A dark forest, sharp suits, high-society, and portrait of the high-collared hairless killer himself.

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The 10 sunniest getaways in PC gameshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-10-sunniest-getaways-in-pc-gamesBrendan CaldwellFri, 05 Jun 2020 08:00:35 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-10-sunniest-getaways-in-pc-gamesSubnauticaAction AdventureRPGTropico 6Vacation SimulatorSimulationRacingGrand Theft Auto VStrategyOne Off The ListDying LightMy Summer CarElite DangerousBlockbusterShooterHitmanThe Sims 4 Island LivingFeatureIndieMetro Exodus

Wow. Look at that summer sun slapping the face of the planet, like a big 12-hour camera flash. So hot, so clear-skied. A blessed day of walks in the park, trips to the beach, picnics by the litter bins. What a glorious day for wasps it is out there. Let’s all go to the...

Oh right. Forget I said anything. Go back inside, lock the doors, and consider some of these perfect virtual holiday destinations. Please, trust us with your fake vacation. After all, what is a games journalist but a sort of really dodgy travel agent?

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13 moral lessons from PC gameshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/13-moral-lessons-from-pc-gamesBrendan CaldwellSat, 25 Apr 2020 11:30:30 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/13-moral-lessons-from-pc-gamesSubnauticaAction AdventureKing of Dragon PassRPGPathologic 2Rome: Total WarThe YawhgSimulationHitman 2PuzzleHeat SignatureStrategyBrothers: A Tale Of Two SonsStory RichOne Off The ListShooterReturn of the Obra DinnHitmanSpace EngineersMMODayZFeatureEVE OnlineIndieDicey Dungeons

When the historians of the future cast their cyber-eyes over the deluge of stupidity we encrusted upon the primitive internet, they will see that our fables, our moral storytelling, was mostly conducted with flashing colours and double-jumps. Yes, videogames have adopted the moralistic finger-wagging of fairytales and Victorian novels, for better or for worse. They have taught us a lot about ourselves and our place in the world. Here are 13 of the "best" moral lessons from PC games. Yes, you may take notes.

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The 8 most shocking uses of electricity in gameshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-8-most-shocking-uses-of-electricity-in-gamesBrendan CaldwellFri, 07 Feb 2020 09:00:04 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-8-most-shocking-uses-of-electricity-in-gamesYakuza 0Action AdventureRPGAce Combat 7: Skies UnknownOxygen Not IncludedStar Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi OutcastFeatureDark Souls IIIDead Rising 4ShooterOverwatchSimulationHitmanStory RichOne Off The List

Imagine a world without electricity. Horrible. What would we use to blend our smoothies? How would we know when uncle Derek hits the metal bit again in the Sunday game of Operation? Electricity has roughly one dozen uses, and yet it is in the realm of videogames when we see its most fantastical and offensive capabilities brought screaming to life. To celebrate the important role of sassy electrons in your otherwise mundane life of neutrons and - ugh - protons, here are the 8 most shocking uses of electricity in games.

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What graphics card do I need for HDR and what PC games support it?https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-graphics-card-hdr-pc-games-3Katharine CastleWed, 30 Oct 2019 10:20:20 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-graphics-card-hdr-pc-games-3Battlefield VResident Evil 7: BiohazardNvidiaBattlefield 1Gears 5Halo Wars 2PES 2020Far Cry: New DawnTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: BreakpointForza Motorsport 7AMDF1 2018Dark and LightSea of ThievesFinal Fantasy XVCall of Duty: Modern WarfareArk: Survival EvolvedTom Clancy's The Division 2Sword Art Online: Fatal BulletStrange BrigadeAssassin's Creed IIIHitman 2Injustice 2Assassin's Creed OriginsThe Elder Scrolls OnlineHDRMadden NFL 19Senua's Saga: Hellblade IIThe Dark Pictures Anthology - Man Of MedanAgents of MayhemGraphics CardsNi No Kuni II: Revenant KingdomParagonSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceDestiny 2Nvidia G-Sync HDRF1 2019TerraTechRed Dead Redemption 2Mutant Year Zero: Road To EdenCrackdown 3Plants vs. Zombies: Battle For NeighborvilleF1 2017Forza Horizon 4Blair WitchShadow of the Tomb RaiderForza Horizon 3Mass Effect AndromedaMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarPES 2019GridFar Cry 5Devil May Cry 5Star Wars: Battlefront IIHitmanJump ForceDivinity: Original Sin 2HardwareTetris EffectAnthemShadow Warrior 2Call of Duty: WWIIAMD FreeSync 2Madden NFL 20FeatureMortal Kombat 11Call of Duty: Black Ops IIIIMonster Hunter: WorldObductionMetro ExodusResident Evil 2Heroes of HammerwatchBorderlands 3Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition

HDR on PC hasn't improved much in 2019. Despite there being more HDR gaming monitors than ever before, the very best gaming monitors for HDR continue to be quite expensive compared to non-HDR monitors, and the situation around Windows 10 support for it is still a bit of a mess. However, provided you're willing to fight through all that, then the next step on your path to high dynamic range glory is to get an HDR compatible graphics card.

Below, you'll find a complete list of all the Nvidia and AMD graphics cards that have built-in support for HDR, as well as everything you need to know about getting one that also supports Nvidia and AMD's own HDR standards, G-Sync Ultimate and FreeSync 2. I've also put together a list of all the PC games that support HDR as well, so you know exactly which PC games you can start playing in high dynamic range.

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Hitman 2's new homing briefcase turns every game into It Followshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-2s-new-homing-briefcase-turns-every-game-into-it-followsEmily GeraFri, 09 Aug 2019 23:39:15 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-2s-new-homing-briefcase-turns-every-game-into-it-followsStealthSquare EnixHitman 2Action AdventureIO InteractiveBugsHitman

Thanks to a peppering of weird bugs over the years, Hitman has seen a few iterations of the killer briefcase come and go. Hitman 2's briefcase bug, often heralded in the form of long GIFs, turns your standard hitman briefcase into a homing missile that spins like a throwing star and bends gently around corners as it follows its prey.

Now, developer IO Interactive have brought back the bug as an unlockable weapon, leading to what is - I think - my favourite ever version of Killer Briefcase weaponry: Absurdly slow and tediously steady. Take a look after the jump.

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Hitman 3 is coming, and IO have a new game in the works toohttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-is-coming-and-io-have-a-new-game-in-the-works-tooNatalie ClaytonTue, 30 Jul 2019 12:41:10 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-3-is-coming-and-io-have-a-new-game-in-the-works-tooStealthHitman 2Action AdventureIO InteractiveSequelsHitman

He's murdered in Miami. Punched lights out in Paris. Slashed throats in Sapienza. It's hard to imagine what chrome-dome killer Agent 47 does on holiday, what with all the globe-trotting he does as part of his nine-to-five. Does he have a nice wee sit in front of the telly, sipping a cuppa, watching Columbo? I like to think so.

His handlers might be planning another season of work for the killer, but 47 could do with a little relief. With word of a secret new game at IO Interactive, Hitman might soon find a partner to share the load of holding up the studio.

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Podcast: The shipping forecasthttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-ep-86-the-shipping-forecastRPSThu, 04 Jul 2019 16:30:50 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-ep-86-the-shipping-forecastSoulcalibur VIFactorioDeus Ex: Mankind DividedPodcastThe Sims 4 Island LivingShadow of the Tomb RaiderCrusader Kings IIPathologic 2Stardew ValleyFeatureAlien: IsolationPortalThe RPS Electronic Wireless showHitmanStory Rich

This is the shipping forecast; the synopsis at 5pm. Solid Snake just west of cloak room, expected to move towards Sam Fisher on dance floor before midnight. Wrecking Ball from Overwatch, mild at 1am, becoming rabid with lust at 3am. Agent 47 from Hitman: confused, occasional peeping, becoming horny later. Red Prince: cyclonic, mainly drinking alone, peering at Steve from Minecraft with questionable motives, occasionally licking lips.

(Yes. We did a podcast about romantically matchmaking game characters.)

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Hitman 2 takes a festive detour to back to Hokkaido todayhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-2-adds-hokkaido-seasonal-mission-and-winter-gearDominic TarasonMon, 21 Jan 2019 18:51:43 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-2-adds-hokkaido-seasonal-mission-and-winter-gearStealthHitman 2IO InteractivePuzzleWarner Bros. GamesHitman

Christmas may be over, but assassination is a dish best served cold, so it's back to Hokkaido we go for a fun seasonal bonus mission for Hitman 2. Today, Io Interactive rolled out a big update for their murder-sandbox, including some new gear for expansion pass holders. The big reason to be excited is the time-limited Snow Festival mission, set in Hitman 1's Hokkaido map. Legacy Pass owners (folks who own the previous Hitman game) get access to it today, and a standalone free trial featuring all of Hokkaido goes live for everyone tomorrow, January 22nd.

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Hitman devs IÖ open new studiö in Malmöhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-developers-io-interactive-open-new-studio-in-malmoAlice O'ConnorWed, 16 Jan 2019 14:36:24 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-developers-io-interactive-open-new-studio-in-malmoHitman 2IO InteractiveBusinessBlockbusterHitman

IO Interactive, the Danish mob behind Hitman and Kane & Lynch (look, I still swear K&L2 is interesting), today announced they've opened a new studio in Malmö, Sweden. Given that there were ditched by former owners Square Enix and faced an uncertain future only 20 months ago, before going independent, this is a pleasing turnaround. I am glad they're apparently doing well enough to expand, especially as 2018's Hitman 2 is a cracker. Surely now it's time for Kane & Lynch 3, eh? Eh? Anyone? Eh?

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Hitman's humour evolved because of 47's penchant for disguiseshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitmans-humour-evolved-because-of-47s-penchant-for-disguisesSteven Nguyen ScaifeFri, 23 Nov 2018 16:00:52 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitmans-humour-evolved-because-of-47s-penchant-for-disguisesHitman: Blood MoneyHitman: Codename 47StealthSquare EnixHitman 2IO InteractiveHitman: AbsolutionFeatureWarner Bros. GamesHitmanEidos-Montreal

In the best possible way, the Hitman series is ridiculous. Its protagonist, Agent 47, is the single most conspicuous person in any crowd. He’s big and bald and white with a bar code prominently tattooed to the back of his head, and not once does this fact deter him from his preferred method of infiltration: wearing a disguise.

These aren’t disguises in the elaborate, Mission: Impossible, we’ll give you an entire fake head sense. No, 47 simply throws on the clothes of whatever guard or unfortunate bystander he’s subdued. And this actually works. In the franchise’s fiction, he’s considered one of the most dangerous people in the entire world, the best of the best. This imposing figure who scarcely bothers to alter his body language, let alone his voice, is a master of disguise. Like its 2016 predecessor, Hitman 2 is quite aware that this concept is absolute nonsense.

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Hitman gets spooky Halloween murders for new free trialhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-halloween-pack-free-trialAlice O'ConnorFri, 19 Oct 2018 19:22:17 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-halloween-pack-free-trialStealthFree gamesIO InteractiveDemosHalloweenHitman

As Halloween horrors go, a genetically-engineered megamurderer who knows dozens of ways to kill and will wear your clothes to replace you in your everyday life already seems pretty spooky to me. He's a dark one, that Ian Hitman. But to celebrate the season of Goth Christmas, IO Interactive are making him even spookier with new themed contracts for H1tman and treat-not-tricking everyone by making the full Colorado episode a free trial for the next fortnight. This isn't for keepsies, unlike IO did with some earlier episodes, but it is an opportunity to get spooky for free.

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Hollow Knight and Hitman headline the Humble Monthlyhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/humble-monthly-hitman-and-hollow-knightDominic TarasonFri, 05 Oct 2018 20:34:57 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/humble-monthly-hitman-and-hollow-knightno-adsTeam CherryHitman 2PC Gaming DealsAction AdventureIO InteractiveHumble MonthlyThe Fun Pimps7 Days To DieHollow KnightHitmanPlatformer

The Humble Monthly continues to impress - today's $12 subscription bundle deal is massive souls-inspired Metroidvania Hollow Knight, murder-sim Hitman and zombie survival sandbox 7 Days To Die. While the third of those doesn't quite fit, the first two are among the best in their genres, though Hitman is arguably a genre unto itself.

That's not even mentioning the other handful of games to be unveiled at the end of the month. Plus, the upcoming Hitman 2 (due November 13th) will integrate with the original game, letting you take on old missions with new gear. Below, some trailers for the current trio of games, and some thoughts on each.

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Hitman Season One missions remastered for Hitman 2https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-missions-remastered-in-hitman-2Alice O'ConnorMon, 20 Aug 2018 14:09:15 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-missions-remastered-in-hitman-2StealthHitman 2IO InteractiveWarner Bros.Gamescom 2018Hitman

All the missions of Hitman's first season will be updated and playable within Hitman 2, IO Interactive announced today. Which is great. This will give the missions news ways to do murders, as well as a little extra visual fanciness and new modes. Which sounds pretty chuffing great. IO do specify that season one owners will get the revamped counterparts in Hitman 2 for free, so it sounds like newcomers will need to pay for 'em. They call this principle of unified murder "World Of Assassination", which is probably meant to sound grand but does mostly remind me of Truck Simulator's World Of Trucks.

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Hitman and the joy of killing your bosshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-and-the-joy-of-killing-your-bossNic ReubenThu, 19 Jul 2018 18:00:38 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-and-the-joy-of-killing-your-bossAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitmanFeature

I used to see Agent 47 as a sociopath. “A blank slate”. The ideal state for a video game protagonist. Hitman puts us right in his polished black shoes. A gulf of meaning into which we can project ourselves. 47 has a contract, we have an objective. Our goals are aligned, even if we can’t quite get behind the brutality of it all. Between entrance and exfiltration stretches out a space littered with pistols and piano wire, rat poison and rubber duck bombs, faulty wires and water pumps. What kind of person 47 is, how the cogs behind that barcode turn, is our shout.

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Hitman offers sunny Marrakech as a free trialhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-offers-sunny-marrakech-as-a-free-trialBrendan CaldwellWed, 18 Jul 2018 12:51:46 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-offers-sunny-marrakech-as-a-free-trialStealthIO InteractiveDemosHitman

Get out yer skinny tie, bald barcode boy. You’re going to Morocco for a two-week holiday. Hitman developers IO Interactive are letting folks download the third level of their innocent waiter simulator as a free trial. The 'Hitman Summer Pack' they call it. That’s nice. But it's only temporary, unlike previous free episodes which we were allowed to download for keepsies. The trial will last until until July 31 whereupon the whole episode will disappear from your library again and dissolve into a nearby crowd. Still, a two week murdercation in North Africa isn't bad. It’s also the best level from Hitman, and don’t let those sordid Sapienza lovers tell you otherwise.

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Hitman 2 is out this November, bigger, bolder, murderierhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-2-confirmed-launching-novemberDominic TarasonThu, 07 Jun 2018 18:05:24 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-2-confirmed-launching-novemberHitman 2Action AdventureIO InteractiveE3Warner Bros. GamesHitmanPlatformerSimulation

Much like Agent 47, Hitman 2's approach wasn't nearly as stealthy as it hoped to be, but the end results aren't to be sniffed at. Eagle-eyed internet people spotted its logo a few days back, but today Io Interactive officially announced the sequel to 2016's episodic murder-sandbox. Unlike the previous game, this one will be released all in one go (with plans for later expansions) and is available for pre-order, with the deal sweetened by immediate access to the Sniper Assassin co-op mode.

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Hitman 2 revealed by logo on Warner Bros websitehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-2-revealed-by-logo-on-warner-bros-websiteBrendan CaldwellTue, 05 Jun 2018 09:17:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-2-revealed-by-logo-on-warner-bros-websiteHitman 2Action AdventureIO InteractiveWarner Bros.HitmanSimulation

Welcome to leak week, those pre-E3 days more leaky than a colander of leek soup. This time, it’s Warner Brothers. They've only accidentally left a logo for Hitman 2 sitting around in the innards of their website, the big sillies. It’s gone now but was there long enough to be spotted by Twitter persons RobotBrush and Wario64. Hitman developers IO Interactive had been teasing an announcement on June 7 and it looks like this is it. We already knew the bald murderer was going on another set of homicidal holidays when IO confirmed they were working on a new entry last year. But now we know Warner Bros is officially involved too.

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Hitman's second episode is free for keepsies right nowhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-2-is-free-right-nowAlice O'ConnorWed, 21 Mar 2018 15:56:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-2-is-free-right-nowStealthFree gamesAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitman

The second episode of the fab sneak-o-murder sandbox Hitman is free right now, yours for keepsies if you grab it by April 3rd. This is Ian Hitman's holiday to the sunny Italian seaside town of Sapienza, a colourful maze leading down to beautiful white sands. If you've tried earlier free bits of Hitman but weren't sure about it, do give this a go as Sapienza is so much of an improvement over them.

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HDR for PC games is a hot mess (but it's nice when it works)https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hdr-for-pc-games-2018Alec MeerTue, 20 Mar 2018 18:00:28 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hdr-for-pc-games-2018Resident Evil 7: BiohazardAssassin's Creed OriginsHDRFeatureWindows 10Gaming MonitorsHorrorHitmanFinal Fantasy XVHardware

A few of the things I have had to do in order to get a workable version of HDR (also known as high dynamic range), the new-ish display technology that significantly ramps up brightness, darkness and vibrancy, on my PC (not including the acquisition of a fancy monitor):

- Try four different display cables - Adjust as many as seven different brightness/contrast/colour etc shaders per game. (I have spent long, unhappy hours doing this to date) - Manually turn on HDR on the monitor, manually turn HDR on in Windows then manually turn on HDR in the game settings. Or sometimes HDR off in Windows but on in the game then alt-tab back to Windows and turn HDR on, and off, and on, and off. Or sometimes alt-tab and alt-tab and alt-tab and alt-tab and alt-tab until HDR suddenly, randomly kicks in. When I exit the game, I have to manually turn it all back off again or Windows is unusable. - Install an unfinished preview build of Windows 10 whose HDR isn't totally broken on Nvidia cards. - Almost completely lose my sense of whether anything is actually different after all of this.

The egg yolks in Final Fantasy XV were a bit shinier, though.

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These are the top 100 Steam games of 2017https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/biggest-steam-games-2017Alec MeerTue, 02 Jan 2018 19:00:01 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/biggest-steam-games-2017Garry's ModDragon Ball Xenoverse 2RimWorldChartsArk: Survival EvolvedOxygen Not IncludedTotal War: WarhammerLeft 4 Dead 2PUBG: BattlegroundsRustElite DangerousDark Souls IIISniper Elite 4The ForestHitmanEndless Space 2Total War: Warhammer IIFor HonorWatch Dogs 2FeatureNieR: AutomataAstroneerCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveResident Evil 7: BiohazardFootball Manager 2018Stardew ValleyThe Elder Scrolls OnlineDarkest DungeonFarming Simulator 17The Binding of Isaac: RebirthWallpaper EngineXCOM 2DoomDying LightFriday the 13th: The GameSid Meier's Civilization VMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarWarhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IIINBA 2k18Don't Starve TogetherSteamTom Clancy's The DivisionCall of Duty: Black Ops 2Call of Duty: WWII7 Days To DieHollow KnightTerrariaFinal Fantasy XIV: A Realm RebornDishonored 2SubnauticaCrusader Kings IIThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntNBA 2K17H1Z1Planet CoasterGrim DawnAssassin's Creed OriginsThe Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel UnlimitedTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: WildlandsAge of Empires 2: Definitive EditionSmiteWarframePath of ExileStellarisFootball Manager 2017Dota 2Divinity: Original Sin 2Shadowverse CCGPayday 2Arma 3War ThunderEuropa Universalis IVFactorioBlack Desert OnlineRising Storm 2: VietnamConan ExilesRocket LeagueTom Clancy's Rainbow Six SiegeKilling Floor 2Euro Truck Simulator 2Dead by DaylighttheHunter: Call of the WildPreyMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorJust Cause 3Fallout 4Senua's Saga: Hellblade IITeam Fortress 2Grand Theft Auto VSouth Park: The Fractured but WholeCupheadSid Meier's Civilization 6Rise of the Tomb RaiderThe Sims 3Wolfenstein II: The New ColossusPaladinsCities: SkylinesTekken 7NorthgardBorderlands 2Tales of BerseriaHearts of Iron IVThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Another year over, a new one just begun, which means, impossibly, even more games. But what about last year? Which were the games that most people were buying and, more importantly, playing? As is now something of a tradition, Valve have let slip a big ol' breakdown of the most successful titles released on Steam over the past twelve months.

Below is the full, hundred-strong roster, complete with links to our coverage if you want to find out more about any of the games, or simply to marvel at how much seemed to happen in the space of 52 short weeks.

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Square Enix share their reasons for dropping Hitman studio Iohttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/square-enix-share-their-reasons-for-dropping-hitman-studio-ioDominic TarasonSun, 26 Nov 2017 13:00:20 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/square-enix-share-their-reasons-for-dropping-hitman-studio-ioIO InteractiveHitmanSquare Enix

Although they now seem to have landed on their feet, there was a few weeks where we weren't sure what would become of Io Interactive and their revitalised Hitman series after they were cut loose by publisher Square Enix. Now that the dust has settled and everything seems to have resolved itself in the best possible way, Square Enix are ready to talk about what happened behind the scenes. In an interview with Gameindustry.biz, CEO Yosuke Matsuda laid out the facts, at least so far as the company was free to reveal.

In summary: blame Disney. I'm only half joking.

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Hitman's Elusive Targets start repeating todayhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-elusive-targets-returnAlice O'ConnorFri, 17 Nov 2017 14:50:09 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-elusive-targets-returnStealthIO InteractiveHitman

The 'Elusive Target' missions of Hitman, those one-off murders only available for a brief period of actual real time before they vanish forever, return today. That makes them two-off murders, I suppose. The original run of Elusive Targets will start a second run today, offering people who missed them another opportunity. People who tried and failed to kill a target the first time don't get another go and must live with that shame forever, mind.

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IO definitively confirm they're making a new Hitmanhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/new-hitman-game-confirmedAlice O'ConnorWed, 08 Nov 2017 10:34:11 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/new-hitman-game-confirmedAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitmanStealth

Amidst the fuss over Hitman's Game of the Year Edition launching yesterday, developers IO Interactive also said a little about something unsurprising but quite welcome: a new Hitman game. Last year's episodic game was a fine return to form for the sandbox stealth-o-murder simulator so I'm certainly glad to see IO continue.

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Hitman's Game of the Year Edition sneaks outhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-game-of-the-year-edition-releasedAlice O'ConnorTue, 07 Nov 2017 15:57:49 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-game-of-the-year-edition-releasedStealthIO InteractiveHitman

Wonderful murder simulator Hitman today launched its 'Game of the Year' edition, bundling the game's original episodes together with new outfits, weapons, and contracts plus a new bonus campaign. These new bits will be sold separately for people who already own the original game. For all hitmen, whether they get this new package or not, developers IO Interactive have updated the base game with fancy newness including a redesigned UI and improvements to the lighting in levels. Oh and, for hitmen who missed them the first time, the one-off Elusive Contracts will return.

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Hitman's GOTY edition brings four new missions, elusive encores and morehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitmans-goty-edition-brings-four-new-missions-elusive-encores-and-moreDominic TarasonTue, 24 Oct 2017 16:52:56 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitmans-goty-edition-brings-four-new-missions-elusive-encores-and-moreIO InteractiveHitman

More Hitman is always nice, especially now that Io Interactive are a fully independent studio, no longer shackled to monolithic publishers. Starting their journey into independence, Io are reconfirming their ownership of the license by re-launching 2016's once-episodic murder simulator as the Game Of The Year edition, detailed here, adding a slew of new content including missions and escalation contracts.

Among the juicy extras will be a re-run of the one-time Elusive Targets for anyone who missed them first time round. Hitman will officially be returning on November 7th, and while a full retail price hasn't been announced, existing owners of the game will be able to upgrade to the new edition for $20. Check out the trailer as well as some extra details after the jump.

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"Brand new content" coming to Hitmanhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-brand-new-content-revealed-this-monthFraser BrownFri, 06 Oct 2017 16:11:03 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-brand-new-content-revealed-this-monthAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitmanStealth

IO continue to keep Agent 47 in work, despite the final Elusive Contract for Hitman [official site] finishing earlier in the year, and also despite being dumped by Square Enix. This month will see the big baldy assassin hunt down marks in more player-created 'featured contracts', a new challenge pack, and a new set of featured contracts chosen by Hatch, a Hitman speedrunner. Also expect to hear about some "brand new content" near the end of the month.

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Podcast: The Electronic Wireless Show talks Divinity: Original Sin 2, Heat Signature and things going wronghttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-electronic-wireless-show-18-heat-signatureBrendan CaldwellThu, 28 Sep 2017 18:00:18 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/podcast-electronic-wireless-show-18-heat-signatureTequila WorksHidden & DangerousRimeThe RPS Electronic Wireless showHyperRoguePodcastTom FrancisHeat SignaturePHOGS!The Creative AssemblyInvisible Inc.Runic GamesHobHitmanDivinity: Original Sin 2Total War: Warhammer IILarian StudiosSuspicious DevelopmentsIO InteractiveNo Truce with the FuriesZA/UMDishonored 2

Oh no, you've tripped the alarm. Now the terrifying RPS podcast, the Electronic Wireless Show, knows you're here. It's going to hunt you down and force you to listen to it. Quick! Think of a way out of this, before you hear all about Adam becoming an accidental mass murderer in Dishonored, or John obsessively re-loading his way out of a bad situation. If you don't escape, I'll have to tell you about the time I threw a gun at someone's head in Heat Signature, to absolutely no effect. This week, you see, we're talking about Things Going Wrong.

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Cheap Thief and Deus Ex: it's Square Enix week at GOGhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/square-enix-gog-saleJamie WallaceWed, 30 Aug 2017 10:39:55 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/square-enix-gog-saleStealthSquare EnixLegacy of KainGog.comRPGGexHitman

GOG is having itself a Square Enix sale this week, which means a whole lot more than just Hitman and Tomb Raider for once. In fact, if you were to ask me, some of the most interesting things in this sale are the games you may have completely forgotten existed - like Gex, the gecko with attitude, Pandemonium, in which a lady runs to the right alongside a terrifying jester thing, and Omikron: The Nomad Soul which features a virtual David Bowie.

Oh, and you can get Deus Ex for a couple of quid, and it's the same for any of the original Thief trilogy. The vast majority of the titles are dirt cheap, and you'll be getting the lovely DRM-free versions of the games as is the GOG way.

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Hitman introducing player-curated Featured Contractshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-player-curated-featured-contractsAlice O'ConnorThu, 03 Aug 2017 10:29:37 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-player-curated-featured-contractsStealthIO InteractiveHitman

The final Elusive Target of Hitman Season One [official site] has now been offed but developers IO Interactive are introducing new 'live content' as we hold our collective breath hoping they'll announce a second season. IO have started drafting players to curate playlists of Featured Contracts, which could prove pretty interesting. More live bits are coming this month too, but IO say not to expect a game update in August or September. "That relative calm will give us time to prepare for some exciting announcements," they tease. Is one Hitman Season Two? Please be Season Two.

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Hitman Season One's final Elusive Target arrives todayhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-season-one-final-elusive-targetAlice O'ConnorFri, 14 Jul 2017 10:58:26 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-season-one-final-elusive-targetStealthIO InteractiveHitman

Ian Hitman today gets to kill Mr Giggles ? as the final one-off 'Elusive Target' of his episodic killing spree in Hitman [official site]. He has ten days to murder the cheery fella before he vanishes forever. IO do explictly call this "the final Elusive Target for Season One", which would suggest that they're still planning a second season now they have split from former owner Square Enix. They've never said they weren't, mind, but it is comforting to hear IO repeat this after the uncertainty when Squeenix dumped them.

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Steam summer sale: our giant recommendations listhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-summer-sale-our-giant-recommendations-listBrendan CaldwellFri, 23 Jun 2017 17:01:52 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-summer-sale-our-giant-recommendations-listVoid & MeddlerResident Evil 7: BiohazardNo Man's SkySubnauticaLife Is StrangeThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntHyper Light DrifterState of Decay: Year One Survival EditionViscera Cleanup DetailSokobondBroforceDead CellsPreyMiddle-earth: Shadow of MordorState of DecayThe Long DarkJust Cause 3ValveDarkest DungeonGrand Theft Auto VMountainLeft 4 Dead 2Samorost 2Team17The Binding of Isaac: RebirthTorment: Tides of NumeneraFran BowStory RichWolfenstein: The New OrderSid Meier's Civilization 6Devil DaggersMachinariumOri and the Blind ForestXCOM 2Dying LightDeadly PremonitionEndless LegendMetro: Last LightSOMAStellarisFootball Manager 2017Metro 2033HitmanThe RoomMorphopolisAbzuSteamNorthgardGrand Theft Auto IVWatch Dogs 2Door KickersThis War of MineNieR: AutomataDragon's Dogma: Dark ArisenTyrannyBlood Bowl 2Else Heart BreakTransistorDishonored 2

The Steam summer sale is in full blaze. For a while it even blazed so hot that the servers went on fire and all the price stickers peeled off the games. Either that or the store just got swamped with cheapskates looking for the best bargains. Cheapskates like you! Well, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up some recommendations - both general tips and some newly added staff choices.

Here are the things you should consider owning in your endless consumeristic lust for a happiness which always seems beyond reach. You're welcome.

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Hitman hits Mac, manhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-mac-releaseAlice O'ConnorWed, 21 Jun 2017 11:18:25 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-mac-releaseStealthIO InteractiveMacHitmanFeral Interactive

Ooh it's all go for Ian Hitman these days. Developers IO Interactive have kept the rights to their stealthy murder series and become an independent studio after former owners Square Enix ditched 'em, a demo of the recent episodic Hitman [official site] arrived yesterday as its prologue chapter became free, and oh! the game is now playable on Mac too. The Mac port by porting house Feral Interactive has launched. If you have Hitman, you already have the Mac version sitting in your Steam library. Easy peasey. Yup, that prologue demo is on Mac too.

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Hitman's prologue chapter goes free todayhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-prologue-chapter-is-now-freeAlice O'ConnorTue, 20 Jun 2017 11:59:51 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-prologue-chapter-is-now-freeStealthFree gamesIO InteractiveDemosHitman

The good news keeps on rolling for murder's favourite slaphead. After establishing themselves as an independent company and securing the rights to Hitman, developers IO Interactive have released the prologue chapter of the recent episodic Hitman [official site] for free. Consider it a demonstration. I did think it strange that Square Enix didn't release a demo of the stealth 'em up back before they ditched IO but hey, one's here now. Thanks, independent IO Interactive. Thaioi.

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IO Interactive is now independent, keeps Hitmanhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/io-interactive-goes-independent-keeps-hitmanAlice O'ConnorFri, 16 Jun 2017 12:59:13 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/io-interactive-goes-independent-keeps-hitmanStealthSquare EnixIO InteractiveBusinessBlockbusterHitman

Hitman studio IO Interactive is now independent again, after thirteen years of being owned by Eidos then Square Enix, and they're getting to keep Hitman. The fate of both the Danish studio and their flagship series has been in question since May, when Square Enix announced they were cutting IO loose. While we'd heard that IO might be able to continue Hitman, things looked a bit grim when they laid off some staff shortly after. Now it's a bit more sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows.

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Podcast: The RPS Electronic Wireless Show returns! Listen to us talk Far Cry 5, Prey and Old Man's Journeyhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-electronic-wireless-show-2017-1Brendan CaldwellTue, 30 May 2017 20:34:33 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-electronic-wireless-show-2017-1PreySquare EnixPodcastIO InteractiveRain WorldOld Man's JourneyShooterArkane StudiosThe RPS Electronic Wireless showFar Cry 5UbisoftBroken RulesHitmanStory Rich

Hark! It's the sound of our sweet voices taking up an hour of your precious time. The RPS podcast of old, the Electronic Wireless Show, has returned in a fresh new body. We've got news, interviews and silly features, as well as some of the traditional idle chat.

This week, Pip, Adam and I are chatting about Far Cry 5's "Last Supper" image, the recent layoffs at Hitman developer IO Interactive, and enjoying a jaunt through melancholy puzzler Old Man's Journey. There's also some Quickfire Questions with the developers of survival puzzler Rain World, news from Paradox Con and lots more.

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IO sale might not spell the end of Hitmanhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-might-continue-at-io-interactiveSamuel HortiSun, 28 May 2017 16:00:06 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-might-continue-at-io-interactiveStealthSquare EnixAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitman

In the downward spiral of bad news coming out of Hitman [official site] developer IO Interactive – first that it was being sold by Square Enix, and then that it was laying off staff – there's finally something vaguely positive. It seems that the developer may get to keep making Hitman games after all.

The news emerged from a newly-published transcript of a financial briefing from May 11, the day Squeenix announced the IO sale. It says that the publisher is "negotiating with prospective external investors capable of ensuring" that Agent 47 survives.

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Layoffs at Hitman devs IO as Square Enix ditch studiohttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-developer-layoffsAlice O'ConnorTue, 23 May 2017 13:36:23 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-developer-layoffsSquare EnixIO InteractiveLayoffsBlockbusterHitman

Less than one fortnight after Square Enix announced they were ditching IO Interactive, IO have announced a round of layoffs. While that's no surprise, it is certainly a shame. We still don't know what the future holds for the Danish studio, who are best known for their Hitman games, and the path forward is looking bumpy. Squeenix had said they'd try to find new investors in IO to replace them, but we've not yet heard much on how that's working out. Initial impressions: not entirely great. Fingers crossed, everyone.

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Don't let this golden age of games endhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/this-is-a-golden-age-of-gamesAlec MeerFri, 19 May 2017 20:00:03 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/this-is-a-golden-age-of-gamesSystem Shock 3PreyDeus Ex: Mankind DividedVampire: The Masquerade - BloodlinesMass Effect AndromedaThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntFeatureHitmanDishonored 2Simulation

We are living in a golden age of big-budget PC games that offer us choice and freedom. Be they descendants of the System Shock model - finding a route around a meticulously-crafted, locked-down and hostile place, most recently seen in Prey [official site] - or the roleplaying games based around choice and consequence rather than action alone, they are legion. There are so many, even, that I'm not sure we can fully appreciate how good we've got it.

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Miss: Square Enix try to sell Hitman devs IO Interactivehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/square-enix-selling-hitman-studioAlice O'ConnorThu, 11 May 2017 09:47:53 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/square-enix-selling-hitman-studioSquare EnixIO InteractiveBusinessBlockbusterHitman

Square Enix are pulling out of IO Interactive, leaving the future of the Danish studio (and their sandbox murder simulator series Hitman) uncertain as they try to find new investors. Squeenix bought IO in 2009 and, only eight years later, want rid of them for reasons of both business and pleasure -- "to maximize player satisfaction", in their words. It's a bit of a bummer, not least of all because the first season of the episodic new Hitman was great once it got rolling.

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The 23 best bite-size games for busy liveshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-short-gamesAlec MeerFri, 05 May 2017 18:00:58 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-short-gamesXbox OneEdmund McMillenHexcells InfiniteNadeoThe Signal From TölvaThird personDevolver DigitalMode 7 GamesPS4No CodeProteusSquare EnixThe Binding of Isaac: AfterbirthiOSTwisted Tree GamesHitmanThirty Flights of LovingCROWS CROWS CROWSAbzuDinosaur Polo ClubFeatureArcade80 DaysBlizzard EntertainmentMultiplayer CompetitiveMMORPGValve SoftwarePCinkleMacMultiplayer CooperativeTextRacingPuzzleKentucky Route ZeroUbisoftNintendo SwitchShooterXbox 360PlayismStrategy: Turn-Based StrategyTrackmania Turbo505 GamesStories UntoldElectronic ArtsSide viewFrogwaresAction AdventureSorathHer StoryCard GamesCardboard ComputerGiant SquidPlatformerFirst personSportsValveValve CorporationActivision BlizzardStrategyPS3Devil DaggersPoint and ClickCurve DigitalIndieOverwatchPlayStation VitaRPGTri SynergyRocket LeagueSingle PlayerRhythmPlaydeadVirtual RealitySam BarlowMicrosoft StudiosSimulationEd Key, David KanagaInsideBird view / IsometricNicalisMini MetroPsyonix StudiosPortalDr. Langeskov The Tiger and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind HeistTharsisIO InteractiveFrozen Synapse

I am dad, hear me whinge. Too many games, not enough spare time, for all my non-work hours are spent kissing grazed knees, explaining why you cannot eat the food in that cupboard, constructing awful Lion King dioramas out of toilet roll tubes and being terrified that the next jump from the sofa to the armchair will go fatally wrong. I'm lucky in that my job to some extent involves playing games, so by and large if there's something I really want to check out I can find a way to, but I appreciate that there are many long-time, older or otherwise time-starved readers for whom RPS is a daily tease of wondrous things they cannot play.

Now, clearly I cannot magically truncate The Witcher 3 into three hours for you, but what I can do is suggest a few games from across the length and breadth of recent PC gaming that can either be completed within a few hours or dipped into now and again without being unduly punished because you've lost your muscle-memory.

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How Hitman's Hokkaido level was madehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/how-hitmans-hokkaido-level-was-madeAlex WiltshireFri, 24 Mar 2017 21:00:24 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/how-hitmans-hokkaido-level-was-madelevel designAction AdventureIO InteractiveFeatureThe MechanicdesignHitman

This is The Mechanic, where Alex Wiltshire invites developers to discuss the inner workings of their games. This time, Hitman [official site].

Hitman developer IO Interactive is really good at making believable environments. Did you ever play Kane and Lynch 2? Seriously, its Shanghai is something to behold, a city of broken pavements, back alleys crusted with air-conditioning units and construction sites littered with cellophane-wrapped pallets. It’s a masterpiece of observation, one of the best representations of cities in videogames.

The latest Hitman doesn’t go anywhere so gritty, but it upholds the same values. Its levels are a jetset tour of places you believe could exist, but these aren’t just credible environments, they’re also machines for killing in. And the first season of Hitman closed with one of its best. Hokkaido is at once compact and expansive, melodramatic and credible, and I talked to IO about how it was designed.

THE MECHANIC: There isn’t really one tbh. Actually, maybe that’s the point here? That Hitman’s level design is a holistic marriage of function and form? Anyway, read on!

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Steam Charts: NieR hithttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/top-steam-games-march-2Jerry Cheese-MuncherTue, 21 Mar 2017 11:56:29 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/top-steam-games-march-2DoomBioShock: The CollectionFeatureGrand Theft Auto VBlockbusterNieR: AutomataTotal War: WarhammerTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: WildlandsH1Z1: King of the KillHitmanCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveChartsOxygen Not Included

Alec is away this week. I fear that if he can't find a wifi signal on his travels he might resort to haruspicy to try and find the truths contained within the weekly Steam charts. These round-ups of the ten games with the most cumulative sales over the past week are his obsession and his curse.

This week: while the cat's away...

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Have You Played... Hitman?https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-you-played-hitmanGraham SmithWed, 22 Feb 2017 15:30:06 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-you-played-hitmanAction AdventureIO InteractiveHave You PlayedFeatureHitman

Have You Played? is an endless stream of game retrospectives. One a day, every day of the year, perhaps for all time.

When it was announced that the new Hitman would be released one level at a time, the response was confusion or worry. Now that its first season is complete however, we know that it was a success. More developers should follow suit.

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Hitman reveals itself in layershttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-reveals-itself-in-layersGraham SmithThu, 16 Feb 2017 17:00:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-reveals-itself-in-layersStealthAction AdventureIO InteractiveFeatureSupporters onlyHitman

In December, we named Hitman [official site] the best sandbox game of 2016. I hadn't played it at the time, but I have since and, yes, yes. Hitman deserves to be celebrated for its beautiful, detailed worlds. Let's pretend I'm folding this write-up into the calendar entry for the game I missed.

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Server issues for Hitman as Elusive Target 20 arriveshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-server-issuesPhilippa WarrFri, 10 Feb 2017 16:42:30 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-server-issuesSteamSquare EnixIO InteractiveBlockbusterHitman

UPDATE: I'm still getting the error message but according to the official Hitfolk the issues *should* be subsiding. Good news for pretty much everyone except The Warlord, I guess.

Looks like those of you seeking to hunt down the latest elusive target in Hitman [official site] will have to sit tight for a bit as Valve and the devs work on fixing problems PC users are having connecting to servers.

According to Hitman's official Twitter account:

"We're aware of issues currently affecting our PC players, which appear to be widespread across Steam and cannot be 'fixed' on our end."

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Hitman Season One: RPS discusses favourite levels and what we want from season twohttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-season-one-review-pcAlec MeerFri, 03 Feb 2017 19:00:55 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-season-one-review-pcStealthSquare EnixverdictReviewsFeatureHitman

Graham: It took me till this past week to finally play Hitman [official site], 2016's rejuvenated dress-up sim/infiltration sim/lets-face-it-murder-sim. I've had a grand time with it for many different reasons (eg. the dress-up, the infiltration, the murders...), and I wanted to gather people together to pick over its pleasures in greater detail. So, Alec and Brendan, I ask you: what's your favourite murder?

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Hitman update brings bonus mission, higher difficultyhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-update-released-professional-difficultyAlice O'ConnorTue, 31 Jan 2017 16:39:56 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-update-released-professional-difficultyStealthIO InteractiveHitmanSquare Enix

The wonderful murder sandbox of Hitman [official site] is now a touch livelier and, if you want, tougher too. A free update launched today adding a new hit set in Sapienza during a concert and a new 'Professional' difficulty setting, along with fixes, tweaks, HDR support, and some other gubbins. That's a good-looking update. I'll get into that soon but first, have a peep at the trailer for new bonus mission 'Landslide', which sends Ian Hitman to Sapienza to whack a politician with mafia ties:

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This is murder! Hitman adding 'Professional' difficultyhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-professional-difficulty-modeAlice O'ConnorWed, 25 Jan 2017 16:24:21 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-professional-difficulty-modeStealthIO InteractiveHitman

The episodic Hitman [official site] wrapped up its 'first season' last year (read Wot Alec Thinks of the whole thing) but it's not done and dusted. A new 'Professional' difficulty setting will arrive in a free update later this month, publishers Square Enix announced today, to make murder more difficult. Expect guards to be more alert and inquisitive, more trouble disguising yourself, security cameras spotting your shenanigans, only one manual save per mission, and so on.

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RPS 2016 Advent Calendar, Dec 15th: Hitmanhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-sandbox-game-2016RPSThu, 15 Dec 2016 19:00:37 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-sandbox-game-2016The RPS Advent Calendar 2016Square EnixAction AdventureIO InteractiveFeatureHitmanBestest Bests

A good sandbox is defined by the options it gives you to explore, experiment and discover your own solutions to problems. Day fifteen of The RPS Advent Calendar, which highlights our favourite games of the year, brings the best sandbox of 2016...

It's Hitman!

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Hitman going Home Alone-y with festive updatehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-christmas-updateAlice O'ConnorTue, 06 Dec 2016 16:16:15 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-christmas-updateStealthChristmasIO InteractiveBlockbusterHitman

Even many Hitmaniacs are unaware of the untrue story of the series' origins as a Home Alone game. IO Interactive built a prototype including a boy sneaking around his house, creating distractions with a Talkboy, and a ragdoll physics Joe Pesci tumbling down stairs after being clocked with a can of paint. "That's nice," said one Eidos executive, "but what if the man died?" So Kevin McCallister became Ian Hitman and a legend was born. This lie will come full circle next week with the Hitman [official site] December update, which will add a mission to thwart two dastardly thieves in Christmassy Paris.

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Hitman's November update adds offline profileshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-update-novemberGraham SmithMon, 28 Nov 2016 15:58:53 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-update-novemberAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitman

I still haven't got round to playing it, but it feels good that there's a good Hitman [official site] again. Blood Money is one of my favourite games ever, Absolution was terrible, but the general consensus is that the latest is somewhere between good and great.

A new update for it has just been released which, rather than adding more content, aims to improve what's already there. That includes offline profiles, which allows you to continue using unlockable items earned while online when you're offline.

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Wot I Think: Hitman Season Onehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-review-season-oneAlec MeerTue, 01 Nov 2016 20:00:03 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-review-season-oneStealthSquare EnixAction AdventureReviewsFeatureWot I ThinkHitman

Hitman [official site] is a third-person action adventure concerning the stealth assassination of various colourful ne'er-do-wells, accomplished via stealing disguises and faking unlikely accidents. Over the past year, it's been released in six discrete episodes, but as of this month its first 'season' is now complete. We've written about episodes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 individually, but here we sum up both the Japan-set episode six and the first year of the game as a whole.

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Hitman Episode 6 Out Now, Closes Out Season Onehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-6-out-now-closes-out-season-oneGraham SmithMon, 31 Oct 2016 16:19:15 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-6-out-now-closes-out-season-oneStealthSquare EnixAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitman

The final episode of Hitman [official site] lands today, bringing an end to "Season One" of the assassination sim. This also puts a bullet to my "I'm waiting til it's all done before I play it" excuse for not yet progressing beyond its tutorial. Now I'm stuck with my other well-worn excuse, that I'm too busy, but the launch trailer which features clips from all its levels does tempt me to make extra efforts to inhabit Agent 47 again.

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Hitman Season Finale Visits Japan On October 31sthttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-season-finale-visits-japan-on-october-31stAlice O'ConnorWed, 12 Oct 2016 12:02:47 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-season-finale-visits-japan-on-october-31stStealthSquare EnixAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitman

Ian Hitman is packing his cases. He's checking the list - black suit x2; white shirt x4; y-fronts x8 (you never know, in his line of work); fibre wire - 5 metres etc. - and fretting over whether he should've splashed out on his rifle's lightweight stock option to open up weight allowance for souvenirs. He's off to Hokkaido, Japan for the final episode of the Hitman [official site] season, see. The episode will launch on October 31st, publishers Square Enix just announced. I suppose Halloween is a good time to unleash Ian, a boogeyman to the rich, famous, and arms-dealing.

Or, if you've been protesting this episodic release, hey, that's when the 'full' game is out.

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Wot I Think - Hitman Episode 5: Coloradohttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-5-reviewAlec MeerWed, 28 Sep 2016 16:00:21 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-5-reviewSquare EnixAction AdventureReviewsFeatureWot I ThinkHitman

I killed a man by blowing up the smartwatch on his wrist. I 3D printed a mask of another man's face in order to pass through a biometric scanner. Better yet, I carried around a single apricot the whole while.

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Hitman Episode 5 Is Out, Murdering Militia In Coloradohttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-5-releasedAlice O'ConnorTue, 27 Sep 2016 12:37:48 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-5-releasedAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitmanSquare Enix

Episode 5 of Hitman [official site] is now upon us, sending Ian Hitman to Colorado. 'Mother of Rivers', some call the state, which is a lovely nickname. I'm a bit jealous. But he's not here to swim in Little Snake River, Green River, the Rio Grande, or even the mighty Colorado - he's here on neck-snapping business. Episode 5 sends him into a farm compound filled with naughty militia members someone wants whacked. Check it out in the launch trailer:

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Next Hitman Episode Sends Four Targets To The Farmhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/next-hitman-episode-sends-four-targets-to-the-farmBrendan CaldwellTue, 06 Sep 2016 16:16:36 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/next-hitman-episode-sends-four-targets-to-the-farmSquare EnixAction AdventureIO InteractiveFeatureHitman

No sooner than we had finished our thoughts on the last episode of Hitman [official site], was the next episode announced. The adventures of bald death salesman Ian Hitman will continue on a farm in Colorado, where the plucky murderer will have to take out four targets in one go. The farm has been turned into a “private militia training camp”, and your marks all seem to be death specialists too, ranging from experts in “environmental terrorism” to “chemical interrogation”. If only you didn’t have to kill them, Ian could have made some new friends. Oh well.

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Wot I Think: Hitman Episode 4 - Bangkokhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-4-bangkok-reviewBrendan CaldwellTue, 06 Sep 2016 16:00:47 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-4-bangkok-reviewSquare EnixAction AdventureReviewsFeatureWot I ThinkHitman

The episodic murder marathon of Hitman [official site] takes us to a luxury hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, where the rich and privileged are moaning about gourmet food and inadequate room service. We sent Brendan to murder everyone and find out wot he thinks.

It’s not as good as Morocco. That’s the question that’s probably burning in the minds of all the Hitman faithful, who have been following Agent 47’s deadly trips to Paris, Sapienza and Marrakesh. It was always going to be hard to follow the protests and crowds of North Africa, but it’s the standard I'm now holding the series to. One of the curses of releasing your game in episodes is having to endure as we hacks compare each level piece-by-piece (although, in terms of publicity, this is also an obvious blessing). Suffice to say, the Himmapan Hotel isn’t as interesting a playground as the two previous misadventures. But it’s still pretty good.

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Red Thai: Hitman’s Bangkok Episode Is Out Todayhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/red-thai-hitmans-bangkok-episode-is-out-todayBrendan CaldwellTue, 16 Aug 2016 15:51:26 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/red-thai-hitmans-bangkok-episode-is-out-todayAction AdventureHitmanSquare Enix

The fourth episode of Square Enix’s righteous murder simulator, Hitman [official site], is out today, dispatching Agent 47 to a luxury hotel in Bangkok where he must get killy with the lead singer of overrated indie band 'The Class' and the crooked lawyer representing him. The band are recording their second album, which is likely to be devastatingly bad. They must be stopped. Come see the briefing trailer below.

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Monitor Magic: What Games Look Like At 21:9https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/ultrawide-gamingAlec MeerFri, 12 Aug 2016 16:00:24 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/ultrawide-gamingEarth Defense Force 4.1 The Shadow of New DespairDoomAction AdventureThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntFeatureSupporters onlyBattlezone 98 ReduxHeadlanderHitmanHardware

I keep banging on about it to all who will listen, but like a mid-life-crisiseer and their ridiculous sports car, I am increasingly in love with my new ultrawide monitor. I had to use a standard 1080p one recently - oh the humanity! - and felt as though I was trapped inside a tiny box. 21:9 is the only way to play. At least until 32:9 arrives and I decide that of course I cannot live without that. CONSUME CONSUME CONSUME. Genuinely though, ultrawide is lovely: it really brings games to life.

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Hitman Episode Four Visiting Thailand On The 16thhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/when-does-hit-episode-4-come-outAlice O'ConnorFri, 05 Aug 2016 13:57:42 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/when-does-hit-episode-4-come-outAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitmanSquare Enix

"Bangkok, Oriental setting," sang Murray Head, "And the city don't know that the city is getting." His prediction was a lot closer to the mark this time. "The crème de la crème of the chess world in a show with everything but Yul Brynner." Replace 'chess' with 'mopey pop rock' and you've basically got the idea of Episode Four of Hitman [official site]. Publishers Square Enix today announced that, on August 16th, Ian Hitman will be jetting off to a luxury hotel outside Bangkok to murder a rubbish rock star and his family's lawyer. But remember: one night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble.

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Summer Hols: Hitman's Summer Bonus Episode Is Outhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-summer-bonus-episode-releasedAlice O'ConnorTue, 19 Jul 2016 15:11:42 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-summer-bonus-episode-releasedAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitmanSquare Enix

Ian Hitman is off on his summer sols. He's packed his swimming trunks (with garotte drawstring), his beach ball (infused with francium to explode when hurled into e.g. a water polo match), his goggles (infrared vision obvs), his camera (firing poison darts), and his sunscreen (a slaphead's gotta be careful!) and headed into the Hitman [official site] Summer Bonus Episode, which launched today. It doesn't add new areas but it does re-work Sapienza and Marrakesh a little for two new missions. Someone's filming a sci-fi action movie in Sapienza with a honking great robot, for starters.

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Twin Trouble In Hitman's Interesting New Elusive Targethttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-elusive-target-twinsAlice O'ConnorFri, 15 Jul 2016 14:33:13 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-elusive-target-twinsBlockbusterHitmanSquare EnixIO Interactive

The sixth 'Elusive Target' is wandering around in Hitman [official site] for the next three days and - wait, this one is interesting - so is his identical twin. Like other Elusive Targets, Dylan Narváez is only in Hitman for a short while and he'll be gone forever if you skip this or fail to murder him. Unlike other targets, Dylan has an identical twin. If you harm his brother Gonzales, that's it, you've blown it. That's an interesting little wrinkle in something that was becoming formulaic.

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Hitman's Fifth Elusive Target Now Roaming Marrakeshhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-fifth-elusive-target-liveAlice O'ConnorFri, 01 Jul 2016 16:47:21 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-fifth-elusive-target-liveBlockbusterHitmanSquare EnixIO Interactive

The next episode of Hitman [official site] isn't due until later in July, but IO Interactive are ringing in the new month with a little spot of murder. The fifth 'Elusive Target' is here, an arms dealer hanging around Marrakesh for three days before he vanishes forever. Five is a magic number, as it means folks who snuff this chap out and have hit all previous targets can unlock Ian's suit from Hitman Absolution.

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Man Vs. Murderbot In Hitman Summer Bonus Episodehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-summer-bonus-episode-julyAlice O'ConnorMon, 13 Jun 2016 15:08:34 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-summer-bonus-episode-julySquare EnixE3 2016IO InteractiveBlockbusterHitman

Ian Hitman is having a summer staycation in July with the Summer Bonus Episode, publishers Square Enix have announced. Why a staycation? While Hitman [official site] episodes so far have added new areas, the Summer Bonus Episode will revisit Marrakesh and Sapienza for new murdermissions. He'll be offing a mole in Morocco and in Sapienza, well! Seems a film crew is in town with a honking great robot and a knock-off Iron Man, and someone needs to break more than just a leg.

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Hitman's Third Elusive Target Now Livehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-the-princePhilippa WarrThu, 09 Jun 2016 09:01:18 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-the-princeBlockbusterHitmanSquare EnixIO Interactive

Honestly, you wait ages for one elusive target and then... No, I can't even be bothered to finish that joke. Let's get to the meat of this announcement so you can get on with your life of assassinating targets and polishing your barcode.

The third Hitman's [official site] elusive target - The Prince - is now live in Sapienza. Well, he is unless you've already taken him out, in which case... good job? Leon would be proud. If not, read on for more:

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Wot I Think: Hitman Episode 3 - Marrakeshhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-marrakesh-review-pcAlec MeerWed, 01 Jun 2016 20:00:49 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-marrakesh-review-pcAction AdventureIO InteractiveReviewsFeatureWot I ThinkHitman

The trend for Hitman's [official site] episodic levels to be grow bigger and more populous with each new installment continues unabated with third map Marrakesh, which is frankly just showing off. There's just no need to emerge from a vast crowd of tourists into a shop populated by hundreds of beautifully-glowing lamps and, from there, into an even larger horde, this time of protesters raging amid coloured smoke. No need whatsoever. Bless 'em for doing it anyway.

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Head-Spinning Heights: Hitman's 360° Marrakesh Trailerhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/head-spinning-heights-hitmans-360-marrakesh-trailerJoe DonnellyTue, 31 May 2016 13:43:33 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/head-spinning-heights-hitmans-360-marrakesh-trailerAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitmanSquare Enix

It's tough being hip nowadays, what with all the mobile cellular telephones and social medias and streams and memes. Another fad that seems to be becoming increasingly popular is 360 degree "interactive" videogame trailers. I like these and the latest Hitman [official site] number takes us to Marrakesh, should you wish to visit the Moroccan city before getting your hands on Agent 47's latest outing that's out today.

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Hitman: The Congressman Now On The Loosehttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-the-congressmanPhilippa WarrFri, 27 May 2016 12:00:26 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-the-congressmanBlockbusterHitmanSquare EnixIO Interactive

This is your friendly reminder that the second Elusive Target (a limited time, no do-overs mission) should now be live in Hitman [official site]. Unless you've been stupidly efficient and somehow killed whoever it is on spawn already.

Well, I say "whoever it is" but they've called the mission "The Congressman" so I'm guessing you're taking out a congressman and from the picture he seems like a sort of jowly hat-wearer who you might find on a foreign vacation in a Poirot mystery.

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Hitman Episode 3 Isn't A Riot - Yethttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-3-hands-onEdwin Evans-ThirlwellThu, 26 May 2016 13:00:00 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-3-hands-onAction AdventureHitmanSquare EnixFeature

You can't start a revolution in Hitman's Marrakesh episode, but Lord knows I have tried. Seeking to create the impression of a brutal state crackdown, I've dressed up as a soldier and opened fire on the crowd from a checkpoint. I've lugged cans of propane right across the map, dropped them near placard-waving civvies and blown everybody up with a silenced pistol. I've sucker-punched foreign officials, hurled bricks at marchers - done whatever I can to transform the level's outpouring of public discontent into a full-blown civil war. And for my troubles I've been treated to an efficient, orderly death and the sight of a dozen, so-called leftwing firebrands cowering in terror as the army closes in. Honestly - is it any wonder you radicals are sweltering beneath capitalism's golden hoof when one little blast cloud is too much to bear?

If Marrakesh isn't quite the open world insurrection simulator I was rather unrealistically and very callously looking forward to, it's an absolute playpen for fans of the game's Contracts mode.

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Hitman Episode 3 Visiting Marrakesh Next Weekhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/when-does-hitman-episode-3-come-outAlice O'ConnorWed, 25 May 2016 15:02:05 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/when-does-hitman-episode-3-come-outBlockbusterHitmanSquare EnixIO Interactive

The third episode of the new Hitman [official site] will launch next Tuesday, May 31st, Square Enix have announced. Ian Hitman's next assignment will take him to the city of Marrakesh in Morocco, where someone wants a banker and a general dead. Given how much of an improvement the second episode was over the first, this is jolly exciting.

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Hitman's Second Elusive Target Coming Next Fridayhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-elusive-target-2-dateAlice O'ConnorFri, 20 May 2016 17:49:12 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-elusive-target-2-dateBlockbusterHitmanSquare EnixIO Interactive

Hitman [official site] recently introduced 'Elusive Targets', people with contracts on their heads who'll only appear in the game for a short period of actual real time before vanishing forever, and who will also vanish if you fluff the assassination. Alex Spencer flipping loved the tension that brought, but I saw a fair few people note they didn't even know it was coming. Well then! Consider this one week's notice that the second Elusive Target will be strolling around sunny Sapienza next Friday. He's a Congressman.

Only 53% of attempts last time were successful, you know.

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Hitman's Elusive Targets Are The Game At Its Besthttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitmans-elusive-targets-modeAlex SpencerMon, 16 May 2016 19:00:31 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitmans-elusive-targets-modeAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitmanFeature

This weekend saw the first Elusive Target in Hitman, a limited-time event that drops a new doomed soul into one of the game's sprawling locations and gives you a single chance to bump them off. Within the modular structure of this Hitman game – which is constantly adding to the content available in its monthly-release levels – that's not too unusual, but the way Elusive Target bends the rules of the game turns it into something genuinely fresh and exciting.

So let's talk about my own experience a little to show why. It's early Sunday afternoon and I'm eagerly ushering the final hungover remnants of last night's Eurovision party out the front door. Over on Hitman's menu screen, a clock is ticking down. Two hours remaining to find Sergei Larin, an infamous art forger, and dispatch him in whatever way suits.

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If You See Him, Kill Him: Hitman's First Elusive Targethttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-elusive-targets-startAlice O'ConnorFri, 13 May 2016 16:00:12 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-elusive-targets-startBlockbusterHitmanIO Interactive

The first 'Elusive Target' is now roaming the world of Hitman [official site], for 48 hours only. Miss this window or screw it up and he'll be gone forever, living happily unmurdered - and you don't want that, do you? The wait for Hitman's second episode was well worth it, but the plan is for bits of "live content" like this to help keep the game interesting in-between and onwards.

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Wot I Think: Hitman Episode Two - Sapienzahttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-sapienza-review-pcAdam SmithThu, 28 Apr 2016 16:00:20 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-sapienza-review-pcAction AdventureIO InteractiveReviewsFeatureWot I ThinkHitman

This is more like it. This is so much more like it that it feels like the gap year abroad next to that disappointing overnight stop in Paris. In Sapienza, a colourful and complex Italian town, IO's new Hitman [official site] has found the ideal location for a spot of sightseeing and silent slaughter. I've spent more than ten hours playing and feel like I'm still scratching the surface, and almost every hit has been a complete joy.

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Hands On: Hitman Hits Its Stride In Sapienza And Marrakeshhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-sapienza-marakkesh-previewEdwin Evans-ThirlwellFri, 22 Apr 2016 20:00:50 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-sapienza-marakkesh-previewPreviewsSquare EnixAction AdventureIO InteractiveFeatureHitman

After the flashbulbs and pulsing techno of Paris, Hitman [official site] Episode 2's Sapienza level feels like a holiday – the kind of holiday John Le Carre writes about, in which lingering over your espresso is tantamount to painting a bullseye on your back. Set on the Italian coast, the chapter opens with Agent 47 idling on a bench opposite a fortified mansion belonging to your target, a bioweapons scientist whose latest creation must be nipped in the bud. Under an archway to your left, two sheepish flower delivery drivers are tending to an unconscious cyclist. Somewhere behind you, a couple of heavyset gentlemen chat quietly about a secret laboratory. Off to the right, a woman in the street bellows up at her partner, a sous-chef who is late for work in the mansion's kitchen.

It's a world of threads begging to be yanked on, the better to hoist somebody by the neck, but what's your hurry? You've got your paper and the sun is out. With its postcard locales and indulgent pacing, Hitman has always been something of a tourism simulator, and in Sapienza, IO has conjured up the perfect ambience – bottomless blue skies, dusky cobblestones and guidebook hotspots roamed by sweaty foreigners in ridiculous shorts.

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Hitman 1.03 Brings Vampire Magician Challengeshttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-1-03-pc-patch-vampire-magician-challenge-packAlice O'ConnorTue, 05 Apr 2016 18:45:58 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-1-03-pc-patch-vampire-magician-challenge-packBlockbusterHitmanSquare EnixIO Interactive

Ian Hitman is currently packing a bag for his holiday to Italy in Episode Two on the 26th, but more Hitman [official site] is already here. Update 1.03 launched today, bringing more improvements to loading times, more responsive menus, and bug fixes such as "47 no longer drops a body immediately after starting to drag it." Oh, and it adds The Vampire Magician Challenge Pack, which dares Ian to commit ten murderous challenges wearing the vampire magician costume. He is, I stress, neither vampiric not magical. Murder would be no challenge for an actual vampire magician.

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Hitman Hits Sapienza In Episode Two On April 26thhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-two-release-dateAlice O'ConnorThu, 31 Mar 2016 16:57:00 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hitman-episode-two-release-dateAction AdventureIO InteractiveHitmanSquare Enix

Hitman? I don't know, man. Are you a hit, man, or a miss, man? Tell me if you can, man. Are you a beat or a beater, a sneaker or stabber, episodic or early access, treasure or stress like a shirt of hess - ian - scratch at my neck, man

may be it's that we don't know yet we might have a clue after Ep Two

So all hands on deck, pack your trunks in your trunk your needle-o in your Speedo your Silverballers in your swingball set ready go daddy-o (look out below!) to hit the hacienda in Sapienza on April 26th, hepcats.

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What It's Like To Play Non-VR Games In Steam VRhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-desktop-theater-guideAlec MeerWed, 23 Mar 2016 17:00:30 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-desktop-theater-guideDevil DaggersSteamVRRise of the Tomb RaiderXCOM 2VRHitmanHorror

We already knew that Valve was planning something called Steam Desktop Theater, in which non-VR games could be used within their Vive headset (and, indeed, any other headsets which end up supporting the SteamVR APIs), but I wasn't expecting to see it until the first giant boxes full of matte-black hardware arrived at pre-orderers' houses.

Turns out that Valve snuck out a beta update to Steam over the weekend, part of which was an early version of Desktop Theater. In like Flynn, me. The good news: it works. The bad news: I'm now more certain than ever that the hardware needs another generation or two before it's truly ready for the world.

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Steam Charts: Dinosaurs, Depths & Deceptionhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-charts-march-2016Alec MeerTue, 22 Mar 2016 18:14:27 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-charts-march-2016The CullingFactorioTom Clancy's The DivisionSubnauticaAction AdventureStardew ValleyGrand Theft Auto VHitmanCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveChartsArk: Survival Evolved

Fans Of Things Not Staying Exactly The Same All The Time will be glad to hear that the latest weekly Steam top ten is quite a changed one from the previous week. A new number one, surprise re-entries and a loosening of Ubisoft's chokehold on the charts.

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The Division Director Joins Hitman Dev IOhttps://www.rockpapershotgun.com/division-director-joins-hitman-devJoe DonnellyMon, 21 Mar 2016 17:05:04 +0000https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/division-director-joins-hitman-devTom Clancy's The DivisionAction AdventureIO InteractiveUbisoftHitman

As the popularity of The Division [official site] continues to grow, following a launch week that saw it break all sorts of records, its game director appears to have abandoned the post apocalyptic New York City playground for pastures new. Ryan Bernard, whose CV also includes work on the likes of EverQuest 2 and Warhammer Online, has left Ubisoft to join Hitman developer IO Interactive.

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