50 Facts About HITMAN World Of Assassination (Video Game)

The HITMAN Franchise: A Stealth Gaming Legacy

The HITMAN series has been a staple in the stealth gaming genre for over two decades. Developed by IO Interactive, the franchise has evolved significantly since its debut in 2000. Here are some fascinating facts about the HITMAN series, focusing on the World of Assassination trilogy.

1. HITMAN is a stealth game franchise created by Danish developer IO Interactive. Players control Agent 47, a contract killer who travels the world to eliminate various targets.

2. The first game, HITMAN: Codename 47, was released on November 21, 2000. This game introduced innovative features like realistic physics and dynamic level design.

3. The series is primarily classified under the stealth genre. However, it often incorporates elements of action and strategy.

4. IO Interactive has been the primary developer since the series' inception. The company is known for creating immersive and interactive game worlds.

5. Initially, Eidos Interactive published the series. Square Enix took over as the publisher with HITMAN: Absolution after acquiring Eidos Interactive in 2009.

6. Jacob Andersen is credited as the creator of the HITMAN series. His vision combined stealth, strategy, and humor, shaping the franchise's identity.

7. The HITMAN series has been released on various platforms. These include PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube.

Mainline Releases and the World of Assassination Trilogy

The HITMAN series has seen several mainline releases, with the World of Assassination trilogy marking a significant revamp.

8. There have been eight mainline releases in the HITMAN series. These include HITMAN: Codename 47, HITMAN 2: Silent Assassin, HITMAN: Contracts, HITMAN: Blood Money, HITMAN: Absolution, HITMAN (2016), HITMAN 2 (2018), and HITMAN 3 (2021).

9. The World of Assassination trilogy includes HITMAN (2016), HITMAN 2 (2018), and HITMAN 3 (2021). This trilogy introduced new gameplay mechanics and an episodic release structure.

10. Each map in the new series features dynamic and procedural worlds. These worlds react and change based on Agent 47's actions, allowing for high interactivity and replayability.

Innovative Features and Mechanics

The HITMAN series is known for its innovative features and mechanics, which have evolved over the years.

11. HITMAN: Codename 47 was one of the first games to use realistic physics. This included ragdoll physics and realistic cloth simulations, adding to the game's immersive experience.

12. The non-lethal approach was introduced in HITMAN 2: Silent Assassin. Players could incapacitate enemies instead of killing them, encouraging a more subtle approach.

13. The Creative Kill System was introduced in HITMAN: Contracts. This system allows players to take down targets in various creative ways, using the environment and creating events that appear to be accidents.

14. Each level in the HITMAN series is designed to be dynamic. Elements change based on the player's actions, ensuring no two playthroughs are exactly alike.

15. The series is renowned for its stealth mechanics. Players use disguises, hiding spots, and distractions to complete objectives without being detected.

Disguises, Hiding Spots, and Distractions

Disguises, hiding spots, and distractions are crucial elements in the HITMAN series, adding depth to the stealth gameplay.

16. Players can use disguises to blend in with NPCs. This allows them to move undetected through levels, a feature that has been a staple since HITMAN 2: Silent Assassin.

17. Hiding spots are crucial, providing safe places to observe and wait for opportunities. These spots are often cleverly hidden within the environment.

18. Distractions are another key element. Players can create distractions using various objects and events to draw guards away from their target.

Community Engagement and Post-Launch Content

The HITMAN series has always been known for its strong community engagement and post-launch content.

19. Contracts Mode, introduced in HITMAN: Absolution, allows players to create and share custom contracts. This mode has been a fan favorite, providing endless hours of gameplay and community engagement.

20. Elusive Targets were introduced in the World of Assassination trilogy. These targets are unique and can only be killed once, giving new life to maps that have already been played through.

21. In a unique marketing campaign, players could vote on Twitter to choose between Gary Busey and Gary Cole as an Elusive Target. Gary Busey ultimately won, and a mission featuring him was released.

22. To promote HITMAN (2016), IO Interactive collaborated with Realm Pictures to create a real-life version of the game. This involved an actor following instructions from famous YouTubers like Outside Xbox.

23. The episodic release structure of the World of Assassination trilogy allowed for quick fan feedback. This led to rapid development of new content and tweaks to older maps.

24. Players can earn new items and places to start levels through the Mastery Points system. This system rewards players for completing objectives and achieving specific milestones.

Retcons and Crossovers

The HITMAN series has seen some retcons and crossovers, adding depth to its lore and gameplay.

25. A compilation titled HITMAN HD: Enhanced Collection was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2019. This collection included updated ports of HITMAN: Blood Money and HITMAN: Absolution, featuring improved graphics and updated controls.

26. Since the relaunch with the World of Assassination trilogy, some elements of the story have been retconned. The stories in the two novels by Raymond Benson and William C. Dietz are no longer considered canon.

27. IO Interactive also developed Kane & Lynch, a crime series that shares some elements with HITMAN. Characters from Kane & Lynch appear in HITMAN: Blood Money and HITMAN: Absolution, suggesting a shared universe at the time.

28. One of the most memorable interactions between 47 and Kane & Lynch is the bar fight scene in HITMAN: Absolution. This scene adds humor and camaraderie to the otherwise serious gameplay.

29. The two novels, Damnation and Enemy Within, are no longer considered part of the official storyline. Instead, they are seen as false memories implanted in Agent 47 after his escape from the facility where he was created.

30. According to the comics outlining 47's origins, the events in the novels are now looked upon as false memories. This retconning has clarified the official storyline of the franchise.

Evolution of Gameplay and Mechanics

The HITMAN series has continuously evolved, introducing new gameplay mechanics and refining existing ones.

31. The first game, HITMAN: Codename 47, was initially released only on PC. It was later ported to consoles but never gained the same popularity as its sequel, HITMAN 2: Silent Assassin.

32. HITMAN 2: Silent Assassin was a major improvement over the first game. It introduced features like first-person view, non-lethal takedowns, and more complex level design.

33. HITMAN: Contracts is a direct sequel to HITMAN 2: Silent Assassin but tells the story in the past tense. This allowed the developers to retell the story of the original game, HITMAN: Codename 47, and introduced the Creative Kill System.

34. HITMAN: Blood Money was released in 2006 and introduced several new abilities. These included the ability to climb over obstacles, take human shields, and hide bodies.

35. HITMAN: Absolution was released in 2012 and marked a significant departure from the sandbox levels of previous games. It introduced a more action-oriented gameplay style and a cinematic story-driven narrative.

36. The Instinct feature, introduced in HITMAN: Absolution, allowed Agent 47 to monitor enemies more easily. This feature highlighted them through walls and objects of interest.

37. HITMAN: Absolution included a multiplayer mode. This allowed players to compete in various challenges, adding an extra layer of gameplay.

38. HITMAN: Absolution included two additional levels post-launch, released as DLC. Players had the option to carry over levels from the first game at an additional cost, retaining all their original progress.

39. The HITMAN HD: Enhanced Collection included updated ports of HITMAN: Blood Money and HITMAN: Absolution for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This collection promised updated graphics, 4K resolution, improved textures, lighting, and updated controls for both games.

40. The mission featuring Gary Busey was released in the middle of 2016 as part of the World of Assassination trilogy. This mission allowed players to kill Gary Busey virtually inside the game, making him the only real person that one can assassinate in the game.

41. The Elusive Targets campaign was designed to give new life to maps that had already been played through. This campaign included various targets that could only be killed once, adding a new layer of challenge and replayability to the game.

42. Contract Mode, which was introduced in HITMAN: Absolution, returned in the World of Assassination trilogy. This mode allowed players to create and share custom contracts, providing endless hours of gameplay and community engagement.

43. Players can earn new items and places to start levels through the Mastery Points system. This system rewards players for completing objectives and achieving specific milestones, adding a new layer of progression to the game.

44. The episodic release structure of the World of Assassination trilogy allowed for quick fan feedback. This led to rapid development of new content and tweaks to older maps, ensuring that the game remained fresh and engaging for players.

45. To promote HITMAN (2016), IO Interactive collaborated with Realm Pictures to create a real-life version of the game. This involved an actor following instructions from famous YouTubers like Outside Xbox, adding a unique marketing twist to the campaign.

46. Gary Cole appeared alongside Gary Busey in the Elusive Targets campaign. Although he did not win the vote, his appearance in the game added a touch of humor and celebrity appeal to the campaign.

47. The latest release in the series, HITMAN: Blood Money Reprisal, was released on January 25, 2024. This game is a reimagining of the classic HITMAN: Blood Money, featuring updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.

48. The dynamic level design in the HITMAN series has evolved significantly over the years. From the initial use of realistic physics in HITMAN: Codename 47 to the complex interactivity of modern levels, the series has consistently pushed the boundaries of game design.

49. The stealth mechanics in the HITMAN series have been a cornerstone of innovation in game design. From disguises and hiding spots to distractions and creative kills, the series has encouraged players to think strategically and use stealth as a primary means of completing objectives.

50. The HITMAN series has always been known for its strong community engagement. From the creation of custom contracts in Contract Mode to the voting campaigns for Elusive Targets, the series has consistently encouraged player participation and creativity, making it one of the most beloved franchises in gaming.

The Legacy of HITMAN World of Assassination

HITMAN World of Assassination has redefined stealth gaming. With its dynamic level design, realistic physics, and innovative stealth mechanics, it offers a unique blend of strategy and immersion. The trilogy's episodic release structure allowed for quick fan feedback, ensuring the game remained fresh and engaging. Elusive Targets and Contracts Mode added layers of replayability, while the Mastery Points system rewarded players for their achievements. The series' commitment to community engagement and creative kill systems has made it a beloved franchise. As HITMAN continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to innovation in game design, captivating players for decades. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, HITMAN World of Assassination promises an unforgettable experience in the world of stealth gaming.