IO Interactive (studio)
18 (certificate)
26 April 2016 (released)
30 April 2016
With Paris, Hitman began its episodic story in style, with a glitzy and glamorous fashion show that showcased the series’ return to a gameplay style similar to the older entries in the series, such as Blood Money, while maintaining the sandbox elements from Contracts Mode of Absolution. Now, with Sapienza, Agent 47 looks to go even further, as you take on two targets in a small Italian town.
Right from the off, the map for this mission feels bigger than the show in Paris. While the main portion of the map is taken up by the mansion and its multiple layers, there is a town surrounding it that feels so alive and open. This should make it fairly easy for some good side missions to come about, with plenty of opportunities around.
As for the main mission itself, it mixes things up by providing you with two targets rather than one, as well as a virus to destroy, making this about more than just getting the perfect moment; you have to get in and get back out in one piece, adding to the stealth requirement. Small additions like these help add depth not just to game, but to the missions and the characters you’re after themselves.
Overall, Sapienza is a great indicator of things to come for the game. Here’s hoping that this level of quality is maintained as we continue our assassination exploits across the world.
A PS4 code of Hitman was provided by Square Enix for the purpose of this review
