Fourth time’s the charm, you might say.

IO Interactive is taking a bold step forward with its latest release, attempting once again to adapt the renowned Hitman: World of Assassination Trilogy into virtual reality (VR). This marks the fourth iteration of their VR efforts, following three previous attempts that garnered mixed reviews. This time, the team has re-engineered the game specifically for PlayStation VR2, aiming to finally dispel the unfortunate stigma surrounding Hitman's history with VR gaming.

In Hitman: World of Assassination Trilogy, players assume the role of Agent 47, a highly skilled assassin tasked with eliminating targets around the globe. The game is structured around vast sandbox environments, allowing players to employ disguises to infiltrate restricted areas and utilize an array of everyday items as weapons or tools for creative assassination methods.

While the series has traditionally been a flatscreen experience, several earlier VR adaptations on platforms like the original PSVR, PCVR, and Quest 3 received a lukewarm reception, often criticized for their execution. However, the PS VR2 version of Hitman: World of Assassination Trilogy appears to have learned valuable lessons from its predecessors, striving to deliver a more polished and immersive experience.

The Essentials

What is it?: A VR adaptation of Hitman's sandbox stealth gameplay for PS VR2.
Platforms: PS VR2
Release Date: Available now
Developer: IO Interactive
Price: $39.99 for the VR edition, $9.99 for the VR access upgrade.

Despite criticisms surrounding the Quest 3 port, it did introduce innovative dual-wielding mechanics, which have returned in the PS VR2 version, now offering greater freedom and maneuverability. Players can easily multitask, interacting with different objects simultaneously or even attacking two opponents at once, perhaps comically using two cans of spaghetti sauce to knock out guards.

Moreover, the PS VR2 edition streamlines interaction by reducing the number of buttons required as seen in past versions. Players can now physically engage with the environment, such as swiping a keycard, poisoning food by dropping a vial of poison, or effortlessly opening closets. Throwing objects is executed with a flick of the wrist, and players can adjust the aim assist to fine-tune their precision in hitting targets, making the experience significantly more immersive as they step into Agent 47's shoes.

The handling of weapons has also received attention, featuring holstering options on both sides, dynamic sniper scopes, and manual reloading where players physically insert a new magazine into their weapons. In contrast to earlier versions where reloading was an automatic function, this hands-on approach enhances the sense of realism and fully embraces the VR environment. However, moments still exist where the game's dynamic nature falters; for instance, climbing or vaulting remains linked to button presses rather than a more interactive method, sometimes pulling players out of the immersive experience.

Cutscenes predominantly continue to play out on a flatscreen, which can momentarily disrupt immersion. IO Interactive has made an effort to occasionally keep players engaged during certain cutscenes, yet it still feels like a missed opportunity not to utilize the immersive safe house from the Freelancer mode for loading missions or checking inventory.

Players may encounter sporadic instances where the transition from flatscreen to VR isn’t seamless, and at times, control is wrested away from the player. Fortunately, such interruptions are noticeably less frequent compared to previous VR adaptations, and they do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

Visually, the game has seen notable improvements over the downgraded graphics of the Quest 3. The PS VR2 version boasts crisper, more realistic visuals that align closely with the original flatscreen iterations on PlayStation 5. The console's enhanced capabilities enable smoother textures and authentic art styles, creating a visually appealing environment that invites players to linger longer.

The enhanced graphics also facilitate greater detail in the environment, allowing players to closely examine props and items, which adds an extra layer of engagement. Players can now inspect keys, letters, and various objects that bear intricate details previously imperceptible in third-person view.

In terms of content, the campaign comprising three games offers approximately 20 hours of gameplay for methodical players, with individual missions potentially extending up to an hour as they explore for hidden secrets. One of Hitman's most notable strengths lies in its encouragement of experimentation; players are free to devise various strategies for eliminating targets. This expansive gameplay structure means that while a straightforward playthrough might take 20 hours, those seeking to uncover every secret can easily extend that time to over 100 hours.

Despite the lengthy gameplay, the slow-paced nature of the game can lead to moments of inactivity. NPCs often follow predictable patterns, which may require players to wait for extended periods, sometimes over ten minutes. For those who dislike prolonged inactivity in VR, this may result in discomfort during gameplay.

While many aspects of Hitman remain intact, the shooting mechanics have been significantly improved for the PS VR2. The combat now feels more visceral, allowing players to engage with enemies in a more satisfying manner. The transition from stealth to action is smooth, with players capable of blasting their way out of tight situations, shifting the gameplay experience closer to that of an action-packed thriller.

However, the absence of certain side content remains a disappointment. Many bonus missions, escalations, and modes like Contracts and Sniper Assassin are not available in this VR version. Additionally, the much-loved Freelancer mode is also missing, despite its potential compatibility with VR's immersive and unpredictable gameplay style. While there's hope that IO Interactive may add these modes in future updates, currently, players are limited to the main campaign and a select few bonus levels.

Final Verdict

In summary, the PS VR2 version of Hitman: World of Assassination Trilogy represents the most refined VR experience to date for the franchise. After several iterations, IO Interactive has managed to create a VR port that is truly worthwhile. Although the experience is not without its rough edges, the developers have made commendable strides in adapting Hitman’s sandbox gameplay into a virtual reality context. The game is available now for those eager to embrace the thrills of being Agent 47.