Hitman Go: Definitive Edition Review

Hitman Go is an award winning turn-based puzzle video game developed by Square Enix Montréal and published by Square Enix. Hitman Go was first released on mobile platforms. However, the game, on 23 February 2016, became available on Steam, PS4 and PS Vita under the name of Definitive Edition, bringing updated graphics, trading cards and achievements.

However, players should note that there are no new levels with Definitive Edition. It's basically a mobile game being integrated into PC with only upgraded graphics, so if you played the game on mobile already and are not interested in achievements or trading cards, there is absolutely nothing new for you that should warrant a purchase. 

After I got that out of the way, let's take a closer look at the game.

Hitman Go uses turn based strategy in its puzzles. The players drag Agent 47 to a particular side to pass a turn during when the enemies also take their turn. Some guards are static while the others follow a path. You can't pass a turn by remaining in the same location which makes it a bit tricky at times to remain undetected. 

Hitman Go has 7 levels. 2 of them are inspired by Hitman Blood Money and Hitman Silent Assassin. Each of these 7 levels have their sublevels. A usual level has 14 sublevel while two that are inspired by previous Hitman games, have only 8 sublevels. 

Each level present their own challenges, new game mechanics, new types of enemies and side objectives. If you want to simply complete the campaign without any bonus objectives Hitman Go is a game that will be finished in roughly 4-5 hours. However if you decide to go for side objectives, which I strongly suggest that you do, its life span will be increased considerably.

There aren't a wide variety of side objectives though. Players are usually tasked with collecting a briefcase, not killing anyone, killing everyone, not killing dogs, performing a speed kill. And the most challenging of them all: X Turns or Fewer. Based on the level you are currently playing, you will even be required to finish it under 5 turns.

Hitman Go has such a simplistic design but it deceives the player into thinking that it is a simple game. It is actually very challenging and despite not allowing many different routes to take, it at least manages to keep things fresh by adding a wide range of guards that require different tactics to overcome and different game mechanics. In some levels you'll have to make use of secret passages to bypass guards, in some of the others you will have access to the most iconic Hitman weapon, Silverballers. Some levels have statues that can be used to either kill guards or block a guard's path. Some missions have sniper rifles available that will let you take down a target of your choosing without getting caught. Also let's not forget disguises! In short, there is a lot to utilise in order to successfully complete the mission.

Hitman Go artwork is amazing. I'm a big fan of its level design and graphics. The game gives me the feeling that I finally have the dollhouse I never had a chance to own during my childhood. I should note that some levels will include civilians that are there to add an extra detail to the level design. When I first came across one of them, I tried to stay away thinking I could fail if they saw me. But after experimenting with it I realised that really is not the case. In other words the characters that don't stand on lines will not pay any attention to you, so you are safe from them. 

So far I had nothing but positive things to say about Hitman Go. However, the game is not without its flaws and shortcomings.

One of the biggest flaw in Hitman Go is the camera angles. For a turn based puzzle game to not allow its players to freely change the camera view is something I can't wrap my head around. You can turn camera only to a certain degree but once you stop holding the left mouse button, the camera goes back to its original position. During levels when you need to assassinate a specific target, the camera zooms once you get close to your target disabling you from seeing the whole board. Some levels give you multiple targets so once you assassinate one you need to move to the next but you can't see the board so you don't know if you are actually safe to move.

Second minus for Hitman Go is the control scheme. It is understandable that the game has drag and drop controls on mobile platforms but unfortunately on PC, there is no other control options. You must drag and drop with your mouse which can be tricky as the same thing also needs to be done to change camera angle. I am not ashamed to admit that on numerous occasions I had to restart the level because I moved Agent 47 to a wrong location while I was trying to change the camera view. Additional control settings like keyboard or point and click would have had a warm welcome but presently these are not available.

Now comes my biggest complaint: There is not enough room for alternative ways to complete levels and most importantly it is impossible to finish the game with 0 kills (excluding assassination targets). Unfortunately some levels are impossible to complete without getting your hands bloody which is something unacceptable for a stealth purist like me! Previous Hitman games always provided the chance to finish the game by killing noone but your key targets. I know Hitman Go is not the same game as previous Hitman games; yet, I believe it could have easily added such mechanic to provide an alternative strategy to beat levels.

In summary, Hitman Go is a brilliant and challenging turn based puzzle game that sadly doesn't give a lot of room for players to get creative. Its flaws such as mandatory drag-drop controls and fixed camera angles are neither game breaking, nor should they stop you from enjoying the game.

Now I'm patiently waiting for Lara Croft Go!