Following the recent news that Square Enix Montreal’s in-development Hitman title had been canned, IO Interactive have today shared what they’re calling “an open letter to fans” on the Hitman.com website.
“At Io-Interactive right now, we are building the next AAA Hitman game for PC and next-gen consoles.” the post begins, which, whilst unsuprising, is the first solid announcement of a next-gen Hitman title.
“In the next game you will experience a globetrotting Agent 47 at the prime of his career – the apex predator stalking his prey across the world, with the support of his long-term handler Diana Burnwood and the whole of the ICA.
The game concentrates on the core Hitman fantasy of using a wide range of tools to take out a diverse group of targets across expansive, exotic locations around the world. We are building this game on the backbone of the Glacier 2 engine, using the best parts and what we have learnt through Hitman: Absolution and drawing inspiration from past titles like Contracts and Blood Money to fulfil the core Hitman fantasy. That means we’re packing in an extreme level of detail on the largest levels we have ever built for a Hitman game. We’ve adopted an open, non-linear level design approach to the game, ensuring the game will play out across huge, checkpoint-free, sandbox levels. Our aim is to create living, breathing and believable levels which will allow gamers to play around with the AI to create those unique moments every fan of the Hitman franchise loves.
Contracts Mode is back – you will be able to create and build challenges by experimenting with the large levels and possibilities within them. And of course, you can share them with the world and challenge your friends or foes to complete your hits. Your rules, your Contracts.
You will also be glad to hear that we have removed 47’s magic pockets. We believe that’s all we need to say about that subject.”
The IO Interactive team sign off saying they’re “extremely excited for the future of Hitman,” and by promising to share “much, much more in the coming months.”
Source: Hitman.com
bunimomike
I wish Hitman would have an open-world environment like GTA where I can move into position in a vehicle of my choosing and carry out the mission in a manner I see fit for the situation. Sure, poor on the stealth and let me know I’ll fail things if I start to take the piss but something truly open would be fantastic.
Live the life as oppose to just the job.
gazzagb
That would be a great idea, I’d much rather them focus on the gameplay and environment than the story.
Absolution tried too hard, with loads of unnecessary cut-scenes that just detracted from what you were – a hitman.
Muskyy
I’ve never played the Hitman series. Can’t think of a better time than now with the stunning graphics I’ve seen on other next gen games.
Ouninpohja
Hope they go back to the old formula rather than the story they did on the last one!
blast71
Just got Absolution today from Game in the 3 for a tenner deal. Not played any of the Hitman games but at that price it’s no major loss if I don’t like it.
jonny_bolton
I played the one they gave away free on plus but didn’t get the appeal. It’s OK, but it’s a game that rewards you for killing people using the ludicrous set pieces that are so handily set up for you, rather than actually being a hitman
Severn2j
Lets hope they also remove the mechanic that made disguises almost useless, the forced cover-mechanics and the ability to see through walls..