Hitman 3

The story of Hitman 3 receives mixed praise, with several critics acknowledging its role as a cohesive conclusion to the "World of Assassination" trilogy. Reviewers like Screen Rant and Critical Hit highlight that it ties up loose ends effectively, offering intrigue through shifting allegiances and character-driven moments. Cultured Vultures notes that while not deep or thought-provoking, it is more compelling than earlier entries in the series, and TheSixthAxis points to a clearer narrative thread linking its six story missions. Pure Xbox appreciates the linear, scripted approach, which adds immediacy to the final entry, while GameGrin praises its tighter structure and satisfying ending compared to previous games. Additionally, TierraGamer emphasizes the narrative’s relevance, as Agent 47 and Diana Burnwood navigate a larger conflict with heightened stakes. These positives suggest that Hitman 3 improves upon its predecessors in terms of storytelling cohesion and emotional payoff. However, many critics criticize the story for lacking depth, originality, or engagement. PlaySense and Multiplayer.it describe it as a shallow vehicle for gameplay, while Metro GameCentral calls the overarching narrative confusing and rushed. God is a Geek and IGN label it generic and inessential, with GameCrate noting it fails to motivate players. GameWatcher and Stevivor criticize its predictable twists and reliance on spy film clichés, while Hardcore Gamer finds the pacing too hasty. VideoGamer calls the plot convoluted, and IGN France deems it vaguely incomprehensible. Even Atomix, which acknowledges some improvement in the second half, points to early chapters lacking coherence. These critiques underscore a widespread perception that the story is secondary to gameplay, often feeling like a backdrop rather than a central pillar of the experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward Hitman 3’s story being a mixed bag—improved from earlier entries but still not its strongest suit. While some critics, like JeuxActu and TrueGaming, praise its satisfying conclusion and cinematic elements, others, such as VGC and GamePro Germany, find it unremarkable or underwhelming. The narrative’s focus on character interactions and twists in later missions (as noted by Atomix and TierraGamer) contrasts with the earlier criticisms of shallowness, suggesting a gradual evolution in storytelling. However, most agree that the story remains secondary to the game’s core mechanics, with many reviewers emphasizing that Hitman 3’s true appeal lies in its sandbox gameplay rather than its narrative depth. This duality reflects a broader industry trend where Hitman prioritizes player agency over traditional storytelling, leaving the story as a functional but unexceptional component of the experience.

The gameplay of Hitman 3 is widely praised for its adherence to the series’ core strengths, with critics highlighting its refined mechanics, creative freedom, and replayability. Many reviewers emphasize that the game excels in offering players a sandbox-style experience where they can approach missions through stealth, strategy, or improvisation. For instance, IGN Italia notes that new permanent shortcuts enhance replayability without revolutionizing the formula, while Gamer.nl applauds the level design and the joy of discovering alternative methods to eliminate targets. The inclusion of tools like the handheld camera and improved AI behavior (as noted by LaPS4) adds depth, allowing for greater experimentation. Critics such as GameGrin and PC Invasion praise the sprawling environments and the variety of ways to complete objectives, with New Game Network highlighting the puzzle-like nature of missions. The game’s emphasis on planning, disguise, and environmental interaction is consistently lauded, with Eurogamer Italy and GamesRadar+ celebrating its ability to immerse players in a world where every decision matters. Despite these positives, some critics point to minor drawbacks, particularly the lack of major innovations and occasional technical issues. Meristation and LaPS4 note that the gameplay remains largely unchanged from previous entries, with only incremental improvements rather than groundbreaking changes. Gamer.nl criticizes the requirement for an online connection to unlock items, calling it a negative aspect, while DualShockers finds the execution of certain mechanics tedious, especially when waiting for specific moments. Additionally, M3 mentions that the AI struggles with aggressive tactics, and Gamer.nl points to minor bugs affecting the experience. While these issues are not universally criticized, they reflect a general sentiment that Hitman 3 prioritizes refinement over radical evolution, which may leave some players craving more substantial changes. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Hitman 3 delivers one of the strongest entries in the series. The gameplay’s focus on creativity, replayability, and sandbox exploration is consistently highlighted as its greatest strength, with reviewers like Trusted Reviews and IGN France praising its ability to maintain and even improve upon an already brilliant formula. While some critics acknowledge the lack of major innovations, the collective praise for its mechanics, level design, and player agency underscores its success. As GameGrin and PC Invasion note, the game’s charm lies in its familiar yet deeply satisfying approach to stealth and strategy, making it a standout title for fans of the series and a compelling experience for newcomers. The balance between consistency and subtle refinements ensures that Hitman 3 remains a benchmark for tactical gameplay.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Hitman 3: Cloud Version, highlighting its technical achievements and artistic presentation. Reviewers across multiple platforms, including PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, lauded the game’s attention to detail, immersive environments, and improved lighting and reflections. For instance, GameSpew and VG247 noted the "clean and crisp graphics" and "sublime lighting," while PC Invasion emphasized that maxed-out settings on high-end hardware allowed for smooth performance at high frame rates. The game’s locations—such as Dubai’s skyscrapers, Chongqing’s cyberpunk streets, and Mendoza’s vineyards—were frequently described as visually stunning, with Game Rant calling the Chinese city “a cyberpunk-style marvel” and Digital Trends praising its "immaculate design." Critics like Gamer.no and KeenGamer highlighted the series’ best-looking entry yet, with GameSpace noting that "every map has some gorgeous landscapes" that invite players to pause and admire. The use of dynamic lighting, realistic reflections, and intricate level design created a sense of depth and variety, making each location feel distinct and alive. However, some critics pointed out specific limitations, particularly in the Cloud Version on Nintendo Switch. NintendoWorldReport criticized the "visual downgrades and limitations" of the Switch port, noting that it failed to match the fidelity of other platforms. On higher-end systems, issues like character model aging (as noted by Atomix) and generic NPC designs (TierraGamer) were mentioned, though these were often framed as minor drawbacks. Video Chums and Vgames criticized the cutscenes for feeling outdated or less polished compared to the environments, while PC Invasion noted that character expressions during cinematics occasionally fell short. Additionally, some reviewers, like VG247, suggested that the graphical improvements were incremental rather than revolutionary, with "small quality-of-life" tweaks rather than drastic overhauls. These critiques, though present, were generally overshadowed by the overall acclaim for the game’s visual ambition and execution. Despite these minor criticisms, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with Hitman 3: Cloud Version being celebrated as a standout in the series’ visual design. The majority of reviews emphasized its technical prowess, from the "painstaking detail" in locations (ZTGD) to the "grotesquely opulent" Dubai mission (Telegraph). While platform-specific limitations (like those on Switch) and occasional artistic compromises were noted, they did not detract from the game’s broader appeal. IGN France and GamesRadar+ both highlighted how the visuals elevated the gameplay experience, creating a "reactive and dynamic world" that felt immersive and engaging. Ultimately, the critical reception underscored Hitman 3 as a visual triumph, with its lush environments, innovative lighting, and meticulous attention to detail setting a new benchmark for the franchise. As VG247 concluded, the game “performs as well as the previous two games,” cementing its status as a technical and artistic achievement in the action-adventure genre.

The sound design and music of Hitman 3 received widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising their immersive quality and integration into gameplay. BaziCenter highlighted the "high-quality" sound design and well-coordinated music, while Eurogamer Italy and The Digital Fix emphasized how the score enhances immersion and complements the game’s themes. Specific praise was directed at the dynamic soundtrack, such as the techno-heavy Berlin mission noted by Worth Playing and the orchestral swells in Bond-esque moments described by PlayStation Universe. Critics like Gameblog.fr and Shacknews commended the varied atmospheres across locations, with environmental sounds and NPC conversations adding depth to the experience. The game’s ability to adapt music to gameplay situations, as highlighted by Atomix and CGMagazine, further underscored its strengths, while PlayStation LifeStyle’s mention of haptic feedback in Chongqing demonstrated attention to detail. Overall, the sound design was seen as a key pillar of the game’s atmospheric storytelling. However, some critics pointed out notable shortcomings. SpazioGames noted that the soundtrack lacked the "strong personality" of previous entries, instead serving more as background noise. Vandal and We Got This Covered criticized minor technical issues, including abrupt music stops and underwhelming sound effects, while TheXboxHub mentioned immersion-breaking moments due to NPCs speaking English in non-English settings. Game Debate and Worth Playing also highlighted inconsistencies in voice acting, with the latter noting a lack of variety and the former pointing out regional accent issues. Additionally, some critics, like MGG, noted untranslated dialogue, which could detract from the experience for non-English speakers. While these flaws were not universal, they indicated areas where the sound design fell short of expectations, particularly in terms of originality and localization. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Hitman 3’s sound design and music significantly enhanced its stealth gameplay and world-building. The game’s ability to create tension through environmental sounds, as noted by Player 2 and Shacknews, and its atmospheric orchestral/electronic blends, praised by CGMagazine and GamePro Germany, were frequently cited as standout features. While some critics like SpazioGames and Vandal pointed out minor flaws, these were often overshadowed by the general praise for immersion and quality. The combination of dynamic soundscapes, satisfying weapon feedback, and a cohesive audio-visual experience—such as the "pumping techno music" highlighted by Guardian and the "haunting soundtrack" described by KeenGamer (PS5)—solidified Hitman 3’s reputation as a technical and artistic success in its genre.

The voice acting in Hitman 3 receives largely positive reception, with many critics praising its quality and contribution to the game’s atmosphere. Reviewers like BaziCenter and KeenGamer highlight Agent 47’s minimal yet effective performance, noting that his emotionless delivery aligns perfectly with his character’s cold demeanor. GameWatcher, PC Games, and Shacknews commend the return of veteran voice actors such as David Bateson, Jane Perry, and John Hopkins, whose work enhances character depth and immersion. SpazioGames specifically praises Jane Perry’s portrayal of Diana, calling it “commendable,” while CGMagazine and SomosXbox emphasize how the voice acting brings characters to life through hours of dialogue. Player 2 and WellPlayed also note that the performances help create believable scenarios, reinforcing the game’s narrative cohesion. These critiques underscore a strong foundation in vocal execution, particularly for key roles. However, several critics point to notable shortcomings. Worth Playing criticizes the lack of variety, noting that the same actors reappear across the trilogy, which can feel repetitive. MGG points out that all dialogue is in English regardless of characters’ nationalities, leading to untranslated lines that disrupt authenticity. Game Debate and New Game Network highlight issues with regional accents and a “lackluster” overall performance, respectively. Additionally, Shindig mentions that key moments are confined to brief pre-mission briefings, limiting the impact of voice acting in critical scenes. While these critiques are less frequent, they reflect concerns about consistency, cultural authenticity, and the balance between subtlety and expressiveness in character delivery. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for Hitman 3’s voice acting, with most critics acknowledging its strengths despite minor flaws. The return of iconic performers like Jane Perry and David Bateson is a standout positive, as noted by PC Games and SomosXbox, while the game’s atmospheric tone benefits from Agent 47’s restrained delivery, praised by BaziCenter and KeenGamer. However, criticisms about repetition, accent accuracy, and translation issues create a nuanced perspective. While not universally flawless, the voice acting is widely regarded as a strong component of the game’s design, with only a handful of reviewers expressing significant dissatisfaction. The majority agree that it enhances immersion and character depth, even if some aspects could have been refined.

The technical performance of Hitman 3 varies across platforms, with several reviewers highlighting strong execution on next-gen systems and PC. On PC, critics like PC Games praised the game’s smooth performance on next-gen consoles and PCs, noting improved graphical fidelity and fewer NPC clones compared to previous entries. Jeuxvideo.com emphasized its ability to run at 60 FPS in 4K, showcasing the Glacier engine’s capabilities, while GameWatcher lauded its optimization, even on older hardware. For PS5, Push Square noted a slick 60fps experience with no technical issues, and PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted faster loading times. On Xbox Series X, MondoXbox praised high frame rates, HDR support, and quick load times, while SomosXbox acknowledged stable frame rates despite minor drops. The Nintendo Switch version, though less consistent, was deemed playable by Nintendo Life, which noted input lag and framerate spikes but overall functionality. However, technical issues plagued several platforms, particularly with online features and hardware limitations. On PS5, IGN (PS5) mentioned server stability problems and a lack of native PSVR support, while M3 criticized VR mode for control issues and graphical downgrades. The Xbox Series X version faced challenges too: GameGrin reported persistent server instability causing players to be kicked offline, and Xbox Achievements noted the game as the "buggiest entry" in the series, though with infrequent glitches. For Nintendo Switch, multiple critics like NintendoWorldReport and Pocket Tactics highlighted input lag, frame drops, and resolution scaling issues, particularly in cloud-based versions. On PC, GameStar pointed to import problems and technical chaos, while PCMag criticized the always-online requirement and occasional connection hiccups. Even on PS4, Worth Playing noted minor bugs but praised stable performance, though BaziCenter mentioned content transfer challenges. Overall, critics generally agree that Hitman 3 delivers a polished technical experience on next-gen consoles and PC, with most platforms benefiting from improved loading times, frame rates, and graphical fidelity. However, PS5 and Xbox Series X faced server-related issues, while the Switch version struggled with input lag and performance inconsistencies. Despite these flaws, many reviewers, such as Push Square (PS5) and MondoXbox (Xbox), emphasized that technical problems were minor compared to the game’s strengths. The consensus leans toward a positive assessment for modern hardware, though older systems like PS4 and Switch required more tolerance for bugs. As VG247 noted, the game performs as well as its predecessors with quality-of-life improvements, suggesting that while technical hurdles exist, they are largely overshadowed by the title’s core gameplay and polish.

The majority of critics praise Hitman 3 for its robust replay value, emphasizing its sandbox design, multiple approaches to missions, and expansive content. Reviewers highlight features like Contracts mode, Sniper Assassin, and Escalations as key drivers of repeat playthroughs, allowing players to experiment with different strategies and objectives. For instance, GameSpew notes that each location is designed for multiple plays, while GamesRadar+ and PC Gamer commend the game’s ability to encourage replayability through new gear, permanent shortcuts, and evolving challenges. The inclusion of previous maps from earlier games (as noted by IGN and GameSpace) and the ability to import progress further enhance longevity. Additionally, Slant Magazine and Screen Rant praise the shortcut systems and varied starting points, which streamline exploration and reward players for revisiting levels. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Jeuxvideo.com also highlight the game’s flexibility, with custom contracts and shared mission creation fostering endless possibilities. However, some critics point to specific limitations that slightly temper the replay value. Meristation notes that the limited content at launch could hinder long-term engagement, while GameGrin criticizes the lack of replayability in the final mission and sparse challenge modes. Xbox Achievements argues that Hitman 3 offers fewer opportunities and choices compared to previous entries, reducing its depth for some players. Meanwhile, GameCritics and PCMag mention that repetitive rewards and uninspired challenges might diminish the incentive to replay, though these issues are often overshadowed by the game’s core mechanics. Siliconera acknowledges the shorter story mode but balances it with extra missions and expansive stages, suggesting that while not perfect, the game still delivers substantial content. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Hitman 3 being celebrated as a highly replayable experience despite minor drawbacks. While some reviewers like Meristation and GameGrin raise valid concerns about content depth and specific mission design, the majority emphasize its strengths: diverse gameplay options, persistent shortcuts, and endless customization through modes like Contracts and Sniper Assassin. IGN, PCMag, and Eurogamer Italy all highlight how the game’s iterative design and integration of previous titles create a compelling loop for players to return to repeatedly. Even critics who note limitations, such as GameCritics and Xbox Achievements, acknowledge that the game’s core mechanics and variety far outweigh these issues, solidifying its reputation as a standout entry in the series with exceptional replay value.