Hitman Go

Hitman Go

iOS, Android

As a developer, Square Enix Japan has struggled in recent years to reach the height of success it had during the golden era of Japanese RPGs on the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2. However, its investment in Western development studios has resulted in several high quality reboots to popular franchises of old – Deux Ex: Human Revolution, Tomb Raider, and Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light to name a few. This time it’s Square Enix Montreal’s turn, as they bring the Hitman franchise to smartphone and tablet devices.

What you’ll notice at first glance is the striking board game aesthetic. Each assassination mission is represented by a game board box, each with specific settings for the levels contained within, such as an airport, mansion, or hotel. On the game board, the player must progress through a series of individual mission until reaching the final mission where their target is waiting to be taken down. Each mission is a beautifully designed game board, with agent 47 and all enemies represented by wooden game pieces. When either enemies or the player are taken down, they topple over with convincing sound and effect. Despite their digital nature, there is a real sense of craftsmanship to each level board and game piece. Almost to the point of feeling like you could pick them up in your hand to play – if only mobile games sold collector’s editions where Square Enix could pack in a real board game.

The board game aesthetic enhances the play experience and is reinforced throughout the game

The board game aesthetic enhances the play experience and is reinforced throughout the game

But a game, whether video or board, is only as good as its gameplay. And here Hitman Go doesn’t let down. The premise of each level is simple – move step-by-step along a series of branching paths while avoiding or killing enemy pieces, and reach the exit. Each move you make is a turn, followed by a turn for all enemy pieces. The devil is in the details. Approach the enemy from the side or behind, and you can move to their spot to kill them. On the other hand, end up in an enemy’s sights one spot away, they’ll take you out instead. After several moves you often find yourself pinned down in a no-win situation. But never does it feel unfair, and like a game of chess you learn to telegraph enemy placements several moves in advance and plan and effective route to the exit and victory.

Different enemy types have different behaviors – Blue jacket guards are stationary, whereas yellow jacket guards move back and forth along a predetermined, straight-line path. Knife wielding foes constantly pivot the direction they are facing. As you progress through the levels, new enemy types and behaviors are introduced. To counter, agent 47 also encounters new tools at his disposal. Make a sound by throwing a tin can to lure nearby guards to a specific location. Or arm yourself with a sniper rifle to take out any enemy standing on a specific spots within your sights. This increase in complexity is expertly doled out at a steady pace, introducing new options and obstacles but never becoming overwhelming. The final board in each mission contains the assassination target – a final enemy piece dressed in red. Take out the target to complete the mission.

Early levels start simply enough but over time additional types of enemies and more complicated level design are introduced

That first blue guard is blocking your only way forward, but a distracting sound can lure him out of position

Typical for other smart device games, you can earn up to 3 additional marks (think stars) for each level by completing specific challenges on the way to the exit. Many levels, for example, have a secret briefcase to pick up – requiring additional moves to complete and with a greater risk of falling at enemy hands. Other challenges include completing the level under a certain number of turns, completing the level without killing any enemies, or killing all enemies. New missions (boards) are unlocked after obtaining a certain number of marks.

There’s a lot of content packed into this small game. The initial release of Hitman Go included five boards containing on average around 10 levels each. And since then 2 additional boards have been made available through free updates. And the game lends itself well to short burst sessions suitable while you’re on the go – it’s very easy to pick up and play just a level or two, or go back to complete a few extra challenges.

When traditional console game companies put some real love and care into its mobile game development, rather than just a quick attempt at cashing in on a known IP, the results can be a real treat. Hitman Go is the best game starring Agent 47 in a long time, and is deserving of your attention.

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