Ben-DutkaThe debut footage for Hitman: Absolution didn't go over too well with the long-time followers. They believed developer IO Interactive had turned their beloved franchise into a more linear, more action-based experience.
But don't jump to conclusions. During an informative Eurogamer interview with lead producer Hakan Abrak, we learn that in fact, the team isn't sacrificing choice and freedom for a more straightforward shooter. They understand that Hitman relies very much on player choice, and they're not dismissing that. Said Abrak:
"We want to emphasise on the core of our franchise, which is the freedom of choice. In the earlier games you would be dropped in the middle of a level and you would go round and explore how to solve the different obstructions and challenges in the game. You still have that choice."
Furthermore, the stealth is still there; it won't disappear. If you want to play that way, by all means, do so. The only real difference is that regardless of your approach, all play styles are simply more accessible in Absolution . Abrak said "the choices weren't clear before" but now, "it's very clear what choices you have, then it's up to you what approach you take…"
Lastly, in talking about the early in-game demo, Abrak said it was designed to be a cinematic experience and not a true example of all the different ways one can enjoy the game. Of course, if it's "cinematic," that always means more action, right? So don't condemn the game for that. We really needed to hear these clarifications, don't you think?
Related Game(s): Hitman: Absolution
With the danger of sounding like an old grumpy gamer now, I did not like the sound of this:
"the choices weren't clear before" but now, "it's very clear what choices you have, then it's up to you what approach you take…"
This sounds like "dumbed down" to me. Much of the joy with Hitman was exactly that: To figure out what the heck to do next!
I am not assured by this.
Exactly.
The to me the choices have always been clear and they even had that "experiment" factor. Now a days when "choices are clear" for everyone that usually equates to " Don't worry, we'll hold your hand".
I thought the same thing. I pictured the beginning of the level with two paths and a sign that said "<–This way for gunz lol! and –>This way for Batman stylez."
not at all, games need to lay out on the table all the options you have.
its like deamon souls.
i watched the review from GG today, and they gave a example like you can either go left into a dungeon or right into a castle to pick your playthrough.
the dungeon is MUCH harder, with much stronger enemies.
the castle is allot easier, with much weaker enemies.
but does the game tell you that?
nope!
its the same thing with hitman, the game needs to give you your options and let you choose.
if the game does not lay out your options on the table then how are you suppose to know which options there are?
thats one thing i really liked about alpha protocol.
allot of games let you choose one way or another, but you never really get to see what would happen if you chose the other route.
but with alpha protocol you do.
for instance your given a choice to save one person close to you, or a room full of multiple strangers.
most games would let you choose but as soon you chose you would never know who you just sacrafised, was it really who the game said it was or was it a trick?
but every time you make a choice like that in alpha protocol it instantly shows you what would of been if you chose differently.
thats one thing i hate about games, they let you make a decision but never give you enough info or never show you the consequences.
you need to know everything to be able to make a proper decision, not only 1% of the story.
"if the game does not lay out your options on the table then how are you suppose to know which options there are?" ->
By experimenting! Be creative! Explore! Trial & error! Sort out the alternatives. Be curious. Look for clues. Catch the hints.
… Use your head, basically. It's actually fun once you get the hang of it! 😉
Last edited by Beamboom on 10/5/2011 5:56:06 AM
and what if you dont have time to play every single differing mission several times to find out each possible solution?
Then do it one way and then come back to it when you have the time.
Exactly! You do not *have* to play every level in every possible way – play it the way you want, and if the game was a blast and you want to play more you can start over, you know that there are loads of stuff you've not yet done.
but then how are you suppose to remember what happened last time?
the whole point of giving the player the option of making choices is to change something in the game, but whats the point of changing something if your totally unaware it has changed?
freedom of choice is exactly y i liked hitman so much…..i could do it my way which was usually try be stealthyish
I think they should however make it harder to figure out how to get silent asassin rating on levels tho….
but make it so i can complete levels in loads of different ways!
Honestly, I don't remember "Being dropped in the middle of a level".
If this guy can't even comment on the past of this game how can comment on the future of it??
Now I'm worried about it more than ever.
After the travesty that was Splinter Cell Conviction which ripped the stealth part out & trampled all over it, i will believe it when i see it if Hitman truly does stick to it's roots.
I won't be holding my breath until i play it myself.
I'm still excited for this game. It seems like it will "baby" some gamers but only as an option. I LOVE the Hitman series but ABHOR the Kane & Lynch series. I hope IO sticks with the Hitman series and it's fans more.
Last edited by clockwyzebkny on 10/4/2011 6:12:45 PM
Your site doesn't exist!!!
Sorry for the irrelevance but a review came out for Arkham City perfect 10!
Only played Hitman 2 before, and while it's not the best stealth game ever, I do like how you can take different approach.
In the beginning at the mansion, I always kill the flower guy and disguise as him and had to throw away my weapons to avoid getting spotted and always get killed when I'm discovered.
Until I found another entrance by killing and disguising as a delivery guy to the kitchen, not to mention no one would check your body for any weapons.
And since we're on a different generation now, I hope the disguise mechanic will see improvements in ways we do not know yet.
But like Beamboom said, I'm worried this game will be baby-sitting throughout which will kill the fans.
Which makes me wonder………..are gamers getting dumber or do they think it's a chore to think?
To the point developers had to take such measurement to make them happy.
I'm only 20 but I felt like I'm A LOT MORE different than those who are a few years younger.
Last edited by Snaaaake on 10/4/2011 9:23:26 PM
We should start a "thinking allowed" campaign.
im really looking forward to this game it looks really interesting!
been WAY too long since we had a new hitman game!
Thanks main event. My facebook link should work now. Sorry I'm not sure how to reply to a comment through the ps3's browser.