Here’s to IOI still churning out content for the excellent HITMAN-World Of Assassination! Yes, I did play the latest Elusive target, and yes, I did a very quick and dirty run. Only to discover there are soooo many more ways to off the Wizard! But then, that’s the beauty of the game, isn`t it? Well, I stand corrected, the most beautiful thing is, of course, the level design.

So, let’s have a look at my favorite maps in HITMAN I, HITMAN II, and HITMAN III. And, just in case you were asking, yes, I really, really would appreciate new maps in Freelancer-mode.

HITMAN I

I started playing HITMAN I ten years ago on my PS4. What got my immediately was the Paris-map, but then, that one still holds up today, doesn’t it. HITMAN I was released map by map, so we had to wait for the next level to drop, and I remember how stoked I was for each new location.

There was Paris, France, of course, the ultra-chic, ultra-crowded Showstopper-Mission involving a fashion show, a secret auction, and crooked agents. Then we traveled to the quaint town of Sapienza, Italy, to disrupt the research of some nefarious mad scientists. Next was Marrakesh, the lively capital of Marocco, where Agent 47 had to take out a corrupt diplomat and an equally corrupt general. After, we trekked across the globe to Bangkok, to a luxury resort, to rid the world of two very awful men. The map we do not speak of – Colorado – featured four targets to eliminate in a decidedly hostile environment, and, last but not least, we hopped over to the peaceful GAMA-facility on Hokkaido, Japan, which, while heavily restrictive, also offered much of a challenge.

Which one is my favorite, you ask? It has to be Sapienza. Not only does it captivate the essence of a summer vacation in Italy, an experience I am very familiar with, I also think the DLCs set in Sapienza, namely The Author, The Landslide and The Icon, very much fun indeed. A close second would be Paris.

HITMAN II

When HITMAN II first dropped it opened with a fun little tutorial mission set in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. We were introduced to a character we would meet again much later on Ambrose Island, too, so don’t kill Orson just yet!

The first “real” map introduced us to the world of endurance racing in Miami, USA. Which still is one of the most fun maps ever. There are a ton of NPC interactions and the vibe is just phenomenal. I am currently trying to get a 100 percent completion in that one. From hot Miami to hot and humid Santa Fortuna, Columbia, to take down the Delgado cartel and three targets in total we went. Also a fun map, though not as exciting or enchanting as Mumbai, India. I still remember playing for the first time, and the suspense as 47 had to figure out the identity of The Maelstrom! Great times. The last map of the game is Whittleton Creek, USA, a quaint little town, and IOI really does have a knack for capturing the atmosphere of their levels. Lovely. The fact there are a ton of creative ways to eliminate the two targets also doesn’t hurt.

I will not be rating Ambrose Island, the Isle of Sgail, New York, or Haven Isalnd, since those were added later. Which is why HITMAN II’s favorite map for me always and forever will be Mumbai. I mean, look at that gorgeous light!

I loved the atmosphere and I loved especially the introduction of The Cashmirian, to whom 47 could outsource his kills. Well. Two out of three, at least.

HITMAN III

Things take a dark turn in HITMAN III, though the first mission in Dubai is still glitter, glamor and gold. And also a real challenge, considering the heavily restricted upper floors. But, once we hit Dartmoor, England, it gets only darker from there. Berlin takes us into one of the best levels I have ever seen: a pulsing rave club and an adjacent biker gang hangout crawling with enemy agents.

In keeping with the darker tone of the story we visit Quongqing, China, next, also at night. The map is quite the elaborate puzzle to navigate, with its Blade Runner-esque rain, neon signs and futuristic tech. There are two targets to eliminate, and especially the female target, who hides in her fortified lab, is not that easy to take down stealthily. The last full map then takes us to sunny Mendoza, Argentina, attending a lavish party set in a sprawling estate that also encompasses a vineyard. This is where everything falls into place, to set up the last mission, where 47 has to face his past and future on a train racing through the Carpathian Mountains. 

The map I was and still am most obsessed about? Berlin, of course. Though Mendoza is a close second.

The Verdict

I. Want. More. Maps!

Until then, keep on playing.

Cheers