Giving a review of a re-release compilation like the Hitman Trilogy HD is always a tricky one. This type of retro-compilation set is becoming more common and it defies traditional game analytics. I mean, the games themselves are, to all intents and purposes, the same games as they were when originally released, all be it with an upgraded paint job. Surely, then, any attempt at a traditional ‘features and gameplay’ style review will be somewhat redundant. Anyone who’s played the games before already knows if they want to buy them again on current-gen systems and for those that haven’t describing the features of games from as far as 11 years ago is going to be wholly unfair in modern context.

So that begs the question, what are we doing here?

Well, after having thought about what the point of the Hitman Trilogy HD is, I began to appreciate something. As much as the set will appeal to long-time fans of the genre (the ones who hold the various iterations of the series in high regard and probably still own them on last gen consoles) the real target audience of this package is actually those who, for whatever reason, haven’t played the old games.

 

 

In many ways, I’m the perfect example of the target audience for this set. I remember when I was at secondary school being told by one of my friends about this new game that was coming out, where you were an assassin and you had to kill a target. You could do it in any way you wanted and with whatever tools you wanted. To my teenage mind, this was the most cool and amazing thing ever. As a result I picked up the game, Hitman: Codename 47, on its release (and I still have it actually). The game itself, while admittedly proving to be a lot more restrictive in scope than I initially believed, was an excellent and cerebral game. Indeed, I would define it more as an Action-Puzzler than a straight up action game. The real joy to be found in the Hitman games is in the hunt as opposed to the kill. All the time taken to scout out the approach, the collecting of clues and the repeated run-throughs and failures all culminated in that final, glorious success, which still rank as some of the most satisfying gaming moments around.

The thing is, for one reason or another, my association with the series ended there. I don’t really know why I never picked up another Hitman game. I loved the original and saw the sequels as they were released, but never actually got round to getting them. Eventually time passed and I find myself here today, with little practical experience of the series, other than the first title, which ironically enough, isn’t in this package.

Due to this, I’m not the best person to give you a review of how the games stack up to the previous iterations; whether the graphics are much better or if they affect the overall feel of the games. If that’s the information you’re looking for, I cannot help you.

 

 

The thing is though, if you’re reading this as someone who, like me, hasn’t played the series in a long time, or has never played the series up till now, I think I can be of some use. The main question is, should I go back and revisit these old classics? Are they still a worthwhile and enjoyable experience, even when coloured by current-gen context?

The answer, to my mind, is very much dependant on your own outlook. The games themselves are classics of the genre. Highly acclaimed and for good reason, the Hitman games have always been among the seminal gameplay experiences of their respective generations. But that’s the kicker: of their respective generations. Square have taken the hands-off approach with these titles, making pretty much no adjustments or changes, other than smoothing out and upping the graphical output, meaning that while these games retain their original quality and feel, they are still very much last-gen games. Graphically, while improved on the originals, you are still very much aware you are playing an old game while you’re playing them. Visuals have come an awful long way over the years and it shows, particularly on the older games. Some gamers just won’t be able to look past the jagged edges, which is a shame, as there’s some cracking fun to be had if you can live with them.

The games themselves are excellent. That’s just what Hitman does; it gives you a challenging and rewarding gaming experience. That being said, the games track the evolution of the Hitman series, meaning you get the good with the bad. You get to see the series develop in a microcosm; you essentially have a 10 year development arc presented to you in one box set. While this is quite a fascinating thing to see, it does mean that the technical issues with the games remain intact. It’s plain to see when playing these games that the controls and mechanics were refined and improved over time with each release improving upon the other. This means that when playing the earlier titles, the mobility of Agent 47 is somewhat frustrating and the controls can be frustrating, but such is the nature of retro-gaming.

 

 

Whether the Hitman Trilogy HD is worth picking up really depends on your own tastes as a gamer. If you’ve never played the games before but think they look interesting, they’re a good way to induct yourself into the series. If, like me, you haven’t played some parts of the series, it’s an excellent way to catch up with those you missed and if you’re a long-time fan, it’s a chance to pick up a nice compact slice of history, with slight visual improvements on your old favourites.

My main warning would be to those who just can’t stomach older games and their limitations. To put it frankly, if you don’t like obsolete visuals or can’t forgive slightly clunky controls, this is not the package for you.

Me? I’m glad the Hitman Trilogy HD exists. It means I can go back and right a wrong that has existed in my gaming history for too long. I get to experience some great games that somehow passed me by and if, like me, you never played them either I suggest you grab your piano wire, shave your head and join me in a fine vintage of sophisticated murdering.

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