In the end, everything is Dark Souls. Well, not really, but the FromSoftware series really has been hugely influential. Even Hitman 3, due for release in a few short weeks, has a new feature that's prominent in those tough action RPGs.
A key aspect of the level design in From's games is the idea of shortcuts, and it's something IO Interactive is implementing in its latest assassination sandbox. As you can see in the above video from Game Informer, the new game's levels will feature shortcuts you can only unlock from one direction, meaning you'll need to explore the open areas to find them. Once you've opened up a shortcut, it will remain unlocked for future playthroughs, giving you new opportunities for your murderous missions.
It's a relatively simple addition, but it makes total sense for a game like Hitman. You'll be able to utilise these quicker routes to get to tough places far more easily, allowing you to experiment even more. Sounds good to us.
Are you excited for Hitman 3? Lower a ladder into the comments section below.
[source gameinformer.com, via youtube.com]
Comments 17
This is pretty cool.
Cool cant wait. This pre-order will be worth it.
Its not drastically different from unlockable starting points but Ill take it anyways XD.....anything that gives me reason to really explore the map during the first run.
Probably my most wanted game in 2021 (after MH Rise)
But it more to do with the prospects of Hitman in VR more than the new hitman 3 levels.
That said the last two DLC levels in Hitman 2 are some of my favs in the first 2 seasons.
If they can keep up with this quality then hitman 3 should have some quality levels
Imagine if they went even more Dark Souls and you could invade another player. They have to finish the level as normal, but then you spawn in and your job is to protect the target. You'd end up with assassins fighting left, right and centre. It'd be like a John Woo movie
Looking forward to this little gem!
@Gremio108 That could be really good but at same time I don’t want another player killing me with an explosive rubber duck or slapping me unconscious with a fish then dumping me into the sea 😂
@B-I-G-DEVIL Yeah I thought that as soon as I wrote it! It'd have to be opt-in or something. Image having waited an hour for a clean shot at your target and then someone spawns in and kills you with a chair leg
I kind of thought that was idea with the different starting points. I guess this is a different thing altogether.
This is a brilliant design decision that makes so much sense for this type of game. I completely missed Hitman 2 but really enjoyed prior releases, this is shaping up to be pretty enticing for me.
@Gremio108 this is a great idea! Running with it, the idea of a hit being put out on you mid level and not knowing who or where your adversary is while still trying to complete your hit is very cool.
Probably gonna get this, but haven't played the first two yet so I'll probably buy them in the sale since you can unlock the old levels in 3 if you own them. It'll be an expensive purchase though.
@Gremio108 that’s a great idea as it’s own mode. Or maybe even do something like AC: Brotherhood’s MP with everyone trying to assassinate each/the designated target.
@Jaz007 @Jimmer-jammer There's potential for some fun emergent gameplay. No two games would be the same, in theory
I can't believe Dark Souls invented shortcuts.
That's a feature I love in games, and the level design is the thing I like the most about DS, so yeah I'm glad this is happening!
This reminds me I still have to play Hitman 2!
Can't wait to play this in VR
This is a great feature. It's existed in games a lot longer than Dark Souls, so it's nothing new, but it's great that it's making it's way into Hitman, anyway!
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