You Won't Believe What Happens When You Play Hitman in VR

The combination of a virtual reality Hitman game seems almost too perfect, yet regardless of whether it’s on PlayStation VR, PC VR, or Oculus Quest, IO Interactive has consistently failed to fully capture the experience.

In 2021, the release of PSVR alongside Hitman 3 was a valiant effort, despite the surprising use of motion tracking through the DualShock 4 controller, which made it seem like a compromised experience. However, IO Interactive is giving it another shot with Sony’s more advanced VR2 technology, and we believe they’ve finally nailed it this time around.

The Hitman: World of Assassination series comprises an ensemble of the entire IO Interactive reboot trilogy, featuring all 21 main missions, extra assignments, and challenges, as well as the Freelancer mode. This extensive collection has been available for a while, but with a minor upgrade cost, it can now be enjoyed in virtual reality on PSVR2.

From the very start, it’s among the broadest selections for PSVR2, offering potentially countless hours of gameplay, depending on your dedication to eliminating objectives using a variety of creative methods.

What sets the PSVR2 version of Hitman apart from its predecessors in VR? The most notable addition is undoubtedly ambidextrous controls, allowing players to independently control both their left and right hands with the new PSVR2 Sense Controllers. It’s surprising that this feature was absent in the original PSVR version of the game.

This update significantly expands the playability of Hitman: World of Assassination, allowing players to carry a body while holding a loaded pistol, use two knives simultaneously, and overall enjoy more fluid movement. However, it sometimes creates a discrepancy with the number of interactive items in the game, as we often attempt to pick up objects that turn out to be unreachable.

In stark contrast to its previous iterations, the experience with guns and shootouts in Hitman for VR is like comparing day and night. Traditionally, Hitman has shied away from gunplay – it’s not its style – but in virtual reality, engaging in shootouts can be thrilling. The weapons in this version are heavy and reactive, and they require manual reloading, a feature we believe essential for VR gaming. Moreover, with a half press of R2, you get an assisted aiming guide, indicated by a red bullet pathway.

On a flat screen, gunfights seemed like a disappointment, but we enjoyed unleashing pure chaos during gameplay on PSVR2. Now that the weapon wheel is quickly accessible, using our diverse arsenal in the thick of battle has become far more practical. However, the holster slots near your hips make an annoying noise whenever your hand brushes past them, which happens frequently.

While it’s mostly smooth sailing, there are occasional hiccups with the VR experience. Interacting with tools like screwdrivers or crowbars can feel awkward at times, and getting the hang of strangling NPCs with fiber wire can be tricky due to their positioning. Some interactions might pull you out of the game slightly, but these are issues we’ve learned to adapt to over time.

A fascinating option that could make a difference is adopting a third-person view when maneuvering ladders and ledges, as well as camouflaging into the surroundings. To us, it seems like a clever move.

Previously, ladders have been incorporated into virtual reality environments, but we suspect the ledges would feel unnatural to interact with because they weren’t initially designed for VR use. However, when merging these elements, you still get the chance to explore your surroundings, similar to the base game. While it may not offer the same level of immersion, we believe this approach simplifies the overall VR experience.

In terms of appearance, the Hitman experience on PSVR2 is truly captivating. The feeling of vastness that was present in the original PSVR version persists here, yet the visual sharpness has been significantly enhanced on PSVR2. Upon closer inspection, the PSVR2 edition appears less blurry than its predecessor, and it skillfully manipulates lighting effects, thanks to Sony’s OLED panels. However, it does encounter some difficulty in dimly lit areas, not quite achieving the pure black tones found in games like Metro: Awakening.

Combining its visual and interactive features, you’re looking at an incredibly enjoyable Virtual Reality experience. We’ve spent numerous hours on certain Hitman levels, but transitioning to the VR viewpoint transformed it into a whole new game for us.

Peeking around corners, aiming carefully, and biding your time until your prey walks into your deadly ambush feels incredibly immersive in this game. Although it may lack the smoothness of its flat-screen counterpart, it offers a more unpredictable and thrilling gaming experience instead.

The virtual reality (VR) version of Hitman: World of Assassination on PSVR2 represents a significant improvement over past VR attempts, leveraging the crisp screen and precise motion tracking capabilities of the PSVR2. For those who have already experienced IO’s remarkable trilogy, donning the VR perspective will make you feel like you’re playing an entirely new game.

This VR update might benefit from minor improvements in certain spots, yet it delivers one of the richest and immersive experiences available on the PSVR2. If you own a Sony headset, I strongly recommend giving it a try.

Have you given virtual reality a go with Hitman? What do you think about IO Interactive’s work on this project? Leave your unique mark by adding a barcode to the comments below instead of a signature.

2025-04-03 21:37

You Won’t Believe What Happens When You Play Hitman in VR

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