Earlier this week, IO Interactive announced that Hitman 3 will be playable with PSVR. In their latest announcement, the team went on to state that the whole game will be available in a unique VR experience. Unlike other VR games that are modified for a VR experience, Hitman 3 will provide players with the same experience as if they were playing with a PlayStation controller. The player will be able to experience a living and vibrant world. In addition, Hitman 1 and 2 will also be playable in VR. So why is this VR announcement so significant? Let’s dive into the positive and negative aspects of Hitman in VR.
Since Hitman Absolution, IO Interactive has looked for new and exciting ways to revitalize the Hitman franchise. In 2016, they released Hitman as an episodic game. This change in release style left fans craving more of the sandbox killer game. In 2018, after the success of Hitman, Hitman 2 was released as a complete game, unlike its predecessor. Now Hitman 3 is scheduled to be released on January 20th, 2021 to PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X/S, Google Stadia, and PC. Players will have the opportunity to carry over their saved files from Hitman 1 and 2 to Hitman 3.
The VR Experience
During the Hitman 3 VR announcement, it was announced that the new Hitman trilogy would be playable in VR. Though a VR experience does deepen the Hitman experience, it does bring up a few concerns. Yes, a VR experience will make the game play and feel different. Walking on a catwalk thousands of miles above ground will get your heart pounding; however, this can have some alternate side effects. Play the game in VR could result in overstimulation while playing; there is a concern with desensitization as well. Playing the game as an adult you should already have a moral understanding of right and wrong. Sadly, the adult in me is concerned for the youth of today than the pleasure of gamers.
Many parents do not take the time to research the games they are buying for their children. Most will just buy them the game they ask for or pester them for. Now, the issue lies on the parents and not the game industry, but what could possibly come from playing Hitman in VR? Just recalling my own personal childhood, I can say there are multiple times that I got my hands on a game that I shouldn’t have. Yes, maturity does play a factor but there are certain things that children shouldn’t be exposed to. Ultimately, it will come down to each parent’s decision and hopefully educating their children.
Bugs or Fun Glitches
Hitman 3 on VR will provide players with an interesting experience. This alternate version will allow players to think of new and creative ways to fulfill their contracts. The game looks beautiful in the VR trailer but we will just have to wait and see how it turns out upon release. Like any game, expect for some kind of bug to appear in VR gameplay alongside the base game. Will the homing briefcase return or will we find a new weapon of destruction.
Could a bug cause you to fly through a level? The new Hitman trilogy being accessible in VR could either help with anxiety, fears, and PTSD or cause something undesirable. Could this result in other shooters or action-adventure games We will just have to wait and see.
