This is a standalone expansion that offers a focused, tactical assassination experience, playable independently of its parent title. Set in a tense, isolated scenario, players step into the shoes of Agent 47, tasked with eliminating a high-profile target and his security detail from a strategic vantage point. The game emphasizes precision, patience, and creative problem-solving, allowing players to experiment with various methods to achieve their objectives.

Released in 2012, this title was initially a pre-order bonus for its parent game but has since become available through other collections, including the Hitman HD Trilogy and the Hitman Collection on Steam. It serves as a concentrated preview of the core mechanics and atmosphere found in the larger game, providing a taste of the stealth and assassination gameplay that defines the series.

Core Gameplay and Setting

The experience centers on a single, elaborate assassination contract. Players are positioned on a balcony overlooking a rooftop party, where their primary target is Richard Strong, Jr., the CEO of Stallion Armaments. The objective is to neutralize him and his bodyguards with precision and efficiency. Success hinges on careful observation, strategic shot placement, and the exploitation of environmental elements and score multipliers. Players are encouraged to discover hidden opportunities and unlock weapon upgrades that can be carried over into the main game, adding a layer of progression and replayability.

Unique Features and Mechanics

What makes this game unique is its concentrated focus on sniper-based assassination. Unlike the broader sandbox environments of the main Hitman titles, this expansion distills the experience into a single, challenging sniper mission. This allows for a deep dive into the mechanics of long-range elimination, rewarding players for skillful execution and creative approaches to eliminating targets and discreetly disposing of evidence. The ability to compare scores with a global community via online leaderboards adds a competitive edge.

The game also features a system of unlockable weapons and upgrades. These enhancements are not only crucial for tackling the mission with greater efficiency but also serve as a tangible reward that can be integrated into the experience of its parent game, bridging the gap between this standalone preview and the full game.

Connection to Hitman: Absolution

While playable as a standalone experience, this title acts as a direct precursor and preview to its parent game. It introduces players to the core gameplay loop and the world of Agent 47, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the mechanics of stealth, precision shooting, and strategic planning. The progression achieved within this expansion, particularly the unlocked weapons and upgrades, directly carries over into the main game, providing a head start for those who choose to play the full title afterward.

What is the primary objective in this game?

The primary objective is to assassinate Richard Strong, Jr., CEO of Stallion Armaments, along with his entire staff of bodyguards, from a predetermined sniper position. Players are tasked with completing this contract in the most efficient and skillful manner possible.

How does this game compare in scope to its parent title?

In terms of scope, this expansion is significantly more focused and contained than its parent game. It presents a single, elaborate assassination scenario designed to highlight specific gameplay mechanics, whereas the parent game offers a much larger campaign with multiple missions, diverse environments, and a broader narrative.

Basic Game Information

What platforms is this game available on?

This game is available on Xbox 360, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, and Mac.

When was this game released?

The game was released in 2012.

Additional Content

There are no downloadable content (DLCs), expansions, remakes, or remasters available for this standalone expansion.