Hitman 2: Bank DLC Impressions
IO Interactive released their first batch of DLC content today – the main focus being the new “New York City Bank” map. Since its release, I’ve finished one playthrough of the level and I’ve decided to share my initial impressions with the new content.
Hitman levels are typically meant to be completed multiple times, allowing the player to experience different options of carrying out objectives, as well as physically exploring the map itself. My only playthrough of the map clocked in at 26 minutes, and I was lucky enough to able to get a “Silent Assassin” rating without having to reload a save. I know, weird flex. Nevertheless, this is the first map in a long time that’s completely comprised of interior buildings. No gardens, no streets, no rooftops. For this reason, it’s a smaller map, but also considerably more focused compared to some of the more recent ones.
The map is littered with guards, civilians, and cameras – So making your way to the vault seems pretty intimidating at first. Working out the best way to avoid all these obstacles is definitely where this level shines the most. The narrow corridors limit your options considerably, meaning you need to plan every action you take carefully, or risk getting spotted by the next person to walk through the door. The accomplishment you feel as you finally reach the vault is the peak of the level. The high-tech design of the security makes you feel like some sort of James Bond-esque agent as you weave yourself through its weaknesses – I’d say it’s the main draw of the level.
Those familiar with Hitman 2 will know there’s a mechanic called “Mission Stories” in the game, where there are set paths put in by the developers, where you can follow semi-scripted events to help you carry out the objective. I didn’t follow any of these during my first playthrough – I don’t typically do, as they weren’t in the older Hitman titles. I did get a glimpse at a couple as I was wandering around, and they seem pretty interesting and very creative.
Overall, the map is rich with atmosphere and brimming with the Hitman charm that players have come to expect from IO Interactive and the Hitman Series. I hope that in future instalments of the franchise we get more of these smaller, condensed levels sprinkled in-between the larger ones we’ve gotten in the past 2 Hitman titles – I look forward to playing more in the next few days.