The Hitman Classic Trilogy is getting a full remaster from IO Interactive and Saber Interactive. It's a very interactive situation out here.
Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered abruptly appeared on Steam tonight following a Summer Game Fest presentation from IO Interactive, attended by GamesRadar+. Hitman: Codename 47, Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, and Hitman: Contracts are back and – arguably – looking better than ever. A release date is not listed on Steam, but the collection is apparently "coming soon," and by soon Saber and Io mean in 2027. It's also coming to PS5 and Xbox.
The trailer blurb reads: "The legendary trilogy that forged the HITMAN legacy, painstakingly rebuilt from the ground up. Whether returning to the field or taking on your first assignment, HITMAN Classic Trilogy Remastered will provide the ultimate entry into Agent 47’s early career"
The side-by-side screenshots included in the Steam page are pretty impressive at first blush. Remasters for this era of games can be quite hit-and-miss, but this looks like a hit so far. Objects, textures, and lighting effects are noticeably improved, and so far I haven't seen any personality, art direction, or essential details sanded off and sacrificed at the altar of HD. Here's the announcement trailer:
If you do want to play with the old look, you'll enjoy the "instant graphics toggle" included in the collection. "Switch seamlessly between the original presentation and the enhanced visuals. Play the games as you remember them or rediscover them in a modern light," the devs say.
Broadly, the remastered trilogy promises "upgraded character models, enhanced environments, and high-resolution textures." There's also a new photo mode, although taking pictures of yourself actively assassinating folks doesn't seem like a wise thing to do.
A speaker for Saber said, "For us, remastering isn't just about taking visuals. It's about finding the original vision while embracing the possibilities of today's technology. Every project is a bridge between generations of gamers, and our goal is to make these worlds accessible, exciting, and unforgettable once again."
