Hitman: Sniper Challenge revealed, Absolution coming November 20

Square Enix has just revealed that they'll be offering one of the coolest pre-order bonuses we've ever seen at GameStop during the lead up to the release of Hitman: Absolution.

While most companies are trying to figure out what sorts of things video gamers like to have in their pre-order packages (maybe it's art books, or statues, or keychains!), Square Enix has found the most elegant solution of all: another video game!

The company announced today that GameStop pre-order customers of Hitman: Absolution will receive a download code for Hitman: Sniper Challenge, which tasks you with taking out a mark (and all his bodyguards) from a rooftop.

While the game experience doesn't sound very extensive, you will receive weapon upgrades for future playthroughs. Some of which will even stick with you when you start playing Absolution. Moreover, the top snipers will be tracked via a leaderboard and flown out to Denmark to meet the Absolution development team.

Hitman: Sniper Challenge has its crosshairs set on May 15, while Hitman: Absolution is currently targeting a November 20, 2012 release date.

Andrew Groen

Andrew is a freelance video game journalist, writing for sites like Wired and GamesRadar. Andrew has also written a book called EMPIRES OF EVE: A History of the Great Wars of EVE Online.