Hitman: Episode 3 Marrakesh Review

Title: Hitman Episode 3: Marrakesh

Version Tested On: Xbox One

Available On: PC, PS4, Xbox One

How To Buy:

• Intro Pack (Prologue and Paris) $15
• Following Locations $10 Each
• Upgrade Pack $50
• Full Experience $60

You can read the review for Hitman Episode 1: Prologue and Paris here.

You can read the review for Hitman Episode 2: Sapienza here

Agent 47 travels to Northern Africa in the latest installment of the rebooted Hitman and once again, solidifies the reasoning of transforming this series into an episodic adventure whilst continuing the trend of creating diverse and vibrant locations.

There are no new game-play features within episode 3 so for my overall impressions of the rebooted Hitman, check out my reviews of episode 1 and episode 2. However, considering the size and scope of each locale, Marrakesh is absolutely worth writing about.

The structured release of Hitman has been a talking point of controversy but I cannot deny that the format has resonated with me. Every month, I patiently wait for my mission to be delivered which is accompanied by an awesome cinematic opening highlighting my destination, obstacles and more importantly, targets.

Morocco feels significantly different to the previous destinations both aesthetically and atmospherically. Paris Fashion Week revolved around the wealthy and the socialites whereas Italy took us to the sunny holiday destination of Sapienza. Marrakesh is a hostile and tense environment with military personal being ever present throughout the crowded square and store filled streets.

Episode Three tasks our assassin with eliminating two targets. These characters, unlike the isolated contracts in the past two episodes, are more publically renowned villains. Claus Strandberg is hiding in the Swedish Consulate after his police transport was attacked by private mercenaries, leaving many local police officials dead. General Zaydan allegedly orchestrated the attack and as such, the people of Morocco are protesting against the embassy. This fills the streets of Marrakesh with chaos and friction.

This change in temperament combined with the new surroundings keeps Hitman feeling fresh and genuinely excites me each time new episode releases. As I began episode three, I acted as a tourist looking around every store, listening to locals and observing the disruption in the square. Walking along the narrow, crowded alleyways feels authentic with shop owners pursuing you, trying to gain your business whilst selling a huge range of products. Whether you are looking for clothes, rugs or Shisha; you feel as though you could find anything you needed in these streets.

As you emerge from the narrow alleyways into the open square, the music feels the streets with rhythmic drums and horns blaring. The wind gracefully elevates sand from the floor and sends it flying around the masses feet. Protestors gather in front of the embassy chanting and picketing whilst food stores try to take advantage of the numbers by selling their food to the crowds. Marrakesh feels alive, vibrant and full of possibility.

Just as the case with Italy, everything feels appropriate except for the big standout issue, the accents. The fact that everyone is talking in English is mildly plausible however nearly citizen possesses a British or American accent. It feels very jarring for a shopkeeper to ask you to peruse her pottery in a generic western accent.

Marrakesh is beautifully constructed with various locations being included within the area. Aside from the market stalls and the main square, you can enter houses and look down from the rooftop terraces; infiltrate a school which has been modified and occupied by military personal or even discover a secret bunker, connecting the embassy to a secret exit in the city. Exploring this area is great and with the clever AI warning you when you may be trespassing, you can take your time to explore and take in the surroundings.

Having just the two targets does feel like a step backwards after the previous episode added a third objective but the opportunities and assassinations remain creative and rewarding. Citing codewords to initiate a secret meeting or masquerading as a helpless prisoner are just a few of the opportunities you can find yourself in. Add in the additional contract missions that are included and others will devise and Marrakesh will once again, keep you entertained for hours.

As previously mentioned, the overarching narrative is only glimpsed with short, cinematic at the completion of each episode. Having finished each installment multiple times, I still find myself a little confused as to what the grand scheme is and worry it could make the final reveal slightly underwhelming. That being said, every episode has enticed me with its attention to detail, creativity and I’m quietly waiting for my next contract.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0sRcL4c4vg[/embedyt]

• Gameplay: Disguises, Espionage, and Assassinations

• Graphics: Exotic Destination

• Sound: Intriguing and Useful Conversations

• Presentation: Minimalist HUD Allows Freedom and Discovery

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