Hitman: World Of Assassination – Signature Edition Disappoints on Switch 2

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In the Signature Edition of Hitman: World of Assassination, Agent 47 makes his way onto Nintendo’s latest console, the Switch 2. This special edition is jam-packed with content, offering the complete storylines for Hitman (2016), Hitman 2 (2018), and Hitman 3 (2021). It also includes Contracts mode, Escalation challenges, Elusive Target arcades, the recently introduced Freelancer mode, Sniper Assassin mode, plus all live content. Additionally, it offers everything from both the Hitman 2 Expansion Pack and Hitman 3 Deluxe Pack, such as cosmetic items, locations like Haven Island and The Bank, and side missions like the Seven Deadly Sins and Special Assignments campaigns.

The following content is not part of the game: Three specific Elusive Target arcade contracts – Replication, The Base, and The Oroborous, as well as the Sarajevo Six bonus missions. These can be bought individually on the Nintendo eShop for $5 each. However, it’s disappointing that these missions are locked behind paid DLC in the first place. The Sarajevo Six is the latest substantial DLC for the game, but it was released two years ago and was initially exclusive to the PlayStation 4 version of Hitman 2. Given that the game already costs $60, one might expect this content to be included. The Elusive Target contracts are particularly frustrating because they were previously given out as free updates several years ago. The packs contain cosmetics, which is likely why they’re being sold, but I believe players would be happier if the gameplay content was included in the initial purchase instead of the additional cosmetics. Despite this, there are still plenty of hours of Hitman gameplay to enjoy, making it a comprehensive package, albeit with some missing parts.

Indeed, the main point of discussion about this dock is: How does it perform? Unlike the Switch version of Hitman 3, which needed cloud streaming to run at all, the Signature Edition runs natively on the Switch 2 but lags behind other versions of the game in various aspects. It’s not abysmal, but there are certainly superior options if you’re keen on assassinating people with a bald, barcoded killer.

In terms of appearance, this game looks great whether it’s connected or being played as a handheld device, no matter if you’re engaging in axe-throwing fashion shows in Paris, tweaking open-wheel race cars in Miami, or unraveling mysteries at an elaborate Dartmoor estate. However, when docked, the resolution is 1080p, while it drops to 720p in handheld mode, which reduces some of the game’s detail compared to other platforms. Additionally, there may be occasional shimmering effects on certain objects. Unfortunately, the High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature doesn’t work optimally in handheld mode, causing the screen to become excessively bright and making parts of the game such as maps difficult to read. Fortunately, you can adjust this setting within the system settings.

In the Signature Edition, performance can be unpredictable, often reaching up to 60 frames per second (fps), though this may change quickly depending on what’s displayed on screen. When you’re in a secluded area, you might observe the frame rate at its peak, but it tends to fluctuate significantly elsewhere. I didn’t encounter any significant drops, not even when managing large numbers of NPCs, but playing in handheld mode provides the best experience due to the Switch 2’s built-in Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) that smooths out the inconsistent frame rate more effectively than when docked. However, playing on a TV can feel uncomfortable, despite the game’s deliberate pace offering some relief. Regrettably, there are no graphics settings to adjust, which isn’t unusual for console games. Interestingly, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Hitman offered an option to cap the frame rate at 30fps for a more consistent experience.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that while the handheld mode offers a consistent gaming experience with Hitman on the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s not ideal for taking the game on the go. The issue lies in the always-online requirement of the Signature Edition, a restriction that has been present since 2016. This is a letdown as I had hoped IO Interactive would find a way to make the most of the Switch 2’s portability without this constraint.

You can still play the game offline, but the experience is watered down significantly, missing progression, rewards, challenges, and level mastery – elements that add replayability and a sense of accomplishment. These features are only accessible when connected to the Hitman servers, which is a shame because they greatly enhance the gaming experience, especially for repeat playthroughs.

However, if you’re new to the campaigns, it’s generally acceptable, but anything beyond that is noticeably diminished due to this mandatory online requirement.

As a gamer, I find it hard to wholeheartedly suggest Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition, given its current performance issues and other versions of the game being more affordable or even free at times. These cheaper alternatives tend to run smoother and look better on various screens, including TVs/monitors and portable devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.

While the Switch 2 port is playable, it does come with some compromises. The World of Assassination trilogy still offers an exceptional experience, but even with the anticipation of a new console, Agent 47’s latest Nintendo adventure falls short of expectations.

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2025-06-08 01:39