IO-Interactive is making a killing–pun intended–with the latest iteration of Hitman. The episodic assassination simulator has taken players around the globe to unique locations like Paris, Italy, and Morocco, but this is only the beginning. There are three new episodes left in Hitman’s first “season”, and IO wants to make at least two more seasons before moving onto the next project.
Technically, we know the three final locations of Thailand, the United States, and Japan, but IO isn’t providing exact details. The Japan mission will most likely be based in Tokyo, while Thailand’s should be in Bangkok. The United States, however, is a gigantic country with multiple locations to explore. Hell, Agent 47 has already spent considerable time in the country, especially in the last two games.
Hitman: Absolution was based entirely in the United States, with missions set in South Dakota and Chicago, Illinois. Hitman: Blood Money had missions set in Washington D.C., Las Vegas, New Orleans, Baltimore, Mississippi, California, and somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. Minus two hits on foreign soil, Blood Money was very US-centric. That’s quite the assortment of areas with even more dead bodies strewn around. Although there are still hundreds of places that IO could use as the background of this upcoming episode. Here are the ones I feel are the most likely.
Las Vegas
Yes, Las Vegas has already appeared in a Hitman game, but that was way back on the original Xbox. Even the Xbox 360 version was a little grainy and didn’t quite fulfill those dreams of grandeur, but assassinating a sheik in Sin City was still pretty great.
Now that IO is cranking out gorgeous open areas to explore, it’s only fitting that Agent 47 makes a return to Las Vegas. The strip and all of the newly constructed casinos would be so much fun to explore. Imagine following a target through the Paris Hotel or the Wynn before pushing him off the Eiffel Tower or another monument. There are so many possibilities in this big city, and the better hardware could completely unlock the potential with gigantic crowds and dazzling lights.
Los Angeles
One city that has been gaining popularity in recent years is Los Angeles. The sprawling home of cinema was really fun to explore in Grand Theft Auto V, with the different mansions, neighborhoods, and the small movie studio. Unfortunately, the game was so massive that some areas were just used as little pass through areas. I wanted to explore the rock and roll club, but it was only available during one mission.
Where Rockstar specializes in giant games, IO uses smaller sandboxes to create memorable experiences. Just imagine what the developer could do with a full movie studio or a Hollywood party as the setting. Agent 47 could have unlimited options for killing in both of these settings. It’s more likely that a mission would be set in some producer’s mansion seeing how a movie set was already used this year. Plus, you could use the Hollywood sign as a sniping location. It’s a “win-win”.
Portland, Oregon
At first, the idea of setting a hit in Portland seemed a little far-fetched, but it’s actually not as strange once you spend time thinking about it. Shows like Portlandia and Leverage both utilized Portland’s uniqueness and helped put the metropolis more on the map. IO would just have to use the very specific areas that draw in tourists.
Given the size of Portland, there are a surprising amount of places that fit the Hitman motif. Right off the bat, there is the MODA Center, home to the Portland Trailblazers and countless concerts. MODA would provide a huge arena with a unique layout and some entertaining options for taking out the target. Just imagine posing as a basketball referee and using an exploding hoop to complete a hit.
Another place in Portland made for assassinations is the Helium Comedy Club. This two-story club is set in a popular part of the city, and it comes complete with two lounges and a big showroom. Sure, the options are more limited to classic roles like waiter or host, but the club itself would be entertaining to explore. Besides, there are a lot of windows to push targets out.
Finally, Portland has a sprawling street fair called Saturday Market. This random weekly event would be a minor option if it didn’t take place in the perfect spot. Saturday Market is under a big bridge, next to some train tracks and a big river. Those are three natural options for completing a hit, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. Saturday Market also happens to be full of living statues, weird shop owners, Hare Krishnas, and homeless guys begging for change. The disguises are unlimited.
When it comes down to it, I feel that Las Vegas would be the best option for this upcoming content release. Los Angeles would be fun, but IO already tackled a movie set. Like LA, Portland would be a great area to explore, but Marrakesh had a gigantic market full of assassination options. Las Vegas is more of the urban environment that hasn’t been truly explored as of yet. Besides, there isn’t a more iconic place in all of America. Maybe New York, but many of the neighborhoods aren’t as recognizable at first glance.
We will just have to wait a couple months until IO releases the United States mission pack. Until then, enjoy the Thailand mission that releases on Tuesday.
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