When I heard that Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded was coming out, I was genuinely excited. Hitman in 3 in VR? Sign me up for sure. After all, Hitman is known for its immersive environments and complex gameplay, so bringing it to virtual reality had all the potential to be a game-changer in the VR space… But it’s not that great unfortunately.
First off, let’s talk about the visuals. If you’re expecting the polished look of the original Hitman 3, brace yourself for disappointment. The game has been given a “comic-like” visual overhaul that frankly feels more like a downgrade. Characters and environments look pixelated up close, and models often pop in and out of view as you move around, ruining the immersion. I found myself constantly distracted by how rough everything looked, especially when comparing it to other VR titles like Asgard’s Wrath 2 or Red Matter. The fact that even small levels suffer from severe pop-in issues just made the whole experience feel like a rushed port rather than a carefully crafted VR game.
Gameplay-wise, Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded tries to capture the essence of the original, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. Yes, the familiar maps and missions are there, but the VR mechanics feel tacked on. For example, the much-anticipated stealth takedowns do work surprisingly well; I genuinely enjoyed the feeling of choking out enemies or knocking them out with a swift hit. But that’s where the praise stops. The shooting mechanics, especially with sniper rifles, are downright bizarre. Instead of being able to aim down a scope naturally, you’re thrown into this weird full-screen sniping mode that makes it feel more like a dated arcade game than a VR title. It’s jarring and completely breaks the flow.
Another major letdown is the lack of animations. In the flatscreen version, part of the fun was watching Agent 47’s slick animations as he changes disguises or hides bodies. Here, you’re met with a black screen and—poof!—the action is done. It feels lazy and out of place, especially in a game that’s supposed to be all about immersion. NPC behavior is also problematic. The AI seems to have taken a hit, becoming noticeably dumber in VR. I’m talking guards that would practically ignore you unless you’re right in their face.
Now, there are some positives. The game does offer decent comfort options, making it accessible for both VR veterans and newcomers. Levels are mostly flat, reducing the chances of motion sickness, which is great if you’re still getting your VR legs. However, if you’re looking for a visually stunning and fully immersive VR experience, this is not it.
Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded: Would I recommend Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded at this moment? Honestly, not really. If you’re a die-hard Hitman fan, you might find some enjoyment in sneaking around familiar locations in VR, but don’t expect the same level of polish. For everyone else, there are simply better VR games out there that don’t compromise on graphics, mechanics, or immersion. – Tom Henry
Pros:
- Familiar maps and missions for Hitman fans
- Stealth takedowns feel satisfying
- Decent comfort settings for VR beginners
Cons:
- Poor graphics with pixelated textures and pop-ins
- Clunky shooting mechanics, especially with sniper rifles
- Lack of animations kills immersion
- Dumbed-down AI and repetitive gameplay
In the end, Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded feels more like a missed opportunity than a must-play title. Here’s hoping future updates can address some of its glaring issues, but for now, I’d say your time (and money) is better spent elsewhere in the VR world.
