HITMAN 2 Sneaks Out

WBIE and IO Interactive announce the worldwide launch of HITMAN 2 for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, offering the latest installment in this assassination-for-hire series. The launch trailer offers a look at the game, concluding with a glimpse of the human bean that will be the game's first "elusive target." Here's word on the game and the special editions they are offering:
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and IO Interactive today announced that HITMAN™ 2, the follow-up to the acclaimed international video game, HITMAN™, is available now for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®4 Pro computer entertainment system, Xbox One family of devices, including the Xbox One X, and PC. Developed by IO Interactive, HITMAN 2 perfects the assassination sandbox experience, providing players with an unrivaled freedom to plan and complete their mission utilizing an assortment of tools, weapons, disguises and a variety of stealth techniques to creatively trigger their own unique chain of events.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the talented team at IO Interactive on the launch of HITMAN 2 today,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “HITMAN 2 has immersive gameplay, franchise-first game modes and a constant flow of free live content that is sure to excite the passionate fanbase, as well as new players.”

“It has never been a more exciting time for IO Interactive and Hitman players all around the world,” said Hakan Abrak, CEO, IO Interactive. “HITMAN 2 marks not only a new chapter for us as an independent studio but also serves as a benchmark for our commitment to deliver unique AAA experiences. The World Of Assassination will truly never stop challenging you, as we will keep expanding it and further push the envelope in new, ambitious directions.”

HITMAN 2 takes players on a global adventure across six intricate locations – including Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand), Miami (Florida/U.S.), Santa Fortuna (Colombia), Mumbai (India), Whittleton Creek (Vermont/U.S.) and the mysterious Isle of Sgàil (North Atlantic) – all living, breathing environments with multiple paths to explore, unparalleled game depth and countless interactive possibilities.

A variety of new features, upgrades and items are present in HITMAN 2, including the 1-versus-1 competitive multiplayer – Ghost Mode, online co-op mode – Sniper Assassin, return of the fan-favorite briefcase, brand new progression system, ability to hide in low vision areas, enhanced crowd fidelity, picture-in-picture mode, accented dialogue, strategic use of mirrors, improved combat A.I., new difficulty levels and much more. With the entire main game available at launch, this allows for all locations to be immediately enjoyed and utilized for post-launch free live content, including Elusive Targets, Escalations, Challenge Packs and Contracts Mode.

The first of numerous post-launch live content updates will include the upcoming Elusive Target mission starring international actor Sean Bean, who will take on the role of Mark Faba, a former MI5 agent turned freelance assassin. Elusive Target No. 1 Starring Sean Bean, entitled The Undying, will release on Nov. 20 and run for 14 days. Elusive Targets are unique, high-stakes contracts that are only available for a limited time. These missions are free for all players, allowing one chance to assassinate the target and if not successfully completed, the contract cannot be retried. Once Elusive Target No. 1 is available, players must take out Mark Faba before he can complete a contract at the Global Innovation Race event in Miami.

HITMAN 2 introduces new ways to play with the brand-new Ghost Mode, IO Interactive’s unique take on 1-versus-1 multiplayer competition where gamers can put their assassination skills to the ultimate test. In Ghost Mode, two players compete against each other online, both as Agent 47, to assassinate the most targets faster and cleaner than their opponent, while utilizing weapons, items, outfits and ghost crate supply drops to help accomplish the overall mission. Ghost Mode will be available for the Miami location when HITMAN 2 releases and will subsequently become available for additional locations post-launch.

The franchise-first Sniper Assassin brings a co-op experience to the Hitman series for the first time, allowing two players to work together online to take down their targets. Sniper Assassin can be played solo as Agent 47 or cooperatively as one of two new operatives, Stone and Knight. The first map, which is set against the backdrop of a lush chateau in Himmelstein, Austria, will be available to all players, with more maps becoming available at a later date.

Building on the established, ever-expanding World Of Assassination, HITMAN 2 continues the ultimate agent thriller story as gamers take on the role of the masterful Agent 47, who must embark on a mission to hunt the elusive Shadow Client and unravel his militia once and for all. However, when 47 learns the hidden truth about his past, nothing will ever be the same.

Looking back at the past and ahead to the future, the HITMAN Legacy Pack brings remastered and enhanced locations from the previous game to HITMAN 2, all living under one ever-expanding roof and building one World Of Assassination. All six locations – Paris, Sapienza, Marrakesh, Bangkok, Colorado and Hokkaido – are now accessible as downloadable content (DLC) and incorporate various new features from HITMAN 2. Owners of the previous game have access to the HITMAN Legacy Pack at no additional cost.

The HITMAN 2 Standard Edition includes the main game and is available for $59.99. The HITMAN 2 Silver Edition includes the main game, plus an upcoming Expansion Pack featuring a new location, new Sniper Assassin map, new challenges, various missions, outfits and weapons, as well as the Executive Pack featuring the Italian black leather briefcase and ICA 19 Blackballer pistol in-game items, all for $79.99. The HITMAN 2 Gold Edition includes the main game, plus the Expansion Pass, which contains two upcoming Expansion Packs providing new locations, new Sniper Assassin maps, new challenges, various missions, outfits and weapons, as well as the Executive Pack, all for $99.99. Finally, the HITMAN 2 Collector’s Edition includes the main game, Expansion Pass, Executive Pack, Collector’s Pack featuring the concussive rubber duck and midnight black suit in-game items, exclusive Steelcase, Agent 47 bullet keyring, Agent 47 rubber duck and Agent 47 signature coin, all packed into an exclusive replica Agent 47 Gun Case for $149.99. Please note, the Collector’s Edition is not available for PC and is extremely limited worldwide. Interested parties should check with their local retailers regarding availability.