Hitman 2016: 10 Signs It'll Make The Series Great Again

9. NPCs Are More Varied & Useful

Remember how impressive the King of Chinatown level was in Hitman: Absolution? One of the better levels in the game, it thrived thanks its huge simulated crowd, which was made up of around 60 separate NPCs. The Showstopper level in the new Hitman has over 300 NPCs milling about in it, with each of them responding differently to 47's presence; some may be intimidated, while others may barely noticed the conspicuously barcoded, bald-headed anti-hero. The new reactive AI in the game means that Hitman's actions may have knock-on effects on larger numbers on NPCs. For example, if you kill a waiter, then people attending the event will get thirsty, and start crowding at the bar to get their hands on drinks. Listening in on NPCs plays a bigger part in the 2016 Hitman than ever before. At the start of the Showstopper mission, 47 walks right between a TV reporter and her cameraman during film, annoying them and forcing them to re-shoot the footage. However, if you choose to just stand by and listen to the reporter, you can get hints about your target that could prove useful to carrying out the kill. The game will offer plenty of opportunities to learn things through the crafty craft of eavesdropping. As usual, you'll be able to manipulate the NPCs' routines to your advantage. If guards find a gun lying around, they'll take it to the security room to inspect, which means they've effectively smuggled it into the building for you. After all these years, guards in Hitman games still haven't learned to check food boxes for guns, so as usual you'll be able to stash your silencer in these, as well as countless other places.