Hitman GO is not your typical action-packed Hitman game. Instead, it's a turn-based puzzle game that takes the iconic stealth-assassin gameplay of the franchise and reimagines it in a completely new way. Designed with beautiful diorama-style set pieces, the game feels like you are moving miniature figurines across a board, carefully plotting each step to achieve your goal.
Whether you're sneaking past guards, setting up clever distractions, or going straight for the kill, the game requires patience, planning, and strategy. Every move matters, and that's what makes it such a refreshing experience for fans of both puzzle games and the Hitman series.
Gameplay: A Strategic Puzzle Board
At its core, Hitman GO plays like a board game. Agent 47, the series' infamous assassin, moves along fixed spaces on a grid. With each move you make, enemies also react and adjust their positions, so you need to think carefully before advancing.
The objective is simple: eliminate your target or infiltrate heavily guarded locations. But the challenge lies in how you achieve that goal. The game encourages players to experiment with different tactics, from sneaky silent kills to bold, forceful actions.
Agent 47's Tools of the Trade
Just like in the main Hitman series, Agent 47 isn't limited to walking around. You'll have access to his signature arsenal of tools:
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Disguises - Blend in with enemies to move unnoticed.
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Distractions - Throw objects or create noise to lure guards away from their posts.
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Sniper Rifles - Take out enemies from a safe distance.
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Hiding Spots - Disappear from sight and avoid detection.
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Silverballers - 47's iconic dual pistols for those moments when subtlety isn't an option.
These tools make the puzzles more dynamic, giving you multiple ways to solve each level.
Enemy Types and Challenges
Not all enemies behave the same way. Some remain stationary, keeping a lookout, while others patrol set paths. Certain enemies are faster, more alert, or equipped with weapons that make them especially dangerous. Learning how each enemy type behaves is crucial if you want to survive and succeed.
Visual Style: Diorama Aesthetics
One of the most striking aspects of Hitman GO is its art style. Instead of realistic graphics, the game uses a miniature diorama look, making it feel like you're playing with a physical board game. The clean, minimalist visuals not only look beautiful but also make it easier to focus on strategy without unnecessary distractions.
Each environment also features secret passageways and restricted zones, adding extra depth to the puzzles and forcing you to think several moves ahead.
Replayability: Different Ways to Play
What makes Hitman GO so engaging is that there isn't just one way to complete a level. You can choose to:
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Move through silently, avoiding confrontation altogether.
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Take out guards one by one with careful planning.
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Use disguises and diversions to slip past unnoticed.
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Go loud and forceful if the situation calls for it.
This flexibility means players can replay levels to try new approaches and refine their strategies.
Critical Reception
Hitman GO received widespread praise from critics for its unique approach to the franchise:
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5/5 - Slide to Play: "This is one to check out."
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4/5 - Joystiq: "Hitman GO is an impressive debut for Square Enix Montreal."
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4/5 - Pocket Gamer (Silver Award): "A clever and refreshingly original puzzle game."
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4/5 - Polygon: "A great minimalist take on the series' big ideas."
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5/5 - Pocket-lint: "An intelligent way of bringing a much-loved franchise to mobile."
Key Features at a Glance
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Challenging puzzles that test your assassination skills.
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Diorama-style visuals that look like miniature board games.
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Environments filled with secret paths and off-limit zones.
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Agent 47's full toolkit, from disguises to sniper rifles.
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A variety of enemy types with unique behaviours.
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Multiple ways to complete each mission, stealthy or aggressive.
Final Thoughts
Hitman GO successfully takes the spirit of the Hitman franchise and distills it into a clever, minimalist puzzle experience. By focusing on strategy over fast-paced action, it challenges players to think like a true assassin-measured, precise, and adaptable.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Agent 47 or simply enjoy smart puzzle games, Hitman GO offers a refreshing, beautifully designed experience that stands out in the mobile gaming world.
