Hitman: Absolution – A Flawed But Interesting Detour on Switch
Feral interactive’s recent Switch eShop release of Hitman: Absolution arrives with a reputation as the outlier in the Hitman series. Originally released in 2012, it was often criticized for prioritizing a cinematic narrative over the series’ hallmark of open-ended player freedom. Tho, with the success of IO Interactive’s World of Assassination trilogy, a retrospective look at Absolution reveals a unique entry with its own merits, much like a re-evaluation of Resident Evil 6.
While not a perfect experience,Hitman: Absolution offers a compelling,if diffrent,take on the Agent 47 formula.It serves as a fascinating step in the evolution of the series, laying groundwork for future titles, including the upcoming 007 First Light.
Gameplay revolves around identifying and eliminating targets with a focus on stealth. Players are encouraged to achieve a high stealth rating, though direct confrontation is also viable. Utilizing environmental “accidents” remains a key tactic, and the game features Instinct Mode – activated by holding ‘R’ – which highlights enemies, items, and potential traps to aid in planning.
Disguises allow access to restricted areas, but guards are adept at recognizing imposters. Instinct Mode can definitely help bypass suspicion, but its use is limited by a finite resource that is replenished by eliminating guards and completing challenges.The game encourages players to rely on their own observation skills rather than overusing Instinct Mode for a more engaging experience.
Compared to later Hitman games, Absolution features smaller, more focused levels. This reflects the increased emphasis on storytelling. Players will find themselves relying more on cover and close-quarters maneuvering than the open-world blending seen in other entries. This linearity was a point of contention upon the game’s initial release, but the game still provides multiple approaches to target elimination.
The Switch version of hitman: Absolution runs at 30fps with occasional performance dips, notably in crowded areas.Visuals have been scaled back, but the game remains aesthetically pleasing, complemented by a consistently strong musical score.
Feral Interactive has announced a free upgrade for the upcoming Switch 2 console in 2026, which will include an additional Contracts Mode. However, Hitman: Absolution on the current Switch is a solid, if imperfect, addition to the Hitman library.