Hitman VR PlayStation VR Review

When Hitman VR was announced, it was quite a surprise, albeit a very welcome one. Putting you directly into the huge sandbox levels and seeing the world through Agent 47’s eyes is certainly something that I found very appealing, although the choice of control scheme is a bit more questionable. 

Hitman VR comes with the PS4 version of Hitman 3, although if you purchase the PS5 version, you’ll receive a free digital copy of the PS4 version, which means it is still very possible to play it in VR on the shiny new console. The vast majority of the levels can be experienced in VR, and this includes any levels from any of the previous games that you may own in the World of Assassination Trilogy. 

Levels look fantastic in VR, and while we do have sacrifices here and there, this is one of the best-looking games that can be played on PlayStation VR. Levels are entirely intact, feeling large and often overwhelming in their design, and being in the hustle and bustle of, say, a busy market or a seaside resort is utterly absorbing in VR. 

Obviously, things do look a little blurry, although this is a lot sharper than some PlayStation VR games. Other drawbacks include people in the crowds appearing and disappearing, although other than this, levels remain completely immersive, and this new way of playing a Hitman game is appreciated and marvellous in many ways. 

When it comes to the gameplay, observing, disguising yourself to move through different areas, and dragging bodies around is an absolute joy in first person, as is distracting people as well as rendering them unconscious with your bare hands. The Hitman series is still unusual in its genre due to the busy sandbox levels, and in VR it feels fantastic. 

Less fantastic are the controls. There is no option for Move controllers in VR, so the DualSense 4 is your only option, and motion controls can sadly be a bit hit and miss when it comes to stretching out your hands to strangle someone or to aim your weapons. When things go smoothly though, such complaints are quickly forgotten about, and there are appreciable options such as being able to pick something up from further away as well as quickly hiding something away into your inventory by placing it into an on-screen circle. 

Agent 47’s Instinct skill is a bit more limited in VR. You are still able to keep track of your main targets, although outlines of people can no longer be seen through walls, which makes things feel even more challenging on even the lower difficulty levels. The mini map is also absent, meaning that even Hitman veterans may be surprised at the additional layer of challenge that the game presents in VR. 

Hitman VR may have issues with its controls from time to time, although I still highly recommend the experience. IO Interactive have largely done an admirable job in getting the game to work in VR, and being inserted into these beautifully designed levels is an amazing feeling that is amongst the best that VR can currently offer, particularly when the controls are working as intended.