Hitman World of Assassination VR Review

Stepping into the impeccably polished shoes of Agent 47 has always carried a certain irresistible allure, blending meticulous stealth, cunning strategy, and the occasional, joyously chaotic improvisation. Now, with the release of Hitman World of Assassination VR on PlayStation VR2, IO Interactive has elevated their iconic series to a breathtakingly immersive new level. Fans and newcomers alike will find that virtual assassination isn’t just a novel gimmick—it’s an exhilarating new way to experience the darkly comic and deadly world of Agent 47.

Initially scheduled for a December 2024 debut, IO Interactive opted to push back the release date to March 27, 2025, citing the need for additional polishing and a desire to incorporate fan-requested features. Usually, delays set off alarm bells, but in this case, the extra time in the oven was clearly worthwhile. Enhancements like dual-wielding, active reloading, and a physics-based disguise system add depth and authenticity, making the wait entirely forgivable—and even commendable.

The title brings the complete World of Assassination trilogy to the immersive PS VR2 platform, meaning all 20 meticulously crafted sandbox environments are ripe for exploration, sabotage, and creative elimination. From Dubai’s dizzying skyscrapers to Miami’s adrenaline-soaked racetracks, the globe-trotting missions offer unprecedented freedom in virtual reality, raising the stakes (and the heart rates) higher than ever before.

Ultimately, Hitman World of Assassination VR doesn’t just allow you to step into Agent 47’s shoes—it straps them tightly to your own feet, hands you a silverballer (or two), and whispers that every shadow could mean life or death. Whether you’re an aspiring Silent Assassin or an enthusiast of inventive chaos, IO Interactive has crafted something truly special here, setting a new benchmark for VR experiences and, quite possibly, for the franchise itself.

Setting and Story

Hitman World of Assassination VR delivers its narrative through the lens of the complete World of Assassination trilogy, seamlessly transitioning into VR without losing any of its distinctive charm or intricate storytelling. Players step back into the tailored suit of Agent 47, the world’s most meticulous assassin, traveling from exotic locales like Sapienza’s sunny coastlines to the coldly efficient interiors of high-tech facilities in Chongqing. Each setting is richly realized, immersive in detail, and brimming with darkly humorous possibilities.

The beauty of the story lies in how seamlessly it meshes with the gameplay, allowing you the freedom to discover plot details through overheard conversations, documents, or simply observing the target’s behavior from the shadows. The overarching narrative weaves together a compelling conspiracy involving global espionage, secret organizations, and morally ambiguous alliances—classic Hitman fare—but in VR, every clue and dialogue snippet feels even more personal.

What sets World of Assassination apart is its world-building. Each meticulously designed location tells its own layered story, rich with history, context, and hidden secrets. The opulent palace in Paris hides a web of spycraft and betrayal beneath its glittering facade, while the bustling streets of Mumbai brim with intrigue, allowing players to feel deeply embedded in their environment. It’s this subtle yet deliberate storytelling that draws you deeper into Agent 47’s morally ambiguous world.

Perhaps the greatest narrative accomplishment in this VR adaptation is the way it leverages immersion. As you eavesdrop on covert discussions from behind a curtain or tail a target through a crowded marketplace, you become part of the unfolding story. The transition to VR amplifies the tension, drama, and comedic irony inherent in Agent 47’s misadventures, turning what was already an engaging story into an unforgettable experience.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Hitman World of Assassination VR on PS VR2 brilliantly elevates the traditional stealth-action formula of the Hitman series by introducing an array of immersive gameplay enhancements uniquely tailored to virtual reality. The fundamental joy of carefully planning and executing assassinations remains delightfully intact, but now, each action carries an exhilarating sense of immediacy thanks to the tactile interactivity offered by VR.

One of the standout additions here is the introduction of dual-wielding and full ambidexterity. Players can now comfortably hold two weapons simultaneously, opening up creative avenues for engagements—or spectacularly clumsy misadventures. Whether you’re gracefully dispatching two guards simultaneously or fumbling frantically to reload a pistol while juggling a silenced SMG, these new mechanics transform each encounter into a thrilling exercise of hand-eye coordination.

Another impressive upgrade is active reloading, which enhances the realism and stakes of every shootout. Reloading now involves physically ejecting the spent magazine, reaching for a fresh clip, and slotting it back into place—making every firefight pulse-pounding and personal. The addition of positional interactions, such as physically turning doorknobs, flicking switches, or carefully pouring poison into an unsuspecting target’s drink, deeply enhances immersion, turning routine tasks into engaging micro-challenges.

Moreover, the enhanced physics-based disguise mechanic is hilariously satisfying. Taking out a guard and awkwardly tugging their limp body around to steal their uniform never gets old. Coupled with the VR-specific improvements to sniping, which finally lets you peer directly down the scope, the gameplay achieves an ideal balance of precision, immersion, and delightful absurdity—truly, Hitman at its best.

Multiplayer and Replayability

Hitman World of Assassination VR, while primarily a single-player endeavor, ingeniously manages to squeeze an impressive level of replayability out of its expansive sandbox-style levels. The lack of a traditional multiplayer component is hardly felt, given the sheer variety and depth each scenario provides. Whether it’s your first assassination or your hundredth, the game constantly nudges you toward novel and creative solutions, ensuring no two runs feel quite the same.

Leaderboards return, lending a subtle competitive flavor to proceedings. Now, your elegant (or hilariously chaotic) assassinations can be compared globally, pushing players to refine their techniques and encouraging experimentation with different playstyles. It’s strangely motivating to see your meticulously executed kills—or spectacular failures—displayed alongside those of other agents, adding another layer of addictiveness to repeat playthroughs.

The game’s robust challenge system further enriches replayability. Each location is bursting with unique and increasingly elaborate objectives to tackle, from precise stealth runs to outrageous environmental assassinations. This encourages revisiting missions, urging players to discover every hidden route, disguise, and method of murder. Completing these optional objectives unlocks new gear and starting points, enhancing future playthroughs.

Additionally, periodic “Elusive Targets” and seasonal content keep the experience fresh, urging players back to the shadows regularly. These time-sensitive missions—often featuring high-profile celebrity cameos or unique narrative twists—provide a gripping reason to dust off your VR headset regularly. Combined with continuous developer support, this ensures Hitman World of Assassination VR maintains long-term engagement, even in the absence of traditional multiplayer modes.

Graphics and Sound

Visually, Hitman World of Assassination VR is nothing short of breathtaking, delivering the franchise’s signature high-quality aesthetic, amplified to thrilling new heights on the PS VR2. Each environment—be it the opulent Parisian fashion show or the bustling streets of Mumbai—is rendered with impressive detail and striking realism. Textures are sharp, lighting dynamic, and the ability to interact physically with virtually every element in the environment creates an immersion that few VR titles achieve.

The enhanced resolution and graphical fidelity of the PS VR2 headset enable a noticeable leap from earlier VR experiences. Gone are the blurry edges or washed-out visuals; instead, you’ll find crisp textures and vivid colors that enhance the already engrossing gameplay. The improved draw distance and seamless transitions from sprawling outdoor vistas to intimate indoor spaces further cement the game’s graphical excellence.

Audio design remains an understated hero, crucially supporting stealth mechanics and immersion alike. Every ambient sound—be it muffled conversations behind closed doors, the distant hum of a city, or the subtle creak of floorboards beneath your feet—pulls you deeper into Agent 47’s world. Additionally, the tactile audio cues for weapon handling and active reloading provide satisfying feedback, accentuating the realism of each action.

Voice acting and soundtracks continue to uphold the series’ high standards, with dialogue delivered convincingly by an experienced voice cast. The orchestral score dynamically shifts in intensity, heightening suspenseful stealth sections and explosive action set-pieces alike. It’s a sonic experience crafted meticulously, perfectly complementing the visual artistry to envelop players entirely in its meticulously curated assassinations.

Final Thoughts

Hitman World of Assassination VR for PS VR2 is, without exaggeration, one of the most compelling reasons to invest in VR yet. IO Interactive has expertly leveraged the capabilities of Sony’s latest hardware, breathing fresh life into a franchise that was already thriving. This isn’t merely a gimmicky rehash; instead, it represents a thoughtful evolution, embracing VR’s potential to deliver unparalleled immersion and interactivity.

The added features—dual-wielding, full ambidexterity, positional interactions, and active reloading—dramatically enrich the experience, turning simple tasks into genuinely engaging challenges. The transition from traditional gameplay into VR feels natural and rewarding, proving IO Interactive’s careful attention to player feedback and intuitive game design.

While newcomers to the series may find some aspects overwhelming at first, longtime fans will undoubtedly appreciate the depth and replayability that VR introduces. Revisiting familiar locales under the guise of virtual reality injects excitement into previously mastered missions, turning them into entirely new and exhilarating experiences.

In short, Hitman World of Assassination VR sets a new standard for VR adaptations of AAA franchises. It’s immersive, polished, and expertly crafted—a remarkable achievement that deserves your attention. If you ever wondered what it truly feels like to step into Agent 47’s impeccably tailored suit, now is your chance.

We prepared this review with a digital copy of Hitman World of Assassination VR for the PS VR2 version provided by IO Interactive.