A 16 minute gameplay video for Hitman: Absolution has surfaced on the web, giving us our first glimpse of the game in action.
The demo — the same snippet shown to press at Gamescom and last month’s Eurogamer Expo — sees an unarmed Agent 47 taking refuge in an abandoned Chicago library. You get to see plenty of the bald assassin doing what he does best, from stealth takedowns to dress-up, but there's also plenty to show off Absolution's new, more action-oriented edge.
Without spoiling too much, things don't go exactly as planned. and Agent 47 finds himself in a bit more of a shoot-y, human shield-y, helicopter chase scene-y situation than his fans might be used to. Hopefully IO can find the right blend of gunfighting and low-key stealth to attract new players without abandoning franchise stalwarts.
Another addtion, Instinct mode, is also on display here. Similiar to Arkham Asylum's Detective Vision, Instinct mode will temporarily let you see through walls and predict the routes guards will follow. Along with the cover system, it should provide an interesting new depth to Hitman's trademark gameplay.
Hitman: Absolution will be launching next year on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.