Hitman: Episode 6 - Hokkaido
Overview -
'Hokkaido' is the final episode in this season of 'Hitman' releases, following the 'Intro Pack' (includes 'Paris'), 'Sapienza', 'Marrakesh', 'Summer Bonus Episode', 'Bangkok', and 'Colorado'. Like the others, it is developed by IO Interactive, the Danish crew that has worked on 'Hitman' since the franchise's inception in 2000.
Video Review
GAMA looks great, as does the surrounding countryside. It has the remote yet ostentatious feel of the 'Blood Money' Christmas mission - remember when 47 could shoot out the bottom of the glass jacuzzi and cause the target to fall to his death? This isn't quite as tongue-in-cheek but it's still a trust fund playground and looks the part. The performance is high and I experienced few frame drops or other problems.
Audio Review
This episode is fairly quiet, although the ambient sound effects help paint the picture. The clatter of silverware in the restaurant, hum of electricity in the lower levels, dude in the shower listening to pop music, etc. As usual the voice acting is almost completely in American English, even when two Japanese people are speaking to each other privately.
Final Thoughts
This final episode of 'Hitman' brings together all of the lessons IO has learned over the course of the season into a fun, elegant swan song. I will admit that I was skeptical of the episodic format before the intro was released, but they managed to come through and bring 47 into what is hopefully just the beginning of a glorious new career.