While IO Interactive is working away at the next console version of Hitman, Square Enix Montreal has revealed that they’re also working on a game featuring the famed hired gun for smartphones and tablets. According to a post on the Hitman blog, they had “total creative freedom" to come up with a concept that would work well on mobile devices but still retain “the essence of what a Hitman game is." What they came up with is pretty unexpected, and also sounds pretty awesome. It’s an isometric turn-based strategy game called Hitman GO, and Squeenix Montreal summed up what it’s all about quite well:
Hitman GO is a turn-based strategy game with beautifully rendered diorama-style set pieces. You will strategically navigate fixed spaces on a grid to avoid enemies and take out your target or infiltrate well-guarded locations. You really have to think about each move and all the Hitman tools of the trade you would expect are included; disguises, distractions, sniper rifles and even 47’s iconic Silverballers.
It sounds really intriguing, and reminds me of another mobile-friendly spinoff from several years back called Metal Gear Ac!d which did an awesome job of capturing the Metal Gear feel but completely repackaged it in a different game type. And it was excellent. I’m hoping for something similar from Hitman GO, which Square Enix Montreal says is “almost ready to go" and should be undergoing testing in the coming weeks. We’ll bring you more news on Hitman GO as it’s available.
