The Hitman series has always been known for its impeccable level design, freedom of choice, and dark humour. With Hitman 1 (2016), Hitman 2 (2018), and Hitman 3 (2021), IO Interactive perfected the formula, giving players unparalleled freedom to approach their targets in a variety of ways, all while maintaining the allure of being a professional assassin. Now, with the PSVR2 version, known as Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access, the series takes a monumental leap forward, allowing you to literally step into the shoes of Agent 47 with immersive VR integration.
Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 laid the groundwork for what we now recognize as the modern Hitman experience. These titles introduced larger, more open-ended maps with multiple methods to take out targets. They were huge, well-designed levels that rewarded players for being creative. By Hitman 3, the series had hit its stride, featuring some of the most jaw-dropping environments seen in gaming—Dubai’s towering skyscraper, a Knives Out-inspired mansion, a sprawling vineyard that felt like a true successor to Blood Money’s vineyard. These vast and stunning locales elevated the Hitman series to new heights, and now, with Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access on PSVR2, those environments become even more real.
From the moment you put on the PSVR2 headset with Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access, you are no longer watching Agent 47—you are him. The Sense controllers add a whole new layer of immersion. The controllers track your movements in ways that make interacting with the environment feel completely natural. You can reach out and grab objects, open doors, or even drag bodies into hiding spots, all with the same precision and fluidity that you’d expect from a game like Hitman. These small actions, combined with the tactile feedback, make every mission feel more like a lived experience than just a video game.
“From the moment you put on the PSVR2 headset with Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access, you are no longer watching Agent 47—you are him.”
The level of immersion of Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access is enhanced not only by the detailed environments but also by how the VR mode lets you experience everything from Agent 47’s perspective. You get a real sense of height and space in the levels, which is a huge upgrade from traditional gameplay. Whether you’re walking through the grand halls of a mansion, standing on a balcony in Dubai, or sneaking through a crowd, the depth and scale feel more pronounced. The world around you feels real, alive, and full of possibilities for how you can carry out your next assassination.
Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access doesn’t just stop at the environments; it lets you interact with the world in a way that wasn’t possible before. The Sense controllers bring a whole new level of interactivity, making it feel like you’re really in the world of Hitman. You can wave at NPCs, sneak a peek into their conversations, or even casually lean against a wall while you plan your next move. Sure, the NPCs don’t respond to you or hear your words, but there’s something oddly satisfying about just being able to interact with them, even if it’s for no reason other than to enhance the immersion.
That said, for all the cleverness of Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access, there are a few moments that throw off the experience. The transition from first-person gameplay to cutscenes can be a bit jarring at times. When the camera pulls back to a more traditional cinematic angle, it disrupts the immersion and breaks the flow. You’re fully in the moment one second, and then suddenly, you’re watching from a distance in a way that doesn’t quite feel right. While these moments don’t ruin the experience, they do snap you out of the world a little too quickly.
Still, there’s something undeniably charming about the Hitman series, and that charm carries over into the VR version. The AI is still as ridiculous as ever, and some of the interactions are a bit clumsy, but that’s part of what makes Hitman so endearing. It’s those quirky, sometimes imperfect moments that give the game its character and keep you coming back for more.
The weirdness of the world around you—whether it’s NPCs who ignore your most blatant actions or the occasionally over-the-top murder methods—is a large part of Hitman’s appeal. Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access heightens these moments in a way that makes it even more fun to experiment. I found myself talking to NPCs more than I ever did in the non-VR versions, even though I knew they couldn’t hear me. It adds an extra layer of whimsy to the experience.
Another standout feature of Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access on PSVR2 is the level of physicality it introduces. The controls are smooth, and using the Sense controllers to physically crouch, peek around corners, or hide behind objects adds a sense of engagement that isn’t possible in traditional gaming. The ability to physically aim a gun, snap necks, or interact with the world in these small but meaningful ways makes you feel more like a professional assassin than ever before. And even though there are a few awkward moments with certain actions or when managing inventory, the overall control scheme is a huge improvement over what’s been seen in previous VR titles.
“Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access is a must-have addition to your library.”
The graphical fidelity in Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access is stunning, especially considering how much detail the environments carry. PSVR2’s enhancements, such as the improved resolution and better tracking, allow you to fully appreciate the beautiful vistas, the meticulous architecture, and the lavish interiors that make up these levels. Whether you’re in a fancy casino, a luxurious mansion, or a sleek high-rise tower, the world around you looks incredible. The lighting, reflections, and textures all stand out, bringing every map to life in a way that enhances the immersion.
The replayability of the Hitman series is a well-known aspect of the franchise, and it shines even brighter in VR. Whether you’re revisiting Hitman 1, Hitman 2, or Hitman 3, there’s always a new way to approach each mission. The freedom to experiment with different methods of elimination and explore every nook and cranny of each map is a massive draw.
The addition of elusive targets, which were so popular in previous titles, will only add to this replay value, giving players an incentive to return to the game each month for new challenges. It’s the kind of game that never truly gets old, and the VR experience ensures you’ll keep coming back to discover more ways to eliminate your targets.
In the end, Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access on PSVR2 isn’t just a novelty—it’s a true evolution of the Hitman series. It’s easily the most immersive and fun version of Hitman yet. The smart use of the Sense controllers pulls you into Agent 47’s world, letting you interact with the environment, NPCs, and targets in ways that simply weren’t possible before.
While the occasional shift between VR gameplay and cutscenes may cause a few hiccups, it doesn’t take away from how enjoyable the experience is overall. It’s a charming, slightly clumsy game in the best way possible, and if you’re a Hitman fan or a VR enthusiast, Hitman World of Assassination: VR Access is a must-have addition to your library.
