8Bit/Digi

Good Evening Agent 47

It has been several years since the World of Assassination trilogy came to a close with the success of Hitman III. While the story has concluded, that doesn’t mean IO Interactive is done with Agent 47 as the the game has continued to thrive thanks to the Elusive Target missions. The latest mission is an intensive experience while also having players go up against action star, Jean-Claude Van Damme.

The Splitter is the newest and one of the most intense Elusive Target missions. It challenges Agent 47 to face not only a ghost from the ICA’s past but also echoes of his own.

A Dangerous Man

Elusive Target: The Splitter pits Agent 47 against Max Valliant, a former ICA operative turned traitor. Once the agency’s top agent, Valliant’s double dealings with the competition marked him for elimination. Though presumed dead, he survived and has resurfaced. Valliant has seized control of the ICA facility in Chongqing and is demanding a meeting with the ICA board. Agent 47 has been assigned to the security detail of ICA board member Angus Pritchard for his meeting with Valliant.

The mission is twofold: escort Pritchard to his meeting and uncover Valliant’s plan. However, the situation takes a dire turn when Valliant reveals his plan—he has resurrected the Ort-Meyer Project. Even worse, he has already created clones of himself and demanded control of the ICA. If denied, he vows to sell his project to the competition, escalating the stakes to a dangerous new level.

The mission is clear: Agent 47 must eliminate not only Max Valliant but also his clones.

A Demonstration

What sets the Elusive Target missions apart from the main game is the lack of trial and error—you only get one chance, so failure isn’t an option. While familiarity with the map might offer an edge, The Splitter reworks the level to align with the story. Thus creating new challenges. Success demands patience and a careful study of the situation before making any moves. This elevates the tension and requires players to better adapt to the situation.

Having 14 targets makes the mission both highly challenging and rich with creative opportunities. The multiple ways to eliminate targets encourage players to explore various strategies and adapt their approach. However, the odds are heavily stacked against you, and protecting Pritchard adds an extra layer of difficulty, demanding precision and careful assessments.

Jean-Claude Van Damme joins Hitman: World of Assassination as Max Valliant in the Elusive Target mission. Van Damme not only provides the character’s voice but also lends his likeness, delivering a compelling portrayal. His performance masterfully captures a calm yet menacing demeanor, creating an atmosphere thick with tension. Van Damme sets the perfect tone during the pivotal meeting, constantly reminding players to stay vigilant and never let their guard down.

An Inherited Legacy

Jean-Claude Van Damme has proven he can excel as a menacing villain, and The Splitter is no exception. However, there are moments when Max Valliant performs Van Damme’s iconic split, which occasionally undermines the tension. Don’t get me wrong—it works in certain contexts, as it’s an iconic move fans expect. However, when it happens a few times during the tense meeting with 47 and Pritchard, it feels more like an attempt at humor rather than adding tension to the moment. In the end, it’s not even that funny and it undermines the suspense.

Good Hunting Agent 47

Hitman: World of Assassination – Elusive Target: The Splitter is an intense mission that has Agent 47 not only confront the ICA’s past but also his own. The redesign of the ICA facility in Chongqing demands that players take their time with the mission. The setting, resembling the aftermath of a massacre, and the high stakes only amplify the intensity. Adding to the atmosphere is Jean-Claude Van Damme’s standout performance as Max Valliant, which heightens the tension.

Disclaimer: I bought the base game, via Steam.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that highlights the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hitman: World of Assassination - Elusive Target: The Splitter

10

Masterpiece

10.0/10

Pros

• The redesign of the ICA facility in Chongqing.
• An intense mission with numerous challenges working against the player.
• Jean-Claude Van Damme performance as Max Valliant.

Cons

• Use of the split at some moments undermines the atmosphere of tension.