This latest iteration of a 20-year-old franchise finds its protagonist (voice of David Bateson), working to dismantle a corrupt secret organization and avenge himself against his former employers. Together with a friend and ally (voice of John Hopkins), he travels the globe, eliminating high-value targets at every stop. Thus, while his adventure encourages curiosity and study of this well-executed stealth title’s beautifully detailed world, his picturesque journey is also a killing spree. The slaying of civilians is discouraged, and the game’s highest score is accorded to those who opt for nonlethal speed runs. For those who make a different choice, however, some excessively gory images await. Given that this widely varied content is matched by the main character’s ethically tangled motives, careful discernment is required in assessing his quest. Playable on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, Stadia and Windows. Pervasive but optional graphic violence with bloody effects, a vengeance theme, drug use, considerable rough and crude language. The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, material whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Entertainment Software Rating Board rating is M — mature.
Hitman 3
