Evaluate: Hitman: Absolution (Nintendo Swap)

When Hitman: Absolution launched in 2012, it break up the fanbase down the center. Some praised its cinematic aptitude, others needed the standard sandbox design again. Now that the 2025 Nintendo Swap port has arrived, it’s time to see whether or not this chapter in Agent 47’s previous nonetheless stands robust. Right here’s every thing you have to know concerning the Swap model.

Hitman Absolution is a classy, stealth motion recreation the place you sneak, disguise your self, and determine whether or not to be a ghost or trigger absolute chaos. The marketing campaign’s 20 missions offer you loads of room to experiment together with your method, and the story is darker and extra private than most Hitman plots. It additionally exhibits a extra susceptible facet of of the usually very critical Agent 47. 

One of many nicest surprises on the Swap is how effectively the controls translate.The builders added non-obligatory movement controls for aiming. This makes scoped photographs and exact takedowns really feel smoother, particularly in handheld mode. The $29.99 value on the eShop feels affordable too, particularly contemplating the added high quality of life tweaks.

Visually, it’s undoubtedly nonetheless a 2012 recreation. The character fashions and lighting bought a bit polish, however you’ll nonetheless discover some blur and decrease element right here and there. Efficiency is okay in handheld mode, however I observed that whereas the Swap is docked, the sport experiences extra seen body fee drops. The truth is I really had the sport crash on me in the midst of a mission and I needed to restart. This solely occurred as soon as, however figuring out it’s a chance saved me on edge when there was rather a lot taking place on the display screen.

In fact, the unique points are nonetheless right here. The checkpoint system might be tough, making you redo large chunks should you mess up, and the AI generally behaves in ways in which pull you out of the second. Hitman Absolution remains to be going to really feel extra linear and extra action-heavy than you would possibly desire. Even so, this port strikes a strong stability. It retains what made Absolution distinctive, improves a couple of tough spots, and doesn’t mess with the general vibe.

One of many bonuses for longtime followers shall be Contracts Mode. The create and share assassination problem mode is coming as a free replace in early 2026. That exhibits the developer is taking the port significantly and needs it to have some longevity. So, I’m positive we are able to anticipate some updates concerning body fee drops and recreation crashes as effectively.

General, should you’ve been desirous to replay Absolution or attempt it for the primary time on a system you possibly can take anyplace, the Swap model is a superb choice. It doesn’t magically repair each flaw, but it surely doubles down on what works. And with Contracts Mode on the way in which, it’s solely going to get higher. I undoubtedly suggest attempting it out should you’ve by no means performed it earlier than, particularly should you’re a fan of stealthy motion video games.