The last few times I expressed this it was in generalist topics and was fairly liked. So I’m posting it on its own.
This is more a general stance on item unlocks than a specific item wishlist.
(It’s also for blatant exposure. It’s a cunning plan. Hello @Marchouette!)
So:
I think that the habitual monthly item unlock present in the roadmaps would be more impactful if they were new items and not just reskins.
The smoothest, realistic, way to implement this would to use the usual item properties. And create items with original combinations of them.
Hitman is a creative game.
It is a stealth, puzzle game.
This should be celebrated and encouraged in the roadmap.
First, it already happens semi-frequently. Recently the Blue Sedative Egg, or the Nitroglycerin last year. But they were legacy items, made incidentally unlocks. And I think it’s something deserving to be pursued purposely.
Those unlocks were the most talked, anticipated, and played with.
Second, as far item reskins go. Some can be useful. If there is only one version of an item. Even more if it’s a one use item, like the sedative syringe. It is so you can bring more. But after three, there is no need. As have been the majority of unlocks.
Those unlocks are quickly forgotten.
Third, here is a list of what I mean by item properties / template / characteristics:
- generalists ones:
- micro
- proximity / remote
- legal to carry / legal to throw
- activate on impact
- non-detectable during frisks
- the usual three poison types
- …
- underused ones (some were only used for one item then forgotten), honestly the ones I would be interested to see played with:
- EMP
- RFID
- melee weapons with poison in their hilts
- chewing-gum
- …
- the weapons perks:
- silenced / loud
- non-detectable during frisks
- ragdoll on hit/striker (“damage” perk)
- blind on hit
- …
And certainly so much more.
Finally, fourth, and it would be an addition to the wishlist, but I’m feeling brave: a good new item with its own gameplay could arrive with new challenges, not just the usual unlock challenge. But playful challenges, maybe even challenge packs.
This last point is actually my main argument: I wish for the gameplay to be celebrated in the roadmaps, through those new items. And not just have the game be a checklist collection you can quit as soon as the unlock happens, never to be used.
I think, and I hope I’m right, that because it uses already made characteristics that this is relatively feasible. A fair wish for what the game is and does.
(QA non-withstanding, admittedly)
