Hitman: Codename 47

Hitman: Codename 47, released in November 2000 for Windows, is a stealth game from IO Interactive and Eidos Interactive. It launched the Hitman series. Players control Agent 47, a genetically engineered human clone trained in killing. After escaping a testing facility, he works for the International Contract Agency (ICA), a global assassination organization. His missions take him across Asia, Europe, and South America to kill wealthy criminals. These targets initially seem unrelated, aside from vague mentions of French Foreign Legion service, but are later revealed to be part of a larger conspiracy. Gameplay focuses on stealthy approaches to reach and eliminate targets, using disguises and silenced weapons. However, some levels are more action-oriented, playing like a standard third-person shooter without stealth options. The game received mixed reviews. Critics praised its innovative stealth mechanics but criticized its difficulty, controls, and technical problems. By 2009, it had sold over 500,000 units. It spawned the Hitman franchise, starting with the sequel Hitman 2: Silent Assassin in 2002.

The game uses a third-person view but controls like a first-person shooter, restricting movement to turning, strafing, and forward/backward motion. Levels are semi-open worlds filled with civilians and armed guards. The main goal is to find and kill the target by any means. While the path can seem linear, players can complete missions without raising alarms. The game rewards stealth and silent kills with higher financial payouts, while killing civilians or alerting guards incurs penalties. Money is used to buy weapons and ammo, encouraging stealth, disguises, and melee attacks for cost efficiency. Players can peek around corners using a lean function. 47 can climb ladders but cannot defend himself while doing so, and can only jump between balconies. An on-screen cursor shows attack direction. The heads-up display shows health, ammo, kevlar durability, and the selected item. Alert messages appear when enemies find bodies or if 47 is suspected. Weapons include handguns, rifles, machine guns, a garrote wire, and a knife. Handguns have excellent range, while automatic weapons lose accuracy at distance. A sniper rifle can be carried in a suitcase and must be assembled before use, then disassembled again. Disguises are crucial.