The first gameplay footage of Hitman Absolution was released today. After years of waiting and some questionable Kane and Lynch titles from developer IO, fans finally have a chance to play as the bald professional again. I assumed there would be some dumbing down of the franchise to broaden the appeal but one thing that has irked me is the inclusion of an ‘instinct vision’. The thing I liked about Hitman was that it seemed to exist in a realistic world that was varied and never over stylised. We already have ‘detective vision’ in Batman and ‘eagle vision’ in Assassins creed (never realised eagles saw people with a red glow). I understand how these elements can work in Batman with the gadgets and in Assassins creed with the Animus.  I just don’t get this feature in Hitman, from the pictures released, enemies are highlighted and visible through walls… maybe agent 47 has had some drastic laser eye surgery since he’s been away? Or possibly he attacked his own corneas not to see his own likeness on the silver screen? It’s such a shame to see a distinct franchise, pilfering from other games that are supposed to offer a different experience. With the budget of games escalating it’s becoming harder for developers to offer something strictly for a fan base. I think Dark Souls proves there is still market for such a product, but will the publishers take note?