I really enjoy Hitman 3, but I have the impression that H3 unlocks are downgraded compared to H1 and H2. I understand that H3 is intended to be played alone (without H1/2) and indeed, must provide the essential items (poison, weapons, syringe…). Yes, the items are reskined, avoiding the MK2 sticker, but still…
Just to illustrate my point of view, when H2 was released, a lot of MK2 stuffs were available as unlocks in H2. It was justified for the same reason as H3 (being played as a standalone and so, giving access to essential items).
But when H2 was released, in addition to MK2, there were a lot of new items with new mechanics: Kalmer, Taser, Concussion, Grenade, EMP, Briefcase, Flash devices, Sieker, Electrocution phone, Conceleable shotgun, Micro explosives…
But simultaneously, there were still unique items with the legacy pack: Breaching charge, Undetected pistol, knife and baton, Subsonic sniper rifle (Sieger Ghost), Subsonic pistol (Krugermeier), Semi-auto assault rifle, The Big One, Shuriken (3x lethal in one slot), Explosive phone, Sedative syringe…
In summary, the unique items were quite balanced between H1 and H2.
However, H3 introduced a lot of duplicated items from H1 (Sniper Hackl, Custom 5mm, Kruger Silver, BC MKIII…), reducing the importance of H1 unlocks. As I said previously, I understand the reason behind this choice (providing the most important items with unique mechanic to players who own only H3).
But I think it would be a good thing to put more items with unique mechanics in H3 (like a remote sedative gas device…).
Also, I think IOI missed an opportunity to introduce the ET suits to mastery map levels. Would be great to unlock them like it does for H3 suits. Maybe this was impossible to introduce: Imagine the scandal if a player who reach mastery level 20 in Paris (but don’t get the ET-related suit) can’t get access to this suit.
A good compromise will be a challenge like IOI introduced in the last patch: a new challenge (asking to finish the mission) with the suit tied to it.