6. Hitman: Absolution (PC, PS3, Xbox 360, OS X) – 2012

Hitman: Absolution 'Streets of Hope' gameplay playthrough E3 2012

The first Hitman game under Square Enix after its acquisition of both Eidos and IO Interactive, Hitman: Absolution is the fifth installment in the Hitman franchise and is the sequel to the critically and commercially successful Hitman: Blood Money. Absolution focuses deeper on the relationship between the series’ deadly antihero Agent 47 and his handler, Diana Burnwood. Just like its predecessors, Absolution allows you to strategize on how to best approach each assassination, with various opportunities presenting themselves to you once you discover them.

A big departure from the series is the more linear approach it takes when it comes to the mission maps. Several missions play out as scripted as opposed to open-ended, a game design chosen in order to provide better exposition for its heavier and darker plot. Absolution also introduces a ‘Contracts’ feature, with players creating their own missions for other players to complete.

Similar to MGSV in that: the game places a bigger focus on its story, a much older Agent 47 comes to question his loyalties as his handler gets compromised.

Disguise Yourself to Succeed: Disguises still play an integral part in Absolution, as some areas are only accessible with certain outfits.

Linear Game Design: In order to tell its story better, some of the game’s missions have been more linearly streamlined, making some moments scripted in order to provide better exposition.

Challenge Everyone with Assassinations of Your Own: A new feature, ‘Contracts’, allows you to create different assassination situations for other players to participate in, giving Absolution some form of multiplayer component, a first in the series.