6. Hitman: Blood Money (2006)

This was made in tandem with Hitman: Contracts, but is the better game by far.

Hitman: Blood Money arrived with a nice visual upgrade in 2006. While part of IO Interactive’s team was working on Hitman: Contracts, the other half was busy beavering away on Blood Money.

Beautiful scenarios showcased the new graphics engine, the first one setting the tone for the entire game. Going after a character named “The Swing King” would please any sadist: he would beg for mercy at the end of the mission, your only choice being to kill the corrupt theme park operator in order to complete the level. Others like the Mardi Gras level showcased big crowds, plus an Egyptian-themed casino in Las Vegas was a perfect stage for all the killing. Blood Money got a remaster in early 2019, bringing the controls and visuals up to date, even if the classic game doesn’t hold a candle to the newer entries though.

Came out on: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, other systems.