4. Hitman: Absolution (2012)

The most cinematic Hitman game, and also one of the best.

Hitman: Absolution’s cinematic aspirations are clear from the start. Protagonist Agent 47’s mission is to kill his long-time handler Diana, who has betrayed the Agency for unknown reasons, and this is revealed in a superbly-produced cutscene. The game’s story has a dark, movie-like feel to it, pitting protagonist Agent 47 against a bunch of low-lives led by a slimy guy in a cowboy hat. If Absolution were a movie instead of a video game, it would be leagues ahead of that awful 2015 film starring Rupert Friend.

The gameplay is also up to scratch, although long-time fans might be disappointed by the game’s linearity at points, and tendency towards action rather than stealth. This is highlighted by the fact that Agent 47 has a special ability that allows him to freeze time and tag multiple enemies to shoot quickly. Although there are also some superb stealth segments such as one set in a train station, and others like a Chicago strip club where you have multiple ways to kill the target. All in all, this is a Hitman game with superb production values and gameplay to match.

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