The Hitman series has been a staple of the gaming world for over two decades, providing players with a unique blend of stealth, strategy, and dark humor. With a total of nine main games and several spin-offs, the series has evolved over the years, introducing new mechanics and improving existing ones. In this article, we'll rank the Hitman games from best to worst, taking into account their gameplay, storyline, and overall impact on the series.
The Evolution of Hitman
The Hitman series debuted in 2000 with the release of Hitman: Codename 47. Developed by IO Interactive, the game introduced players to Agent 47, a highly skilled and deadly assassin working for the International Contract Agency (ICA). Since then, the series has seen numerous releases, each building upon the previous game's mechanics and story.
Key Factors in Ranking
When ranking the Hitman games, we considered several key factors:
- Gameplay: How engaging and challenging is the gameplay? Are the levels well-designed, and are the mechanics intuitive?
- Storyline: How compelling is the storyline? Are the characters well-developed, and are the plot twists engaging?
- Impact on the series: How did each game contribute to the evolution of the series? Did it introduce new mechanics or improve existing ones?
Ranking the Hitman Games
Based on these factors, here's our ranking of the Hitman games from best to worst:
- Hitman (2016)
The 2016 reboot of the series is widely considered one of the best games in the franchise. It introduced a new episodic format, with six episodes released over the course of several months. The game's levels are meticulously designed, with multiple paths and strategies for completing objectives. The storyline is also well-developed, with a complex web of characters and plot twists.
- Hitman 2 (2018)
Hitman 2 built upon the success of the 2016 game, introducing new mechanics and levels. The game's storyline is also more personal, with Agent 47 facing off against a mysterious organization known as the Shadow Client. The game's levels are equally impressive, with a greater emphasis on verticality and exploration.
- Blood Money (2006)
Blood Money is often cited as one of the best games in the series. It introduced a new "notoriety" system, which allowed players to earn rewards for completing levels without being detected. The game's storyline is also well-developed, with a complex plot involving corruption and conspiracy.
- Contracts (2013)
Contracts is a spin-off game that allowed players to create and share their own custom levels. The game's mechanics are similar to those of Absolution, but with a greater emphasis on creativity and experimentation.
- Silent Assassin (2002)
Silent Assassin is the second game in the series and introduced several new mechanics, including the ability to disguise oneself as other characters. The game's levels are well-designed, but the storyline is somewhat lacking compared to later games.
- Hitman: Absolution (2012)
Absolution is a divisive game in the series, with some players praising its improved mechanics and others criticizing its more linear level design. The game's storyline is also somewhat lacking, with a greater emphasis on action and spectacle.
- Codename 47 (2000)
The original Hitman game is still enjoyable today, but its mechanics and level design feel somewhat dated compared to later games. The game's storyline is also somewhat simplistic, with a greater emphasis on action and stealth.
- Hitman: Sniper Challenge (2012)
Sniper Challenge is a spin-off game that focuses on the game's sniper mechanics. While enjoyable in short bursts, the game lacks the depth and complexity of the main series.
- Hitman: Go (2014)
Hitman Go is a mobile spin-off game that simplifies the series' mechanics into a more puzzle-oriented experience. While enjoyable, the game lacks the depth and complexity of the main series.
Conclusion
The Hitman series is a beloved and iconic part of the gaming world, with a dedicated fan base and a reputation for providing challenging and engaging gameplay. While opinions may vary, our ranking of the Hitman games from best to worst provides a comprehensive look at the series' evolution and impact.
If you're a fan of the series, we'd love to hear your thoughts on our ranking. Do you agree with our assessment, or do you think we've missed the mark? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the best Hitman game?
+According to our ranking, the best Hitman game is Hitman (2016), followed closely by Hitman 2 (2018) and Blood Money (2006).
What is the worst Hitman game?
+According to our ranking, the worst Hitman game is Hitman: Go (2014), due to its simplified mechanics and lack of depth compared to the main series.
What is the most popular Hitman game?
+According to Steam user reviews and overall sales, Hitman (2016) is the most popular game in the series, followed closely by Hitman 2 (2018).