Agent 47 is back.

Hitman: Absolution is an action game where you play a contract killer, Agent 47. A game mainly about stealth, it’s violent but requires much more thought and patience than most blockbuster games.

The basic structure of Hitman is you are given a contract, and you have check out the scene, find your target, and decide how to take them out.

It’s been six years since the last Hitman game, and games have changed considerably in the meantime. Don’t worry though, Hitman: Absolution isn’t stuck in the past. It looks great, the crowd scenes are some of the best we’ve ever seen, and is accompanied by an excellent soundtrack. A smooth cover system has been added, which makes creeping around feel much more natural, and shootouts a fairer fight.

There are some things that could have been improved – stealing clothes from bodies is poorly animated, for example. You’ll spend a lot of time hiding and searching for safe routes out of places, and somehow it’s not as fun as in this year’s Dishonored.

Hitman: Absolution is more accessible than its predecessors. The difficulty settings mean more casual gamers will be able to enjoy it, while harder settings will satisfy people who want a challenge.

Contract mode is a great new development. This allows you to choose a level and weapons, and define the targets for you and other players too. You play through the level, ‘designing’ with your actions. Once you’re done, other people will be able to play your Contract. This social aspect should give Hitman: Absolution a long life, assuming enough fans keep making new contracts.

2012 is a great year for would be assassin’s. With Dishonored, Assassin’s Creed 3 and now Hitman: Absolution, there is excellent choice!

Hitman: Absolution is a worthy entry in the series. It’s tense, violent and atmospheric, and offers excellent replay value with its Contracts mode.