Hitman 5 - Absolution (PC)

Developed by IO Interactive and published by Square Enix, the popular Hitman franchise enters its fifth version with Hitman: Absolution planned to be released some time in 2012.  Running on the Glacier 2 gaming engine for the Windows, PS3 and Xbox 360, the single player stealth game blends classic Hitman mechanics that have endeared it to a loyal fan base with modern gameplay features. Plans have been afoot as early as 2007 to get the Hitman franchise going but it was not until May 2009 when Eidos confirmed the new iteration was under development.  2009 also saw some plotline details getting public.  We learn that the story would take Agent 47 to such a low point that he would need to rebuild himself.

On 20 April, Square Enix registered the HiHitman trademark for the fifth Hitman: Absolution for its European market.  This prompted online game sites to speculate about the new game’s moniker Absolution.  Then the following month saw the official release of a teaser trailer confirming the title. It has been reported Hitman: Absolution will be "familiar and yet significantly different experience from other Hitman games." And on 9 October, Square Enix released a full trailer titled "Run for Your Life".

That someone else other than David Bateson will be voicing Agent 47 has been confirmed.  Martha Thomason will replace Vivienne McKee to voice Agent 47?s handler, Diana. The game’s antagonist is a new character revealed as Blake Dexter who will be voiced by veteran actor Keith Carradine. Part of the game is set in Chicago but no word on what other cities or countries are involved for the rest of the game.  Peter Peter and Peter Kyed will compose the game’s soundtrack in lieu of Jesper Kyd, the previous composer of the series.  Unlike the early games, Hitman: Absolution is expected to feature either an online or multiplayer option.