10 Best Video Games Of 2022 (So Far)

5. Sniper Elite 5

An overlooked masterclass in how to evolve the stealth genre for the modern age, Rebellion's fifth entry in the stellar Sniper Elite franchise takes more than a few risks with its pacing, with every last one totally paying off.

Firstly we've got HUGE Hitman-style levels, filled with endless kill opportunities. Yes, you've got long range sniper kills with Mortal Kombat-aping fatality-cams if you hit the right spot, but Elite's close-quarters kills, gadget use and ability to slink your way through enemy lines is up there with Splinter Cell.

As levels are so ginormous and governed by area-specific pockets of AI, you're free to experiment with a multitude of approaches, adapting on the fly to alerts or being boxed in, only for the all-clear to ring out and things to calm down again. With draw distance completely freed up on newer hardware you can take enemies out from further away than ever, the game's approach to sound masking letting you disguise that perfect headshot behind a sabotaged vehicle backfiring or a well timed explosion.

Combine all this with difficulty settings that can mimic real-world bullet drop, wind resistance and much more, and you have a franchise that's only gotten better with time, finding its own footing as a mix of Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and Rebellion's own approach to long-range combat.