Influential Stealth Games Worth Playing Just For Their Importance To The Genre

Key Takeaways

Stealth mechanics invented in classic games like Thief: The Dark Project influenced future games in significant ways.
Alien: Isolation’s advanced AI created an intense stealth experience that remains challenging even when replayed years later.
Metal Gear Solid revolutionized storytelling and gameplay in the gaming industry, setting a new standard for cinematic quality.

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours navigating the digital shadows and infiltrating enemy strongholds, I can confidently say that some of the most thrilling moments in gaming history have been provided by these stealth masterpieces. From the iconic super-spy Sam Fisher in Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell to the enigmatic Garrett of Thief: The Dark Project, these characters have left an indelible mark on my gaming journey.

Stealth has been integral and remains so in games like “Star Wars Outlaws,” which draws influence from numerous classic games. Nowadays, stealth is just as prevalent as action-focused games across various genres, including horror and sci-fi. It borrows elements from many games that have endured over the years.

Some video games have creatively implemented stealth mechanics, influencing many subsequent games. This influence can be seen in various aspects such as character movement techniques, camouflaging players within the environment, and AI behavior of non-player characters (NPCs). These innovations have significantly shaped the way future games approach or execute certain ideas.

As a stealth enthusiast, I’m always open to exploring games that don’t strictly fall under the stealth genre but still heavily emphasize stealth mechanics as a key gameplay element.

10 Return To Castle Wolfenstein

The Title Aptly Describes A Game That Harks The Original

In many Wolfenstein games, players can choose between running and gunning down Nazis or opting for a stealthier approach. Return to Castle Wolfenstein, however, specifically emphasized the stealth aspect, harkening back to the original game for the Commodore 64. This was achieved by incorporating lean functions and allowing players to sneak through castles and fortresses, making the title a fitting choice.

In the game “Return To Castle Wolfenstein,” players encounter both action-packed and stealth-focused sections set in World War II. The protagonist, B.J. Blaskowicz, isn’t a super soldier, so he often finds himself creeping and crawling through enemy lines to complete missions. Despite being released in 2001, the game is remembered for its challenging yet entertaining gameplay.

9 Alien: Isolation

The AI Of The Xenomorph Makes Stealth The Ultimate Challenge

Despite Alien: Isolation not being the initial stealth horror game, it stood out significantly thanks to its terrifying titular adversary, the Xenomorph. What sets this creature apart is that the developers, Creative Assembly, implemented sophisticated artificial intelligence. This AI allows the Xenomorph to adapt as the player progresses, becoming more intelligent and skilled at predicting the players’ strategies, making it even more terrifying.

Ten years on, playing Alien: Isolation still doesn’t get easier, even on my fifth or sixth playthrough. The tension of sneaking through Sevastopol Station is as palpable now as it was in 2014. Being a faithful sequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic Alien film, any horror enthusiast should experience the terrifying world of Alien: Isolation for themselves.

8 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six

An Authentic Squad-Based Tactical Shooter

Developer: Red Storm Entertainment, Rebellion Developments
Released: August 21, 1998
Genre: Tactical first-person shooter

The initial version of “Rainbow Six” was distinct from fast-paced first-person shooters like “Call of Duty,” as the player needed to strategize the entire team’s path in each level. Novice players soon discovered that “Rainbow Six” wasn’t a game you could just pick up and master; instead, it demanded patience and multiple attempts to fully grasp every corner of the map and enemy positions.

The original version of “Rainbow Six” plays at a much slower speed compared to modern titles like “Rainbow Six: Vegas” or “Rainbow Six: Siege.” These newer games offer a blend of strategy with fast-paced action, which is quite different from the original’s focus on tactics. However, it’s worth noting where these dynamic changes in gameplay stemmed from and how much the series has evolved over time.

7 Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman’s Predator Gameplay Was A Major Focus Of The First Game

Beyond its status as a seminal superhero game, Batman: Arkham Asylum significantly influenced stealth-based gameplay. During your exploration on Arkham Island, Batman isn’t an invincible war machine, but rather a tactically astute individual who depends on his strategies and tools to endure. This necessitates the use of cover, strategic positions, and navigating through vents to eliminate Joker’s henchmen systematically.

In Batman: Arkham Asylum, players experienced the Freeflow Combat system that was later to be a series staple. However, subsequent games in the franchise moved away from emphasizing stealth, while this initial game highlighted Predator sequences as a significant narrative element. This meant players had to think on their feet and adapt Batman’s moves tactically, especially since thugs would modify their tactics and mindsets during encounters, requiring creative problem-solving.

6 Assassin’s Creed 2

Improved From The First Game In Nearly Every Way

Although there might be arguments supporting the initial release of Assassin’s Creed, it has shown signs of aging due to being the inaugural title in a series with numerous sequels. Conversely, Assassin’s Creed 2 is considered a cornerstone within the franchise, as it introduced elements like the parkour system and stealth assassinations that have been integral to subsequent games.

Regardless of how diverse the Assassin’s Creed series ventured, the essence of Assassin’s Creed 2 consistently remained, with the character Ezio being particularly susceptible to death, necessitating players to minimize combat encounters. Instead, they should rely on distractions, crowds, and concealment spots to elude adversaries.

5 Hitman: Codename 47

Agent 47 Debuted In A Very Realistic Assassin Simulator

In contrast to many stealth games that are exaggerated and don’t emphasize realism, the Hitman franchise challenges players to think like a contemporary assassin in a genuine manner. Whether it’s the original Hitman: Codename 47 or the reboot, this series penalizes players for overlooking details when undertaking missions, navigating through crowds, and executing targets.

In the Hitman: Codename 47 series, non-player characters (NPCs) can uncover Agent 47’s identity if the player neglects key actions such as concealing bodies effectively, donning appropriate disguises, or maintaining a suitable pace. The Hitman games would eventually set the standard for stealth titles, influencing games like Assassin’s Creed to some degree.

4 Deus Ex

The Original Walked So The Reboot Games Could Run

Although the reboot series of Deus Ex is better known these days, it’s important to remember that the franchise originated with the 2000 game, which laid the foundation for the 2013 title. This initial game offered an engaging RPG storyline where players took on the role of a superpowered cyborg named J.C. Denton, and it placed significant emphasis on rewarding players who chose the stealthy, optional approach.

Much like the game Hitman, Deus Ex boasts intelligent adversaries that can detect player errors. Therefore, it is advisable to plan actions meticulously, making use of a variety of tools and strategic maneuvers to avoid detection. This also involves moving the bodies of defeated enemies discreetly, as well as hacking into devices when necessary.

3 Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell

Makes Gamers Truly Feel Like Super Spies

Under the voice of Michael Ironside as Sam Fisher, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, initially conceptualized as a James Bond-style game, stirred up the gaming community with its sleek and pulse-pounding secret agent gameplay mechanics, eventually leading to another blockbuster franchise for UbiSoft.

In contrast to official James Bond games, Splinter Cell always provided players an authentic spy experience. Playing as Sam Fisher, you rely on stealth, advanced equipment, and strategic patience to excel. This, combined with a gripping espionage plot, has made the game so iconic that fans eagerly await the release of its upcoming remake.

2 Metal Gear Solid

Hideo Kojima Made It Like An Espionage Movie

One of Hideo Kojima’s seminal video games, Metal Gear Solid, significantly advanced and refined concepts initially explored on the NES, becoming a classic for the PlayStation 1. At that time, few games could rival the cinematic impact of Metal Gear Solid, whether it was the captivating cutscenes or the clever camera angles as Snake navigated through various environments.

In numerous aspects, the game “Metal Gear Solid” revolutionized the gaming world, making significant impacts on both storytelling and gameplay elements. The creator Hideo Kojima became almost synonymous with this series, consistently enhancing its quality as each new edition was released. One particularly acclaimed title is “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater”, often hailed as the finest in the franchise.

1 Thief: The Dark Project

Invented Many Common Stealth Mechanics

Games primarily focusing on stealth often have a more linear design. However, Thief: The Dark Project stood out by incorporating a quasi-open level structure, which enabled players to explore and experiment with strategies to complete missions. Moreover, it was one of the pioneers in using shadows as a stealth tool, enabling the protagonist, Garrett, to conceal himself from guards and adversaries.

In terms of story, gameplay mechanics, and character animations, “Thief: The Dark Project” was so advanced for its era that many subsequent stealth games such as “Assassin’s Creed,” “Hitman,” and “Splinter Cell” drew inspiration from what Thief had initially laid out as a framework. With several sequels and a remake, it’s safe to say that Thief holds a significant place in the history of stealth games.

2024-09-18 03:35