Top 7 Stealth Games with Brutal Melee Combat

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Summary

  • Some stealth games offer thrilling melee combat experiences for gamers to enjoy.
  • Assassin’s Creed Mirage adopts a divisive combat style inspired by Soulsborne games.
  • Hitman 3 showcases brutal, intense melee combat that is unforgiving and ruthless.

Stealth games thrive on operating covertly. Getting caught out in the open usually leads to trouble, sometimes even a game-ending one. However, certain titles allow for resolving such situations through traditional hand-to-hand combat.

It’s thrilling to take down intrusive opponents who catch sight of the player and then swiftly escaping, creating a remarkable path of defeated adversaries. Regrettably, some stealth games avoid this situation so much that they transform combat into a monotonous task. However, there are instances where such stealth games offer players engaging hand-to-hand combat scenarios when stealth proves ineffective.

7. Manhunt

A Frightening Stealth Title That Incorporates PS2-Era GTA Fighting Mechanics

Ah, the game titled “Manhunt“. This title has managed to maintain its notoriety since its debut in 2003, frequently associated with video game controversy. Despite its infamous reputation, there’s a peculiar pleasure in assuming the role of a murderous death row inmate, guided by a deranged Brian Cox via your earphones.

Although the fighting itself isn’t particularly noteworthy, reminiscent of combat mechanics from Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto on PlayStation 2, it doesn’t detract from its excessive violence or, most significantly, its mindless enjoyment.

Or:

The fight sequences themselves aren’t anything special, taking inspiration from the fighting mechanics in Rockstar’s older version of Grand Theft Auto for PlayStation 2, but this doesn’t make it any less violent or, more importantly, any less enjoyable.

6. Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Features Back-To-Basics Melee Combat That Fans Of The Series Know And Love

It’s not surprising that “Assassin’s Creed,” being the most renowned franchise in the stealth game genre, would be included in a list of stealth games with exceptional melee combat. Following its detour into action RPG territory, Ubisoft chose to return to the roots of Assassin’s Creed with “Assassin’s Creed Mirage,” a tribute to the series’ focus on stealth.

This game offers more parkour, additional hay bales, and less tedious open-world tasks, which some players appreciated. However, the combat didn’t entirely revert to its original style. Instead, it borrowed elements from the Soulsborne series, emphasizing swift Sekiro-like reflexes and vibrant visual hints indicating an incoming hit. This leads to a contentious fight experience that keeps gamers constantly alert.

5. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Aggressive Stealth That Is Both Crunchy And Fluid

As a dedicated Splinter Cell fan, I must admit that the latest game didn’t quite scale the heights of Chaos Theory, but it certainly was a satisfying addition to the series we’ve longed for. Ubisoft Toronto maintained the “aggressive stealth” style while subtly incorporating more traditional sneaking elements, which felt like a delightful nod to old-school fans.

Players return as Sam Fisher, the master of stealth’s guise, once more. The stages, goals, and unsuspecting adversaries can be tackled according to players’ preferences – whether it’s a charge-and-shoot approach or a wait-and-strike tactic. The smooth, satisfying melee combat stood out, with a significant portion of the credit going to Kevin Secours, the game’s combat advisor and primary stunt performer.

4. Dishonored

Surprisingly Satisfying Swordplay For A First-Person Series

As a fan, I can tell you that the Dishonored series encourages players to remain unnoticed and avoid confrontations if possible. However, it’s always an option to dash towards an unsuspecting foe with a knife in hand. In tense situations, guns like pistols or crossbows might seem appealing, but the true joy comes from mastering the game’s intricate swordplay mechanics.

remarkably complex for a single-player game, the melee system offers a variety of moves including slides, cuts, thrusts, blocks, and parries. Learning to time sword blocks effectively gives players an edge in combat by leaving enemies disoriented, providing opportunities to deliver the final blow or, as seen in Dishonored 2, knock them out cold for use as temporary shields or to render them unconscious.

3. Hitman 3

Offers Brilliantly Brutal Punches, Takedowns, And Executions

Hitman 3 unquestionably earns the label as the most merciless game combining stealth elements and intense melee battles. Anyone who encounters Agent 47 has no hope of redemption. Though the gunplay is flawlessly delivered, attacking an unsuspecting foe with a ferocious axe is enough to make even veterans flinch. The hand-to-hand combat is ruthless indeed, featuring crushing blows to the body and powerful knockouts.

In the third part of the “World of Assassination” series, the game “Hitman” boldly delivers on its title’s meaning by packing a punch. Not only is it widely recognized as one of the top stealth games ever made, but its combat proves to be more intense than most players anticipated.

2. Batman: Arkham Knight

Allows Players To Take On Mobs Of Enemies With Glorious Free-Flowing Combat

The Batman: Arkham series significantly transformed the way superhero video games were perceived. They’ve earned praise with phrases such as “This game lets you experience being [INSERT SUPERHERO HERE].” However, what is frequently underestimated is that these games are fundamentally built around stealth mechanics. Given that Batman is an expert in combat from the shadows, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.

In certain situations, gamers find themselves surrounded by hordes of adversaries ready to attack the Caped Crusader dressed as a bat. To alleviate this, Rocksteady Studios introduced the revolutionary “Freeflow Combat” system. Unlike previous encounters where enemies would take turns, they now rush in all at once. This change empowers Batman to move swiftly from enemy to enemy, resembling an angry pinball with fists, providing a delightful and dynamic combat experience.

1. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Implements Complex Fighting Mechanics That Deserve Their Own Game

Kojima truly surpassed expectations with “Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain.” He managed to make it even more complex and humorous, which contributes to its status as one of the top PS4 games. However, what really sets it apart is the comeback of the series’ amazing and in-game named CQC (Close Quarters Combat). This melee system is so detailed and gratifying that it could have been a game on its own. Snake can execute combos, toss enemies to the ground, link attacks against multiple targets, and swiftly disarm opponents in what seems like mere milliseconds.

Hidden from the public eye, it was none other than the esteemed military strategist Motosada Mori who devised these sophisticated combat methods. Beyond his membership in the International Close Combat Instructors Association, he also served as the personal protector of the Dalai Lama. Who wouldn’t be enticed by a game crafted by such an individual?

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2025-02-13 04:38