As a die-hard gamer over the years, I have formed a certain taste in video games. That’s why I’d like to discuss the subject of stealth games.
A quick definition for those less familiar with gaming. Stealth games are all about avoiding being seen by enemies, avoiding combat. That’s quite contrary to modern AAA productions which are action-heavy, loud and proud. Some might wonder why even bother, where’s the fun in sneaking around, why not go in guns blazing? Of course, it’s a 100% subjective choice of mine. But there is a certain charm in the stealthy approach, sneaking just behind enemy forces leaves a rush of adrenaline and a feeling of satisfaction.
There are a few solutions in gameplay when it comes to "stealth" in video games:
Personally I appreciate variety, so I think it’s best when the game let you decide because having to restart the mission every time you alert your enemies might be frustrating. Although staying incognito throughout the whole game is a challenge, many try to undertake it. In games that don’t require perfect stealth this approach is known as “ghosting” and some productions give additional rewards for doing so, for example, even an achievement added to a profile some consider worth fighting for or in this case sneaking for.
Another interesting thing about stealth games is non-lethal approach. Usually you don’t have to kill in order to complete the mission. Even if you’re ordered to take down an enemy, there are other ways of doing so than stabbing or shooting them. Opportunities are countless - stunning, tranquilizing or even more finesse solutions.
Now, let me introduce to you 5 representatives of the genre.
1. Assassin’s Creed
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed is one of the most distinguishable series on my list. The first game dates back to 2008 and up to this day there have been 9 main games published. The story takes us back in history - starting with crusades period in the first one and to the victorian London in the most recent one. The player takes a role of an Assassin - a member of an ancient order sworn to protect the freedom. Although it is considered a stealth production, it offers many action-adventure themes, some might say that even too many - you can just “brute force” the game, getting into every brawl possible.
Another production with quite a long history - the first game was published in 2000. As the title implies, you play as a hitman, Agent 47 to be precise. This game presents a little different type of stealth than Assassin’s Creed because there’s less actual sneaking and more disguising. The game also rewards “sophisticated assassinations”, like, for example, poisoning or faking an accident.
Inspired by Tom Clancy’s books, Splinter Cell is a series of award-winning video games, the first of which was released in 2002. The protagonist, Sam Fisher, is an agent of a fictional black-ops division of the NSA, “Third Echelon”. Obviously since you take part in black-ops, there’s a lot of hiding in the shadows, silent eliminations and such. Additionally a wide arsenal of weapons and gadgets is prepared for your entertainment.
4. Dishonored
This one is the youngest production on my list with its release date in 2012. Dishonored was developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda (people responsible for the famous The Elder Scrolls series). You take on the role of a personal bodyguard, Corvo Attano, who was falsely accused of murdering the empress, the person he was supposed to protect. Your goal is to abolish current government, the people who framed you, and prove your innocence. Depending on whether you do so stealthily or not the ending can be different. Apart from normal weapons, like a sword and sleeping darts, you are also given a kind of supernatural powers, by a god-like entity...
5. Metal Gear
About this series I could write a whole essay since with its long history it can easily be considered one of the precursors of the genre. The first game, Metal Gear, was released in 1987 for MSX2 and the last one, Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain, in 2015 for PC, Playstation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One. The story is complex and hard to understand without playing the game, covering a timeline from 1964 to 2014 (or 2018 in kind of a spin off), but to keep it short in every game you play as a legendary soldier, code-named Snake. Obviously it’s possible to go in guns blazing and with every part of the game the arsenal gets more and more impressive, but stealth definitely pays off.
To sum up, stealth games are still productions full of action-adventure themes, but in a different way that traditional shooters, they might even be harder than shooters and require more tactical thinking. But the most important thing in gaming is enjoying what you do :)
Have you ever tried stealth games or are you a fan of more action-loaded productions? Any faves? If you don’t play videogames at all, what do you think of the genre? Does it appeal to you in any way?
A quick definition for those less familiar with gaming. Stealth games are all about avoiding being seen by enemies, avoiding combat. That’s quite contrary to modern AAA productions which are action-heavy, loud and proud. Some might wonder why even bother, where’s the fun in sneaking around, why not go in guns blazing? Of course, it’s a 100% subjective choice of mine. But there is a certain charm in the stealthy approach, sneaking just behind enemy forces leaves a rush of adrenaline and a feeling of satisfaction.
There are a few solutions in gameplay when it comes to "stealth" in video games:
- stay unnoticed or you’ll fail
- if you alert enemies - hide
- engage in combat
Personally I appreciate variety, so I think it’s best when the game let you decide because having to restart the mission every time you alert your enemies might be frustrating. Although staying incognito throughout the whole game is a challenge, many try to undertake it. In games that don’t require perfect stealth this approach is known as “ghosting” and some productions give additional rewards for doing so, for example, even an achievement added to a profile some consider worth fighting for or in this case sneaking for.
Another interesting thing about stealth games is non-lethal approach. Usually you don’t have to kill in order to complete the mission. Even if you’re ordered to take down an enemy, there are other ways of doing so than stabbing or shooting them. Opportunities are countless - stunning, tranquilizing or even more finesse solutions.
Now, let me introduce to you 5 representatives of the genre.
1. Assassin’s Creed
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed is one of the most distinguishable series on my list. The first game dates back to 2008 and up to this day there have been 9 main games published. The story takes us back in history - starting with crusades period in the first one and to the victorian London in the most recent one. The player takes a role of an Assassin - a member of an ancient order sworn to protect the freedom. Although it is considered a stealth production, it offers many action-adventure themes, some might say that even too many - you can just “brute force” the game, getting into every brawl possible.
Another production with quite a long history - the first game was published in 2000. As the title implies, you play as a hitman, Agent 47 to be precise. This game presents a little different type of stealth than Assassin’s Creed because there’s less actual sneaking and more disguising. The game also rewards “sophisticated assassinations”, like, for example, poisoning or faking an accident.
Inspired by Tom Clancy’s books, Splinter Cell is a series of award-winning video games, the first of which was released in 2002. The protagonist, Sam Fisher, is an agent of a fictional black-ops division of the NSA, “Third Echelon”. Obviously since you take part in black-ops, there’s a lot of hiding in the shadows, silent eliminations and such. Additionally a wide arsenal of weapons and gadgets is prepared for your entertainment.
This one is the youngest production on my list with its release date in 2012. Dishonored was developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda (people responsible for the famous The Elder Scrolls series). You take on the role of a personal bodyguard, Corvo Attano, who was falsely accused of murdering the empress, the person he was supposed to protect. Your goal is to abolish current government, the people who framed you, and prove your innocence. Depending on whether you do so stealthily or not the ending can be different. Apart from normal weapons, like a sword and sleeping darts, you are also given a kind of supernatural powers, by a god-like entity...
Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/wp-content/uploads/multi/2012/04/Dishonored_Tallboys_In_Flooded_District.jpg
About this series I could write a whole essay since with its long history it can easily be considered one of the precursors of the genre. The first game, Metal Gear, was released in 1987 for MSX2 and the last one, Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain, in 2015 for PC, Playstation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One. The story is complex and hard to understand without playing the game, covering a timeline from 1964 to 2014 (or 2018 in kind of a spin off), but to keep it short in every game you play as a legendary soldier, code-named Snake. Obviously it’s possible to go in guns blazing and with every part of the game the arsenal gets more and more impressive, but stealth definitely pays off.
Have you ever tried stealth games or are you a fan of more action-loaded productions? Any faves? If you don’t play videogames at all, what do you think of the genre? Does it appeal to you in any way?
Comments
Fave fun with Dishonored ;) these are some good DLCs - developers should learn from Arkane how to make some worthy additional content.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T2bQU7veCc this is a really cool movie of dishonored very hard highlights
Finally, I'm a huge fan of Dishonored. I absolutely love the setting, story, atmosphere and the art style in general. ♥ I can't wait to play the sequel.
Also I've seen this guy's videos - they're insane :D in a good way of course! Amazing skills...
Oh and the Dishonored sequel... The trailers made so thirsty for the game and now it's all silent... You probably know that we're supposed to be able to play both as Corvo and Emily - I am so curious how it turns out :D
In my opinion one game this list really lacks is Thief: the dark project. It was the first game to use shadows as a mechanic and it was great. Although inclusion of zombies and holy powers was a bit unnecessary.
PS Is Assassin's Creed really considered a stealth game though? It has got some stealth elements, but these are not main mechanics.
Actually yes, Assasin's Creed is mentioned as a stealth game a lot, but I do agree that there's not much stealth left in the production. Nevertheless it's a recognizable title and as they say in the game "We work in the dark to serve the light" ;) You can play it stealthily if you wish, but as I said it's no problem to "brute force" it.
I remember, when I played the Harry Potter game, I hide for avoid some of characters many years ago.
It is the same type of games? Oh sorry, It was a invisibility cloak :P
and Ghost as Terran.
and I think Thief is great game too, You have to be hidden all the time so nobody will notice You, I never played but i watched on steam.
However, I haven't really played stealth games much - from those which you've mentioned, only Assassin's Creed. I may want to change that in the future - to be honest, it never crossed my mind to do that, thanks for inspiration! ;)
As always it depends on othe gamer's tastes and needs at that moment. Some people need to relieve some stress by fighting and killing in-game, some prefer to use logic skills to hide; it's a challenge. It's really awesome that crators offer us such a great variety these days. Everyone can find something that they'll like.
I haven't played WoW or Starcraft but I guess rogue-like classes have something in common with stealth
Anyway I'm glad I gave you some ideas, these are some games really worth checking out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7dVaembmgc