While sneaking around our games library, we had an idea to prepare a catalog of the best stealth games, so that fans of the irresistible genre have a proper checklist to cross titles off. The beautiful thing about the stealth genre is the inexplicable amount of satisfaction you gain by doing everything right while constantly staying away from everyone’s eyesight. Hiding, use of distractions, sneaking up on enemies from behind, avoiding of noise, spying, eavesdropping and other such elements have their own special pleasures associated with them, which only fans of the genre will know. If you’re one such fan looking for stealthy games to donate your time and money towards, here’s the list.
1 – Thief: Deadly Shadows
Thief: Deadly Shadows is quite old an offering, but it is by no means an outdated one. This third entry to the much loved series carries forward its legacy by rendering some utterly enjoyable gameplay.
You are once again thrust into the sneaky shoes of Garrett, and asked to traverse the beautifully crafted fictional setting of the game while making as less noise and alerting as little number of enemies as possible. This title is available for PC and Xbox.
2 – Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City marked a highpoint for the series when it came out in 2011, since it took all the awesome stuff from its predecessor and perfected it by introducing a number of other fantastic aspects. Since it’s Batman, stealth forms a big part of this game.
You are presented with all kinds of different gadgets which can be used for solving crucial mysteries that take the story forward. Speaking of that, the narrative of this PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Mac and PC game is indeed quite a hooking one, and is fraught with a number of different villains from the DC Universe.
3 – Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Following criticism regarding series’ slow drift away from stealth history, Ubisoft decided to make Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag yet another memorable title for stealth fans. Set in the year 1715, it revolves around the pirates who ruled the Caribbean waters during that era.
Trademark assassinations from the series have been incorporated beautifully into this game’s landscape which contains grand naval battles, harpooning, underwater diving and a lot more. Available for the PS3 and Xbox 36o, it’s also slated to be released for the Wii U, PS4, Xbox One and PC soon.
4 – Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
The genius that’s in all MGS games was amplified even further through Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots which was launched back in 2008 for the PS3.
Providing you with an incredible blend of stealth, close quarters combat and traditional Metal Gear combat, it adds a large number of small but effective elements which never fail to get you totally involved in the game. Add to that the trademark MGS flavor and a well paced story, and MGS4 becomes an irresistible offering.
5 – The Last of Us
A dazzling contender for all GotY awards this year, The Last of Us set new benchmarks for effective storytelling through video games. The tale of two survivors trying to escape the grave consequences of a strange fungal infection is told in such a poignant manner that at the end of it, you’re left staggered to say the least.
The Last of Us is cinematic brilliance, and its gameplay too is perfect. The intelligent AI which has been granted to the enemies only makes its dynamic stealth elements all the more interesting. This game too is a PS3-exclusive.
6 – Hitman: Absolution
Hitman: Absolution was one of the finest games that came out last year. Staying true to the series’ roots, it gave fans a wholly challenging assassination experience, while also incorporating a gripping story.
The game is largely open-ended and allows you to choose from a number of different ways in which you can kill your targets, thus also encouraging re-playability. It can be bought for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.
7 – Dishonored
Developed by Arkane Studios, Dishonored lets you assume the role of a supernatural assassin named Corvo, who is wrongly accused of killing an empress.
Set in the beautifully imagined plague-ridden industrial city of Dunwall, this game presents you with great liberty to choose whether you wish to tackle your missions stealthily or with combat, or with a combination of both. Available for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, Dishonored deserves plaudits for its open-ended gameplay.
8 – Far Cry 3
At its core, Far Cry 3 might be a first-person shooter, but Ubisoft has blessed the game with so much versatility that it’s a lot of things at once. It’s a well made hunting simulator, while it’s even a great psychological thriller at the same time. Stealth is yet another such aspect of Far Cry 3 that blends seamlessly with its overall gameplay.
You can indulge in your missions either by going all guns blazing or by completing your job without anyone even noticing. And some really intriguing situations are made possible by the addition of this title’s stealth mechanics.
9 – Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a cyberpunk-themed action-RPG which is out now for a variety of modern platforms, equipped with some truly unique experiences. This game allows you to take a very open-ended approach towards how you want to play it.
Stealth is just one of the four approaches you can take in going about your job, allowing you to level up and earn more skills in them.
10 – Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist
The latest addition to the much revered series, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist introduced a number of new and polished gameplay mechanics which enhanced its stealth appeal.
Apart from its enjoyable campaign, it even contains a multiplayer mode. The game can be bought now for the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC.
Conclusion:
These are certainly some of the best stealth games you can lay your hands on right now. There are chances that we might have missed out on some, and in that case, you can surely submit their names here so that others can take notice.