Summary
Stealth gameplay is one of the most engrossing experiences a video game can offer. Patience, pattern recognition, and timely choices all under atmosphere-building tension have kept the mechanic alive in video games from 2D iterations to today. RPG games make a tent pole of the entire video game industry. A perfect formula for grand fantasy epics and is synonymous with grand franchises likeFinal Fantasy,Pokémon,Dragon Quest, andPersona.
The XP-building grind and leveling of attributes and characters is the eternal hook of all RPGs that has kept players coming back over the decades. Though what of the games that took the best of both worlds? That blended the best of stealth mechanics with the leveling and skill-building of RPGs. Below are some of the best games to pull off both.
Assassin’s Creedhas been gradually implementing more RPG ingredients into its open-world stealth franchise, withOrigins,Odyssey, andValhallaembracing the former genre quite extensively. However, these games also reduced the importance of stealth, so the shift did come with some notable consequences. While an argument could be made that none of the pre-Originsreleases qualify as role-playing games,Syndicatedeserves a mention as it does a really great job of immersing players in the shoes of its two leads.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicatetook the franchise formula to 19th-century London during the Second Industrial Revolution. This franchise entry would split long-time fans. Many would feel the open-world design, combat, and use of vehicles were only detrimental to the game, yet others would declare the entry a return to form for the franchise as a whole.
WhereSyndicatewould flourish unquestionably was its development anduse of stealth mechanics across the game, and is a franchise high point for stealth gameplay. Other notable elements ofSyndicateinclude the controlling of two lead characters across the campaign and an engrossing yet morbid DLC based around Jack The Ripper.
An indie title released in 2021,Disjunctionis something of alove letter to top-down stealth gamesof previous generations. Set in a dystopian New York City in 2048, Disjunction has the player controlling 3 characters across a cyberpunk landscape. Metal Gear fans are likely to be charmed by the use of codec conversations and the game is complimented by dialogue choices that shape the narrative accordingly. Sneaking likeMetal Gearis the core mechanic of the gameplay and is well implemented, limited ammunition and noise detection keep the player tied to it throughout.
A masterfully used ambient soundtrack and gold, green, and blue color palette make Disjunction a memorable outing, its only real downside is its considerably short length.
A prequel tothe groundbreakingDeux Ex, the long-awaited entryDeux Ex: Human Revolutionbrought the cyberpunk, corporate conspiracy franchise back to the mainstream. Placed in the role of Adam Jensen, the player must investigate an attack on Sarif Industries, Jensen’s employer, and a corporation creating artificial organs. The gameplay takes the player through a signature blend of first-person shooter, action role-playing, and stealth mechanics.
Criticisms of the game would include some lamentable boss battles and lacking enemy AI, however hybrid gameplay and particularly stealth mechanics would be unanimously praised.
Selling over 60 million copies worldwide,The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimhas proven to be Bethesda’s jewel in the crown. This open-world action RPG grants the player innumerable quests across the land of Skyrim with the freedom to follow the main campaign or create one’s path in the first or third person. Regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, the player is put in the role of the Dragonborn who must vanquish Alduin, a dragon destined to destroy the realm. Among the game’s pantheon of gameplay options and aspects is itsstealth, a skill one can level and utilizeacross the game.
Sneak attacks on enemies are among the most satisfying inSkyrimoffering considerable damage multipliers. The stealth available inSkyrimis at its best when purposed for looting and completing quests for the Thieve’s Guild.
A game that took everything that made its first outing memorable and improved on it in every possible way,Dishonored 2scored critical acclaim and Game of the Year awards upon its 2016 release. Following Empress Emily Kaldwin’s overthrow from the throne, the player can take on the role of Emily herself, or her father Corvo Attano in a mission to reclaim it. In an inspired blend of gameplay, the player can level supernatural abilities or neglect them, can play with a stealthy non-lethal approach, or open wanton violence.
Thefictional setting of Karnacais a remarkable blend of Mediterranean inspirations and 19th century technology and the game is one of the best looking for its generation. Among its many highlights is a remarkable voice cast including Pedro Pascal, Rosario Dawson, and Vincent D’Onofrio.
