The stealth game genre is full of unique experiences, from action-stealth games like Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain to the slick and accessible stealth of Hitman: World Of Assassination, modern stealth game fans are spoiled for choice. However, some players may be nostalgic for the old ways of the stealth game genre, with the design of games such as Splinter Cell and Thief: The Dark Project being distant memories.
Best Sandbox Stealth Games
Enter into a sandbox of creativity, where players are able to challenge themselves and test out their stealth skills on unsuspecting opponents.
This is especially so in the higher-budget scene, where stealth is no longer designed as a challenge, and quality-of-life improvements have overtaken innovation and immersion. Although there's nothing wrong with providing accessible experiences for the general public, the niche of old-school stealth remains largely underserved. Thankfully, many old-school stealth games are still readily available today for both existing fans and curious newcomers to enjoy.
6 Gloomwood
A Modern Stealth Game With Old-School Influences
Gloomwood
Gloomwood is a modern game, having been released i n Early Access on Steam in 2022. However, as with many games published by New Blood Interactive (such as DUSK and ULTRAKILL), Gloomwood is a distinctively old-school experience that takes inspiration from the classics.
Gloomwood features a low-poly, old-school aesthetic and gameplay that takes inspiration from staples of the stealth game genre such as Thief: The Dark Project. Despite its old-school influences, however, Gloomwood manages to feel fresh thanks to its survival-horror elements and richly detailed open levels.
5 Deus Ex
A Stealth-Focused Immersive Sim
Deus Ex
- Released
- June 23, 2000
- Developer(s)
- Ion Storm
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 2, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, FPS, Stealth
This classic, stealth-focused immersive sim puts players in the dystopian future of 2052 and tasks players with making their way through a series of sandbox-style missions. Players will need to solve problems by making creative use of a diverse set of tools, and although there are frequently many ways to go about each mission, Deus Ex consistently encourages and rewards stealth.
Every Deus Ex Game, Ranked
One of the best sci-fi games to exist, the Deus Ex series is one that everyone should play, but which game takes the crown for the best?
There have been a variety of sequels to Deus Ex, but the original remains a treasured old-school stealth experience. Deus Ex is also an incredibly unique game, even today, thanks to its well-told story and elements of the cyberpunk genre.
4 Metal Gear Solid
A Tried-And-True Stealth Classic
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear is an iconic franchise among stealth gamers — it's practically synonymous with the genre. Although later entries in the series, especially the later Metal Gear Solid games, take a more action-oriented approach to their design, the original Metal Gear Solid managed to stay true to its stealth game roots while carefully blending in elements of action.
For fans of 3D stealth games looking for a nostalgic experience, Metal Gear Solid is a tried-and-true classic that's managed to hold up well to this day. Thankfully, unlike many games from its era, Metal Gear Solid is still readily available today and can be played through GOG and/or Steam.
3 Hitman: Blood Money
Old-School Stealth In Hitman's Iconic Sandboxes
Hitman: Blood Money
- Released
- May 30, 2006
- Developer(s)
- IO Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Stealth
Perhaps one of the best Hitman games — especially among the earlier entries in the iconic series — Hitman: Blood Money was released in 2006 and brought the Hitman formula to new heights. While violence is inherent to Hitman's gameplay, its unique blend of sandbox and stealth gameplay is decidedly old-school. Players can expect to do plenty of sneaking around guards, avoiding restricted areas, and hiding bodies.
For fans of modern Hitman games that have yet to experience the older entries in the series, Hitman: Blood Money is arguably the best of both worlds. As with many Hitman titles, Hitman: Blood Money is incredibly easy to learn, making it one of the most accessible old-school stealth games still readily available.
2 Thief: The Dark Project
A Pioneer Of The Immersive Sim And Stealth Genres
Thief: The Dark Project
Hailed as one of the first immersive sims and a pioneer of the stealth genre, Thief: The Dark Project is a first-person adventure that's massively focused on stealth. Thief: The Dark Project was released back in 1998, and though it's had its fair share of sequels, it could be argued that none are as decidedly old-school as this 90s classic.
Being a 3D game released in the late 90s, Thief: The Dark Project's visuals have aged quite a bit. However, thanks to excellent lighting and creative art direction, along with expert level design, each of its environments manages to still feel incredibly immersive. Players used to more modern experiences may suffer with Thief: The Dark Project's somewhat clunky user-interface and stiff animations, but its innovative light and sound mechanics make it a worthwhile old-school stealth game.
1 Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
A Cornerstone Of The Stealth Genre And The Peak Of Splinter Cell
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
- Released
- March 28, 2005
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Annecy
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube, PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Stealth, Action
Splinter Cell is a cornerstone in the stealth game genre, with its protagonist, Sam Fisher, being an iconic and immediately recognizable character. While the original 2002 game, simply titled Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, is certainly a memorable experience, it could be argued that the series peaked with its third game in 2005, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory.
The first three games in the Splinter Cell franchise are arguably among the best, especially for fans of old-school stealth, as they prioritized hardcore stealth gameplay over fast-paced action. While it's great that more action-packed stealth games are providing more accessible experiences for newcomers to the genre, it's a shame that the magic of games such as Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory has become less popular over the years.
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