Stealth games have always exerted a unique fascination with players, offering a challenging and exciting experience in demanding skill, strategy and, of course, patience to overcome the shy challenges presented. In this list, we will explore the 10 best stealth games of all time, according to expert critics.
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It is worth remembering that the list was set up using aggregators like the Metacriticwho use reviews from experts in the field, which does not necessarily mean that one game is actually better than the other, and may also be something subjective from each player.
The 10 Best Stealth Games
10. Syphon Filter (1999) – Note: 90
In Syphon Filter, players assume the role of Gabe Logan, a secret agent who works for a government agency in charge of protecting the United States from terrorist threats. His mission is to prevent a terrorist group from launching a deadly virus while he faces betrayals and conspiracies within his own organization. With his exciting narrative and exciting gameplay, the game has won a prominent place among the best Stealth games.
9. Thief: The Dark Project (1998) – Note: 92
Thief: The Dark Project ”plays players in the role of Garrett, a thief master who is in the middle of a war faction war in a dark steampunk city. As he seeks to accumulate riches and unravel old secrets, Garrett is involved in a plot that threatens the balance of power in the city. With its atmospheric environment and innovative gameplay, the game is a Stealth classic.
8. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell (2002) – Note: 93
In the game that started the series, the players are introduced to Sam Fisher, a former Navy Seals agent who now works as a secret agent for Third Echelon. Its first mission is to investigate the disappearance of two American agents in Georgia, who are linked to a local dictator. With his realistic approach and tense atmosphere, “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell” has established the standard for future franchise games.
7. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (2004) – Note: 93
In “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow,” Sam Fisher is sent to investigate a series of terrorist attacks that threaten global stability. The story takes players to exotic places around the world as they work to unravel an international conspiracy. With its tactical gameplay and engaging narrative, the game is one of the highlights of the Splinter Cell series.
6. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (2005) – Note: 94
In “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory,” players once again take on the role of Sam Fisher, a secret Third Echelon agent, on a mission to hold a series of global terrorist attacks. With a plot full of political intrigue and dark conspiracies, the game offers an immersive experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The game that began everything, “Metal Gear Solid” follows Solid Snake on his mission to stop the terrorist group Foxhound, who took control of a nuclear installation. With innovative gameplay and film narrative, the game defined the standards for the Stealth genre and established a solid base for the future entrances of the series.
In “Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsystem,” players assume the role of Naked Snake, also known as Big Boss, on a mission to rescue a Russian scientist during the Cold War. Situated in the Jungle of the Soviet Union, the game has a variety of challenging environments and cunning enemies. The story plunges deep into the psychology of the characters and the complexities of the war, offering an engaging experience from beginning to end, which gives this the title of one of the best Stealth games ever released.
In “Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots,” players again control Solid Snake in their last mission to stop the private military group known as Sons of the Patriots. Situated in a dystopian future where war is controlled by nanomquins, the game presents a complex narrative that ties all loose strands in the series. With exciting moments and surprising twists, it is a decent conclusion for the Solid Snake saga.
“Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain” is one of the best stealth games ever and follows the story of Big Boss, also known as Venom Snake, in his search for revenge against those who betrayed him. Set in an open massive world, the game offers players a nonlinear gameplay experience, allowing them to address missions in different ways and freely explore the environment. The story is full of exciting twists, complex characters and deep themes, becoming one of the most acclaimed entries in the series.
In “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty,” players take on Raiden’s role, a new protagonist who is sent to infiltrate a maritime installation known as Big Shell. Its mission is to rescue the president of the United States, who was taken hostage by a terrorist group known as Sons of Liberty. However, as the plot unfolds, Raiden is involved in an intricate conspiracy involving artificial intelligence, information manipulation and identity, being widely considered the best stealth game ever released.
In conclusion, Stealth games continue to captivate players with their unique and challenging approach to gameplay. With engaging narratives, refined mechanics and immersive environments, the titles of this list are true masterpieces that deserve to be explored by all fans of the genre.