Highlights
- The PS2 era was a golden age for stealth gaming, with groundbreaking mechanics and immersive environments that enhanced the genre's potential.
- Manhunt is a shockingly brutal stealth horror game, with a dark story and intense gameplay that offers a gruesome and memorable experience.
- Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus is a charming, kid-friendly stealth game that combines nimble movement, clever platforming, and a well-paced story to create an engaging experience for players of all ages.
The sixth generation of console gaming proved to be a golden age for the stealth gaming scene throughout the noughties. Popular stealth-based franchises such as Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid were operating at their peak, and the gameplay style in general was popular among players.
The PlayStation 2's powerful hardware made way for groundbreaking mechanics and immersive, detailed environments that enhanced the potential of the stealth genre like never before. From complex level design to intricate camouflage mechanics, stealth gaming exploded both in popularity and development, becoming a staple of action gameplay on the PS2. The PS2 era remains a cherished, highly nostalgic era for many, and the evolution of the stealth style was a key reason and one that left a lasting impact on the genre.
6 Manhunt Is A Shockingly Brutal Piece Of Stealth Horror Gaming
Rockstar's most infamous series first shocked players and critics alike back in 2003 with its ferocious violence and grim, bleak plot. Players take control of James Earl Cash, a death row prisoner thrust into a horrific snuff film network.
Forced to savagely kill his way through several settings, Cash is at the mercy of the mysterious Director. For gamers, this dark story makes way for a slew of grisly stealth killings and gameplay, as the hopelessly outnumbered Cash must quietly pick off his foes one at a time. Using a wide selection of weapons and tricks, the player must think strategically and be mindful of their surroundings throughout this fast-paced, often challenging gorefest. Depraved and intense from start to finish, the polarizing Manhunt might not be for everyone, but for those who can stomach it, it remains one of the grisliest, most memorably intense stealth games ever released.
5 Sly Cooper And The Thievius Raccoonus Is A Charming, Kid-Friendly Stealth Game
Sporting a charming, cel-shaded art style and vibrant, colorful settings, Sly Raccoon is consistently engaging on the visual appeal front. The game follows the adventures of Sly Cooper, a master thief who is piecing together the pages of the titular Thievius Raccoonus book.
For stealth gameplay lovers, this 2002 release's heavy emphasis on nimble movement, sneaky navigation, and clever platforming makes for a surprisingly intense treat in this otherwise good-natured, all-age-appropriate classic. Along with nifty stealth attacks, players collect clues and utilize gadgets in their pursuit of becoming a true master thief. The slick gameplay is further bolstered by a likable cast of characters, witty dialogue, and a neatly paced story. The first entry in the Sly Raccoon series stands the test of time as a sharp piece of stealth gaming thanks to its well-aged mechanics and lighthearted, adventurous tone and style.
4 Tenchu: Wrath Of Heaven Boasts An Exciting Period Setting
Rocking an intriguing feudal Japanese setting, the 2003 entry in the Tenchu series thrusts players into a compelling plot involving evil wizards and three powerful jewels. Sporting an authentic, effective soundtrack, Wrath of Heaven is a fine example of atmospheric stealth gaming.
The game sports a refined set of stealth gameplay mechanics, providing players with a challenging, riveting experience. The action is a blend of suspenseful traits, including movement timing, silent takedowns, and the use of gadgetry to get the dangerous job done. Better still, Wrath of Heaven provides a captivating story to make the gameplay matter, with memorable characters and a diverse array of mission objectives to complete. In the years since its release, this action-adventure title has developed a stellar reputation as the strongest entry in the Tenchu series, with its expansive approach to stealth gameplay being among the key reasons why.
3 Hitman: Blood Money Offers A More Compelling Plot Than Its Predecessors
Agent 47 finds himself in even more danger than usual during this 2006 entry in the series, with shadowy figures looking to harvest his bone marrow. With his full life story in danger of being outed to the public, the smooth-scalped killer has a litany of wringers to go through.
For players, that comes as great news, with the plot setting up all manner of bloodthirsty, action hijinks to enjoy. The plot is incredibly well-crafted and more thoughtful than prior entries, as gamers both take down the rival professional killer agency The Franchise, and learn more about Agent 47's bizarre, chaotic life through the journalistic uncovering of several of his previous assassinations. The intricate level designs and immersive environments bring the dangerous missions on offer here to startling life, hooking players with intense stealth sequences and strategic thinking. Boasting all manner of weaponry, disguises, and tools, Agent 47's stealth-focused violence hit a new peak with this universally acclaimed chapter in the long-running series.
2 Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Is A High-Intensity, Espionage Thrill-Ride
The third game in Tom Clancy's iconic Splinter Cell upped the ante for protagonist Sam Fisher. Thrust into a dangerous computer programming conspiracy, Fisher must stealthily complete a series of dangerous missions in a world where international tensions are at an all-time high.
Compared to the first two entries in the series, Chaos Theory boasts noticeably more slick and immersive stealth gameplay. With refined gaming mechanics, improved AI, and enhanced controls, the game provided players with a cutting-edge stealth experience at the time of its 2005 release. Its meticulously designed levels are rich in detail and suspense, adding to the overall captivating thrills of the thriller's engrossing storyline. Thanks to its supreme attention to detail and neatly polished production value, this classic Splinter Cell installment is an iconic member of the stealth genre.
1 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Takes Players Back To An Earlier Start In The Series
This 2004 entry in the classic series takes players back to before the events of the original game. With a much younger Big Boss at the helm, players are thrust into a '60s set plot revolving around the Cold War.
The game's intricate, camouflage mechanics provide a masterclass in adding depth to stealth gameplay, helping players to blend into a variety of environments and adapt to all manner of intense situations. With dangerous settings chock-full of intelligent AI foes, the game's suspenseful atmosphere is maintained throughout, as players are forced to commit to subtle, strategic thinking to progress further. With a complex, memorable story surrounding the CIA, the USSR, and a litany of top-secret missions, projects, and curious details, Metal Gear Solid 3 remains a seminal classic in the stealth gaming genre to this day.