These days the gaming industry is more focused towards creating fast-paced action-packed RPGs or shooters. But a decade ago, when life was relatively slower, Stealth games were all the rage. Stealth games required players to consider their every move carefully, instead of just jumping onto the battlefield, and though it might not sound as fun, the satisfaction of completing a stealth mission was on a whole other level.
Over the years there have been many notable franchises that tried to mess around with stealth mechanics. Some delivered masterpieces like Asobo Studio's A Plague Tale games and IO Interactive's Hitman series, while others made the inclusion of stealth feel unnecessary. Nonetheless, It is great to see that even in 2022 stealth games are still around, but back in 2012, they were even more popular. Here is a look at the five best stealth games from 2012 that are now officially a decade old.
5 Hitman Absolution
Developed by IO Interactive, Hitman Absolution was the fifth entry in the Hitman saga and a direct sequel to 2006's Hitman: Blood Money. This game, like the previous titles, was heavily stealth-based but was more accessible to new players.Hitman Absolution met a mixed reception where some praised it for its visuals, while others criticized it for its linear gameplay. The story followed Agent 47 on a quest to save a genetically engineered teenage girl from various criminal organizations.
Hitman Absolution was a third-person stealth game where players were required to complete a set of objectives in each level, which ranged from reaching a certain location to killing targets. Players were free to choose whichever method suited them to complete the objectives. They could use a variety of weapons if they wanted to charge straight into action, such as pistols, bricks, pipes, shotguns, and rifles, etc., or take the stealth route and advance unnoticed by wearing disguises and blending in with the environment. Hitman Absolution retained a score of 83 on Metacritic for the PlayStation 3.
4 Assassin's Creed III
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Assassin's Creed III was the fifth major game in the Assassin's Creed franchise. Unlike the recent Assassin's Creed games, Assassin's Creed III had a heavy focus on stealth mechanics, which the franchise has always been known for. The main story of the game was set in the 18th Century and presented a fictitious depiction of real-world events revolving around the American Revolution from 1760 to 1783. The main game followed the ancestor of the series protagonist Desmond Miles, named Conner as he fought the Templars attempting to take control of the colonies.
Assassin's Creed III was an open-world game that was played from a third-person perspective with a heavy emphasis on the playable character's combat and stealth abilities. Players were free to explore the world and face enemies head-on or use the surrounding environment for landing stealth kills. After a silent kill players could hide the bodies of the dead and continue playing undetected. Assassin's Creed III retained a score of 85 on Metacritic for the PlayStation 3.
3 Far Cry 3
Developed by Ubisoft, Far Cry 3 was the third installment in the popular Far Cry franchise and took the series to new heights. The game was a first-person shooter with a mix of stealth and RPG elements like a skill tree and experience points. The plot saw protagonist Jason Brody on vacation with his friends in Bangkok, Thailand, where a skydiving trip went south, which resulted in the group landing on the pirate-controlled Rook Islands, where they are then captured by pirates. Jason manages to escape and then has to figure out a way to save his friends.
Players had the ability to engage in a frontal assault with enemies using firearms including rifles, grenade launchers, rocket launchers, and explosives, or utilize stealth to avoid drawing attention from the enemies. Players could scout enemy posts and mark enemy locations and then take them down one at a time with silenced weapons, before they could get a chance to trigger an alarm. Fire Cry 3 met an incredible reception and was praised for its fun open world and engaging combat. The game retained a score of 91 on Metacritic for Xbox 360.
2 Mark of the Ninja
Developed by Klei Entertainment, Mark of the Ninja was a side-scrolling action stealth game that received critical acclaim for its gameplay. The game followed a nameless ninja and presented a conflict between the traditional ninja way and modern technology. The in-game cutscenes were animated in a charming cartoony style which made them stand out. The Game was praised for its visuals, audio, story, and most importantly its stealth-centered core gameplay.
Mark of the Ninja consisted of 2D platforming where players had to advance through undetected and make silent kills. The levels were divided into light and dark areas which players could use to their advantage. Another aspect of the gameplay included a line-of-sight mechanic which meant that enemies invisible to the character were also invisible to players. Running away could also give away the player's location. Overall, Mark of the Ninja was and still is one of the best stealth-centered video games. It retained a score of 91 on Metacritic for PC.
1 Dishonored
Developed by Arkane Studios, Dishonored was an action-adventure stealth game that heavily utilized stealth as a part of its core gameplay. The game was set in a fictional plague-ridden industrial city called Dunwall and starred Corvo Attano, who gets framed for the murder of the Empress of the Isles. Corvo is then forced to become an assassin and goes on a quest to take revenge on those who framed him.
Dishonored put players into a first-person perspective and emphasized on using stealth-based action, gadgets, and the environment to assassinate enemies. Dishonored also features some RPG elements like the ability to upgrade powers and make choices. Players could end the entire game without killing even a single NPC if they wished to. They could also use sounds and shadows to their advantage. The game met an incredible reception from fans and critics alike and was praised for its gameplay. Dishonored retained a score of 91 on Metacritic for PC.