At first glance, platformers and stealth games can seem like quite different genres. One emphasizes fast movement, precision, and occasionally speed, while the other is built around careful planning and maneuvering. But the two have been shown time and time again to work perfectly together.

Sometimes, the stealth serves to give the platforming some direction, like in the Sly Cooper series. Occasionally, sneaking becomes an additional tool in an otherwise platforming-focused game, as is the case with Master Spy. More rarely, the two genres create a unique mix into something completely new, as if they had invented a new type of game.

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7 Gunpoint

Metacritic Score: 83

• Platform(s): PC
• Released: June 3, 2013
• Developer(s): Suspicious Developments
• Genre(s): Platformer, Stealth

Gunpoint is a clever 2D stealth game with platforming elements. The story centers around a private investigator using wacky sneaky gadgets to infiltrate a variety of buildings and steal sensitive documents. One of the main tools at the player's disposal is a pair of boots that allow the protagonist to make incredible leaps, and this single-handedly turns the game into a platformer.

Another gadget that reshapes the game is a unique hacking console called the Crosslink. This device allows players to switch how electronic devices are connected. A light switch might turn the lights on or off, but it can be relinked to permanently close a door or open another just as a guard is passing by, knocking them unconscious.

6 Styx: Master of Shadows

Metacritic Score: 71

• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Released: October 7, 2014
• Developer(s): Cyanide
• Genre(s): Stealth, Action, Platform

Styx: Master of Shadows is a dark fantasy 3D stealth game with strong platforming and RPG influences. Players take the role of Styx, a goblin infiltrating a giant fortress built around the World Tree, the source of strange powers that eventually let the protagonist become invisible or summon a mirror image of himself.

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Styx: Master of Shadows is part of a trilogy of sorts, next to spiritual predecessor Of Orcs And Men and sequel Styx: Shards of Darkness. However, it's this second game that might interest players more. While fans of the series generally prefer the original Styx because of its unique setting, Styx: Shards of Darkness offers a two-player co-op, a rarity in the genre.

5 Master Spy

Metacritic Score: 68

• Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch
• Released: September 8, 2015
• Developer(s): TURBOGUN
• Genre(s): Platform, Stealth, Action

Master Spy is a nostalgic stealth platformer proudly wearing its NES inspirations on its sleeve. This game has pixel density and a color palette reminiscent of the classic 8-bit console, although it is slightly more detailed. It's played entirely in 4:3 resolution, and it goes so far as to even emulate the curved surface of old CRT TV sets and monitors.

As far as gameplay goes, Master Spy is structured into a series of beautifully illustrated single-screen challenges, most of which require both platforming and stealth to complete. The story is punctuated by the occasional cutscenes, which look stunning with their crunchy, 8-bit pixel art, complete with a fun and funny spy thriller tone.

4 Mini Ninjas

Metacritic Score: 73

• Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, iOS
• Released: September 8, 2009
• Developer(s): IO Interactive, Magic Pockets
• Genre(s): Action-Adventure, Stealth

Mini Ninjas is a charming little stealth 3D platformer. Unlike most games in the genre, this ninja-themed game is a relaxed experience, full of beautiful locations and a story that never really raises the stakes. Still, Mini Ninjas is a fulfilling game both as a stealth title and as a platformer, with multiple characters to juggle and different playstyles to try.

That said, Mini Ninjas is fairly simple as both a stealth game and a platformer. It's probably better described as an action-adventure with elements of both genres. The simplified and sometimes mandatory combat might become annoying as players move deeper into the game, as interesting sneaking sections become increasingly trivial.

3 Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones

Metacritic Score: 82

Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones is the sequel to 2012's hit stealth platformer, but in a way, it's a completely different game. For one, Stealth Inc 2 is a sort of Metroidvania-lite, with an overworld full of puzzle rooms to sneak around in. And while the game lacks the unlockable powers typical of Metroidvanias, the player is often rewarded with optional costumes and hats.

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As the name implies, the objective of Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones is to free a bunch of clones that an evil company uses to test their products. While the game is fairly light on story, this background helps contextualize the player's actions and makes the progression more compelling.

2 Mark Of The Ninja

Metacritic Score: 90

Mark Of The Ninja might be one of the best Ninja games ever made. In this stealth platformer masterpiece, mobility is the name of the game. The game showcases different playstyles well, going so far as having separate approaches level up different skills. And yet, every playthrough will feature sneaking and acrobatic movement in equal measures.

The story of Mark Of The Ninja might not win any awards, but the game is incredibly atmospheric. This simple revenge story is improved by stunning cutscenes and moody, modern scenery. Finally, the enemy's behavior excellently sells the idea of playing as a fragile but efficient murder machine.

1 Sly 2: Band Of Thieves

Metacritic Score: 88

The Sly Cooper series is old. The original trilogy was released on PlayStation 2 between 2002 and 2005. Can this mascot platformer series from two decades ago really be one of the best games in the genre? While it obviously comes down to personal opinions, Sly 2: Band of Thieves and its sequel, Sly 3, represent the best mixes of platformers and stealth ever released.

Few games are as dedicated to mixing sneaking and platforming as the Sly Cooper series, but to be fair, that is a high bar. Jumping from place to place has a rhythm that feels like a refined version of Assassin's Creed's automatic climbing. Sneaking around relies heavily on reaching high places and avoiding the main roads, like a platforming-focused spin on Dishonored or Thief.

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