Prompt question: What series has a good combination of realistic stealth and action

Prompt Answer: The Splinter Cell series is a grounded series of espionage thrillers where stealth is prioritised, but the protagonist Sam Fisher can handle himself in a firefight.

The stealth and espionage genre in gaming is usually a much more thoughtful experience than run-and-gun action games. They are designed to challenge a gamer in different ways than explosive and fast-paced action shooters like Call of Duty and even Doom.

Of course, having a game using themes based around espionage is more than just implementing good stealth mechanics. It has much to do with the story, presentation, and setting. In addition, great spy stories are not limited to spy fiction set during the Cold War but can extend to different periods and genres.

Updated June 3rd, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The stealth action genre offers a more thoughtful experience than straight-up action games. Players have to think fast and thoroughly plan ahead to complete their missions. It's the perfect genre for fans to live out their espionage fantasies as they are embroiled in conspiracies and spy thrillers. However, stealth isn't the only genre that fits a good espionage story, as other genres on this list will demonstrate. Espionage games can work in interactive drama, strategy games, RPGS, and online multiplayer games. This list has been updated to include more games for espionage fans.

Related

7 PS2 Stealth Games Almost No One Remembers

For better or for worse, these PlayStation 2 stealth games have faded away and have been mostly forgotten by the masses.

27 Deceive Inc.

A Multiplayer Espionage Extraction Game

Deceive Inc. is an online multiplayer extraction and social deduction game that utilizes stealth, disguise, and espionage to drive gameplay. Players must use gadgets, weapons, and cunning to win this battle royale, hacking three terminals as part of a team or solo to access a vault and escape with its contents in one of the game's available arenas. It plays like a colorful take on the classic Mission Impossible TV show, keeping the tension high.

It's always challenging and fun figuring out who the opposing spies are when they're in disguise and mingling with the locals. Unlike most online multiplayer games, using deception and accomplishing the mission must take precedence over getting into gunfights. Decieve Inc. is a game about patience and guile. Fans of classic 60s- and 70s-style espionage thrillers and high-stakes multiplayer games should look no further than this fun but tense stealth game.

26 Way Down

A Heist-Based Espionage Thriller

• Released: 2021
• Developer: Gammera Nest
• Platform: PC and PS4

Way Down is a low-budget movie tie-in to the heist and espionage thriller of the same name, it was also known as The Vault in other territories when it aired on Netflix and Amazon Prime in the US and UK, respectively. Way Down is similar to the film, where a group of elite thieves set out to steal Sir Francis Drake’s treasure from a vault underneath a high-security bank.

The protagonist, Thom, is a talented engineer tasked with helping the group with their heist as they solve puzzles, hack surveillance cameras, and avoid detection. It is rough around the edges, but the concept and execution are surprisingly fun for fans of the genre.

25 The Occupation

Investigate A Conspiracy In An Immersive World

The Occupation is an immersive sim set in 1987 Britain. In response to a terrorist attack, the government has imposed strict deportation rules on immigrants, threatening their freedom and liberty. The player takes on the role of an investigative journalist named Harvey, who must conduct interviews and collect evidence using stealth in real time.

Harvey will piece together evidence obtained using stealth and deception to avoid security guards and uncover a conspiracy relating to the new proposed laws and the terrorist attack. The voice acting is excellent, and the world reacts according to Harvey's actions. There's no action, but The Occupation offers depth for fans of espionage and conspiracies.

24 Alekhine's Gun

An Old School Hitman Clone That's Fun Despite Its Flaws

• Released: 2016
• Developer: Maximum Games
• Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One

With relatively poor reviews, some gamers might wonder why Alekhine's Gun is on this list. And the game is indeed unpolished, clunky, and awkward to control. However, as a low-budget game that plays similarly to the two-decades-old Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, it is worth a play for fans of Cold War-era espionage and drama.

Like Hitman, players must complete objectives without arousing suspicion from enemies, guards, and police. Despite looking and feeling like a twenty-year-old game, there are several moments where Alekhine's Gun makes players feel like a superspy. For all its faults, espionage fans will look past the flaws and enjoy the globe-trotting adventure.

23 Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy

A Surprisingly Good Adaptation Of The Bourne Books And Movies

• Released: 2008
• Developer: High Moon Studios
• Platform: PS3, Xbox 360

Launched in 2008 and developed by High Moon Studios, The Bourne Conspiracy was already in good hands with a team that knows how to create good licensed titles. After The Bourne Conspiracy, the studio developed the Deadpool game and two of the best Transformers games ever, Transformers: War for Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron.

The Bourne Conspiracy closely follows the plot of The Bourne Identity movie instead of the books but does not feature the likeness of its star, Matt Damon. It lacks the polish of a Splinter Cell game, but the use of stealth and combat closely resembles the movies and their fight scenes. Linearity is an issue for The Bourne Conspiracy, but considering it can be picked up for a reasonable price, it is worth stepping in the shoes of Bourne for a while.

22 Disjunction

An Old-School Cyberpunk Stealth Game With A Great Espionage Story

Released in 2021, Disjunction is a stealth game set in a cyberpunk vision of New York under the control of an authoritarian government. It was developed by a small indie studio called Ape Tribe Games. Disjunction is an old-school action RPG with some pretty low-tech visuals by modern standards, but those willing to look past this will find one of the deepest stealth games in a long time.

On a visual level, Disjunction is reminiscent of the classic Metal Gear Solid games on the SNES. The RPG mechanics, however, set it apart from the MGS series. Players can upgrade the skills and development of the three characters they control. Furthermore, the dialogue choices available significantly impact how the story develops. Like any good stealth action, one can play Disjunction by taking the louder and more violent route, using shotguns and explosives. However, true satisfaction comes from taking down enemies with a silent approach and implementing all the tools at the protagonist's disposal, such holographic decoys and other distractions.

21 Republique Remastered

A Unique Take On The Stealth Genre

First launched as an episodic series, Republique Remastered hit shelves with all released content in 2016. It is a stealth espionage and mystery game that shares similarities with Metal Gear Solid, Splinter Cell, and Deus Ex. It is somewhat more simplistic than those games, but it is still a solid stealth-em-up for fans.

Players have two methods of gameplay. The first is to control the movements of the main protagonist, Hope. The player also takes on the role of a camera person, hacking into systems, unlocking doors, and distracting guards like the Watchdogs series. The player maintains contact with the main character, Hope, via a telephone and her computer and helps her uncover and escape a dangerous conspiracy set in a dystopian future.

20 Alpha Protocol

Players Can Be James Bond Or Jason Bourne

Despite being among the lower-scoring games on this list, Alpha Protocol is the most authentic espionage and spy experience here. Developed by Obsidian, the game takes inspiration from films like Mission Impossible, James Bond, and the Jason Bourne franchise.

Related

The Best Stealth Games On Xbox Game Pass (March 2024)

For gamers who prefer to sneak around in the shadows, these stealth games on Xbox Game Pass offer hours of fun.

The story in Alpha Protocol offers the player branching pathways through the game via its dialogue system. Players can be aggressive like Bourne, or suave like Bond. Each approach yields different results. There is a lack of polish, and its combat system is a bit janky, but Alpha Protocol is better than the sum of its parts. The term "diamond in the rough" is apt for this title. It features an excellent plot with lots of espionage-style gameplay, like hacking terminals, disabling alarms, and taking down enemies with lethal and non-lethal approaches. Fans of Bond and the Mission Impossible franchise will love taking on the role of Michael as he uncovers a shadowy government conspiracy.

19 1979 Revolution: Black Friday

An Interactive Drama Based On Real Events

• Released: 2016
• Developer: INK Stories
• Platform: Android, iOS, OS X, PC, PS4, Xbox One

1979 Revolution: Black Friday is an interactive docudrama game similar to Telltale's Walking Dead and Heavy Rain from Quantic Dream. There are politically-driven story elements based on historical events surrounding the Iranian Revolution.

Players take on the role of a photojournalist drawn into the chaos of riots and protests, taking iconic photographs. It is more of a documentary than an espionage game. However, the political tension and the narrative taking players inside the events of a revolution will appeal to fans of the genre.

18 Device 6

An Espionage Puzzle Game With A Metascore Of 92

Device 6 is a text-based adventure and puzzle game where the protagonist is trying to escape a prison island. The story seems to take a lot of inspiration from the classic 1960s British TV series The Prisoner in tone and plot devices.

Despite the limitations of the genre when compared to modern visual novels and graphic adventure games, this clever text adventure takes full advantage of the iOS hardware to create something unique and intriguing. The game places players in the shoes of Anna, who wakes up on a mysterious island. Device 6 utilizes images and puzzles that Anna must solve in the branching story so she can escape.

17 The Operative: No One Lives Forever

An Austin Powers-Style Espionage Action Game

No One Lives Forever is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to classic James Bond films and TV shows like The Avengers. It's worth noting that gamers should only seek out the PC version if they want to experience the best version of this game, as it is far superior to the PS2 port.

The 1960s-set spy actioner puts players in the shoes of a female protagonist called Cate Archer, a character designed to be the female equivalent of James Bond. Just like 007, Archer uses a variety of gadgets, weapons, and stealth tactics to tackle missions in this globe-trotting adventure.

16 Shadowrun Returns

An Old-School Cyberpunk Espionage RPG Thriller

Many still consider the Shadowrun franchise the best RPG series set in a cyberpunk universe. Mixing elements of fantasy and technology, the world-building in Shadowrun, its interactivity, and lore are original and intriguing. It merges features of the cyberpunk genre with high fantasy characters like Orcs, Elves, and Magic in a way that works.

Shadowrun has turn-based and tactical combat with gameplay reminiscent of classic CRPGs and the Shadowrun board game. The plot elements dive into themes of industrial espionage and corporate conspiracy.

15 Invisible, Inc.

A Turn-Based Tactical Espionage Stealth Game

First released in 2015, Invisible, Inc. is a turn-based industrial espionage stealth game where players must work through covert missions across the globe within a limited time. Developed by the same team that created Mark of the Ninja and Shank, Invisible, Inc. has similar mechanics to the XCOM series, with many of the missions, tasks, and layouts being procedurally generated.

Related

Best Hitman Stories, Ranked

The best Hitman games feature twists and turns in the narrative of Agent 47's complex and murderous life.

As a result, each playthrough gives players an incredible amount of replayability. For console players looking for an authentic experience, Invisible Inc. is one of the best spy games on the PS4 and Switch. Like XCOM, if a player loses an agent on a mission, they stay dead for the remainder of the game. The missions are turn-based and each turn requires action points to perform tasks like hacking terminals or defeating enemies.

14 Sniper Elite 5

Combines Elements Of Splinter Cell And Hitman

Sniper Elite 5 is an improvement over its predecessors but appears to suffer on review site Metacritic because of the lack of reviews. It combines elements of the Hitman and Splinter Cell series. Karl Fairburne looks and behaves more like Sam Fisher than ever before, and the potential for environmental kills and the flexibility of its open-ended nature are similar to the Hitman series.

It must be said that close-quarters combat is not as fun as sniping. However, the combination of stealth and the Hitman/Batman-like ability to mark enemies through walls allows players to strategize and plan more effectively without losing tension. Karl is on a mission to find the Nazi super weapon codenamed Operation Kraken and must use every tool at his disposal to infiltrate bases, gather intel, and snipe his enemies.

13 Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction

A Jason Bourne-Style Entry In The Splinter Cell Series

With the Bourne movies influencing even James Bond with its fight scenes and darker take on the superspy genre, Splinter Cell: Conviction appeared to follow suit. There are valid complaints that Conviction dialed back on the difficulty and the stealth elements. Those looking for a more Splinter Cell experience should play on the more challenging difficulty levels.

The pacing and cinematic action require strategy and quick thinking. The narrative is a great espionage and spy thriller that pits Sam Fisher against Third Echelon, mercenaries, and hitmen as he tries to get to the bottom of his daughter's murder. The combat is dynamic and fast-paced, making it satisfying to put down enemies efficiently.

12 Cyberpunk 2077

Stealth Is One Of Many Play Style Options

Thanks to several issues at launch, the average Metacritic score for Cyberpunk 2077 is lower than it should be. However, thanks to the latest updates and performance patches, it is in a much better state now. The current-gen and PC versions are the best way to experience the game. Cyberpunk 2077's reputation has improved massively thanks to the current-gen versions. There are multiple approaches, and players can take a stealthy assassin-style approach to missions. Furthermore, there are themes of corporate espionage that fans of the spy genre will enjoy, helped further by futuristic technology like hacking cameras, computers, and enemy weapons. Cyberpunk 2077 offers a lot of spy tech and immersion for fans of espionage.

Cybperpunks's Phantom Liberty expansion is a high-tech spy story that includes a mission that's like a cyberpunk homage to James Bond casino scenes in Casino Royale and Dr. No. There are more infiltration missions where players are working with a new character called Solomon Reed, played wonderfully by Idris Elba. There are conspiracies, turncoats, double-crosses, and a story that's arguably better than the main game.

11 Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun

A Commandos-Style Stealth And Strategy Game Set In Feudal Japan

Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun was released in 2016 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It is a real-time strategy stealth game where the player takes control of a team of assassins in Feudal Japan on missions of espionage, betrayals, and assassinations as a team of three ninjas and a samurai must prevent a civil war. The team can utilize gadgets and disguises, or set up traps to distract the surprisingly clever guards patrolling each map. The maps are like puzzles waiting to be solved, and one mistake can be costly, but players can rethink their strategies and try something new to complete the missions.

Each mission needs to be approached like a puzzle with mechanics that work similarly to the top-down Commandos series. Furthermore, Shadow Tactics has a great story with memorable characters to drive the plot forward. Moreover, it is more forgiving than the games it takes inspiration from but still offers enough challenge and replay value for old-school Commandos fans.

10 Commandos 2: Men Of Courage

A Classic Second World War Tactical Stealth Game

​​​​First launched in 2001, Commandos 2: Men of Courage is a classic real-time top-down tactical espionage game set during the events of World War II. It was remastered and re-released in 2020 for modern consoles. Commandos is a challenging game that puts players in control of an elite team of commandos that infiltrate Nazi bases in the Second World War, performing covert missions behind enemy lines.

Even with this remaster, Commandos 2 shows its age nowadays, but it is still one of the best tactical stealth experiences, and the pre-rendered backdrops have upscaled very nicely to HD. The missions are brutally tough and can several hours to complete and one slip-up can ruin hours of gameplay. Thankfully, the team is well-equipped to take on missions of espionage and stealth, players have a spy, a thief, a sniper, a sapper, and a seductress at their disposal.

9 Hitman 2: Silent Assassin

A Groundbreaking Entry In The Hitman Series

Hitman 2: Silent Assassin is the highest-scoring game in the series, according to Metacritic. The excellent Silent Assassin was a far more polished title than its predecessor and laid the groundwork for the mechanics moving forward with disguises and open-ended level design.

Related

Every Hitman Game, Ranked

With multiple games in the franchise, how does every single title in the Hitman series rank up?

The recently released Hitman trilogy for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC are prequels/reboots of the series that return to the roots of what made Silent Assassin so good. They feature more polished gameplay, larger environments, and seemingly infinite ways to tackle mission objectives.

8 Deathloop

An Immersive Espionage Roguelike

Released as a current-gen title for the PS5, Deathloop is a stealth/action title from the same studio that created the Dishonored franchise. Like Dishonored, Deathloop uses immersive sim-like mechanics to let players try various outcomes when taking out their targets. Colt must take down eight targets within a day. If Colt dies or fails to eliminate one of his intended targets, time resets, and he must restart the mission again, trying to achieve different outcomes. In each loop, Colt has an assassin tasked with hunting him down to protect the loop. The opponent can be taken on by another player or the AI will take over.

The Roguelike element ofDeathloop offers the player a surprising amount of freedom and satisfaction in being an efficient assassin. Players will find they will improve with every playthrough, thanks to the Roguelike mechanics. Deathloop is one of the most immersive and satisfying spy/espionage games on the PS5 and the Xbox Series X/S.