The stealth game genre is full of unique experiences, from action-stealth gameslikeMetal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Painto the slick and accessible stealth ofHitman: World Of Assassination, modern stealth game fans are spoiled for choice. However, some players may be nostalgic for the old ways of the stealth game genre, with the design of games such asSplinter CellandThief: The Dark Projectbeing distant memories.
This is especially so in the higher-budget scene, where stealth is no longer designed as a challenge, and quality-of-life improvements have overtaken innovation and immersion. Although there’s nothing wrong with providing accessible experiences for the general public, the niche of old-school stealth remains largely underserved. Thankfully, many old-school stealth games are still readily available today for both existing fans and curious newcomers to enjoy.
Gloomwoodis a modern game, having beenreleased in Early Access on Steam in 2022. However, as with many games published by New Blood Interactive (such asDUSKandULTRAKILL),Gloomwoodis a distinctively old-school experience that takes inspiration from the classics.
Gloomwoodfeaturesa low-poly, old-school aestheticand gameplay that takes inspiration from staples of the stealth game genre such asThief: The Dark Project. Despite its old-school influences, however,Gloomwoodmanages to feel fresh thanks to its survival-horror elements and richly detailed open levels.
This classic, stealth-focused immersive sim puts players in the dystopian future of 2052 and tasks players with making their way through a series of sandbox-style missions. Players will need to solve problems by making creative use of a diverse set of tools, and although there are frequently many ways to go about each mission,Deus Exconsistentlyencourages and rewards stealth.
There have been a variety of sequels toDeus Ex, but the original remains a treasured old-school stealth experience.Deus Exis also an incredibly unique game, even today, thanks to its well-told story and elements ofthe cyberpunk genre.
Metal Gearis an iconic franchise among stealth gamers — it’s practically synonymous with the genre. Although later entries in the series, especially the laterMetal Gear Solidgames, take a more action-oriented approach to their design, the originalMetal Gear Solidmanaged to stay true to its stealth game roots while carefully blending in elements of action.
For fans of 3D stealth games looking for a nostalgic experience,Metal Gear Solidis a tried-and-true classic that’s managed to hold up well to this day. Thankfully, unlike many games from its era,Metal Gear Solidis still readily available today and can be played through GOG and/or Steam.
Perhaps one of thebestHitmangames— especially among the earlier entries in the iconic series —Hitman: Blood Moneywas released in 2006 and brought theHitmanformula to new heights. While violence is inherent toHitman’sgameplay, its unique blend of sandbox and stealth gameplay is decidedly old-school. Players can expect to do plenty of sneaking around guards, avoiding restricted areas, and hiding bodies.
For fans of modernHitmangames that have yet to experience the older entries in the series,Hitman: Blood Moneyis arguably the best of both worlds. As with manyHitmantitles,Hitman: Blood Moneyis incredibly easy to learn, making it one of the most accessible old-school stealth games still readily available.
Hailed as one of the first immersive sims anda pioneer of the stealth genre,Thief: The Dark Projectis a first-person adventure that’s massively focused on stealth.Thief: The Dark Projectwas released back in 1998, and though it’s had its fair share of sequels, it could be argued that none are as decidedly old-school as this 90s classic.
Being a 3D game released in the late 90s,Thief: The Dark Project’svisuals have aged quite a bit. However, thanks to excellent lighting and creative art direction, along with expert level design, each of its environments manages to still feel incredibly immersive. Players used to more modern experiences may suffer withThief: The Dark Project’ssomewhat clunky user-interface and stiff animations, but its innovative light and sound mechanics make it a worthwhile old-school stealth game.
Splinter Cellis a cornerstone in the stealth game genre, with its protagonist, Sam Fisher, being an iconic and immediately recognizable character. While the original 2002 game, simply titledTom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, is certainly a memorable experience, it could be argued that the series peaked with its third game in 2005,Tom Clancy’sSplinter Cell: Chaos Theory.
The first three games intheSplinter Cellfranchiseare arguably among the best, especially for fans of old-school stealth, as they prioritized hardcore stealth gameplay over fast-paced action. While it’s great that more action-packed stealth games are providing more accessible experiences for newcomers to the genre, it’s a shame that the magic of games such asSplinter Cell: Chaos Theoryhas become less popular over the years.
