Summary
Stealth gaming has taken on many forms, with most AAA games trying to include some aspects of this genre to appeal to as many people as possible. However, players who are only familiar with barebones stealth mechanics are missing out on what this genre has to offer when games lean heavily toward this style of gameplay, compelling players to stick to the shadows and avoid enemies instead of taking them head-on.
It took a while forthe stealth genre to find its footing, but the late 90s served as a major turning point for this genre. Players were treated to tense, rewarding experiences where they had to stick to the shadows and avoid conflict by any means necessary. The sense of dread players experience when they’re on the verge of being spotted in these stealth games makes it clear why the 90s is a definitive era for this genre, with some of these games being hailed as innovative and groundbreaking for all the right reasons.
While this game is more of a stealth-action hybrid,Syphon Filteris more revolutionary than most people give it credit for. After all, this genre combination has dominated mainstream AAA gaming, and it’s surprising to see that most people don’t have the same nostalgic love forSyphon Filteras they have for other games with similar gameplay loops likeSplinter CellandHitman. It’s possible to power through levels by shooting enemies to bits, but the game has its mandatory stealth levels where detection leads to an instant game over.
It’s in these levels thatSyphon Filtershows a competent grasp of stealth mechanics, even if the dated nature of the gameplay can make some aspects of these levels frustrating. Still, players who want a breather from the breakneck action will find the stealth sections to be a fresh change of pace that lets players interact with a major gameplay pillar ofSyphon Filter.
Strategy stealth games are pretty rare nowadays, andfans love howCommandoshelped it evolveand turn into one of the most underappreciated genres in gaming history. Players control a small squad that is tasked with sneaking behind enemy lines by any means necessary to get covert information, save hostages, perform recon, and do everything in their power to aid the war effort.
This game is far from easy, and players must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their squad if they want to make it through a level by the skin of their teeth. The imaginative objectives and level design ensure that the difficulty curve is easier to manage, and there’s no greater satisfaction than completing objectives without any of the operatives falling in harm’s way.
During a time when being a ninja was shown off to be action-packed with these people engaging in tantalizing swordfights with their opponents while using ranged weapons to incapacitate people from afar,Tenchu: Stealth Assassinstook a different and more accurate look at what being a ninja was all about. Engaging in combat would lead to a player’s death more often than not,making it important to sneak aroundand take out enemies when they’re unaware of an intruder’s presence.
To add to this title’s gameplay variety, players control two protagonists with somewhat varying movesets. Rikimaru has higher health, making it easier to fend off enemies if he’s spotted. Ayame is faster and has two blades to choose from, making stealth more manageable — something players must prioritize with this character since things become way more challenging if she’s spotted.
One of thegreatest immersive sims of all time, players love controlling the silky-voiced Garrett inThiefas they break into sensitive locations and acquire as much loot as possible. The gameplay loop seems simple enough until players find the numerous tools at their disposal, giving them several options to break into restricted locations and sneak around during their thieving endeavors. While it seems like a simple stealth game early on, it doesn’t take long for Thief’s story to unfurl as players are tasked with stopping the Trickster from bringing the world to a state of ruin.
The game is at its best when players are facing off against human enemies. Monsters and the undead are significantly less interesting to deal with, especially since combat is not Garrett’s forte and will lead to his death in no time. The later levels place more of an emphasis on the supernatural, but players willing to give Thief’s weaker levels a pass will findThief: The Dark Projectto be one of the best 90s stealth games to sink their teeth into.
It would be impossible to talk about the best 90s stealth games without giving credit toMetal Gear Solid, one of the greatest games ever made that turned Hideo Kojima into one of the biggest names in the video game industry. Controlling a stealth operative who has to sneak around enemies and fulfill certain objectives while trying not to be spotted makes for a great time.
Everything from the game’s presentationto its story has become legendary, turning Solid Snake into an iconic character who faces off against several enemies, including a mech, by his lonesome. It’s a testament to the brilliance at play in this game that so many aspects ofMetal Gear Solidendured throughout the series' run, turning it into one of Konami’s most celebrated properties right up until Kojima’s poorly handled departure from the company.
