Xbox 360 Stealth-based games

[Joker99352]

I've never been a fan of stealth-based games (like Splinter Cell and things like that), except in very rare occasions. Nowadays they seem to be getting it right more often with stealth games, especially with the likes of Arkham Asylum and Assassin's Creed. It used to be that you'd pretty much lose as soon as you were seen, but these kinds of games make the stealth element a lot more doable, so to speak. Of course, being able to hide on a gargoyle or in a haystack makes things a tad bit easier, but it's still challenging in its own way. Some games have stealth elements but aren't necessarily stealth games, and I find those kinds of games done the wrong way are some of the most frustrating games around.

What do you guys think about stealth in games? Does it make you anxious, or do you find it exciting and challenging?

 

[BitesizeCrayons]

Similarly to you, I was never much of a fan of stealth games, although I didn't have much of a problem with stealth elements in games. I never really got into games such as MGS or Splinter Cell, but games that would not necessitate stealth yet reward you for it were fine. Nowadays, part of me has some enthusiasm for stealth games, but I'm waiting for the right one to come along. Until then, I'd prefer stealth elements to a fully stealth-oriented game

 

[ozadin]

I'm also not a fan of stealth games. If anyone sees me play stealthy games, 100% of the time, I would usually get caught and have to restart the level. This goes on for 5 times until I actually get lucky, and pass the certain part. I would always like a choice though, either be stealthy and throw rocks or bottles like in The Last of Us, or just go in guns blazing and start shooting everyone and pull off as many headshots as possible. I always for for the second choice.

 

[Joker99352]

I do like games that make it optional, but I generally opt for a more 'forward' approach. I'd rather go in guns blazing than to sneak around and try to pick people off (or avoid them altogether), but it's mostly because I'm bad at it. The feeling of clearing out a room in Arkham Asylum or Arkham City is so satisfying, it would be very difficult to write off stealth altogether.

 

[Esperahol]

Stealth is apparently my default game style. If it's possible to sneak around rather than run in with guns a blazing that's the way I'm going to play it. As such I honestly love purely stealth games, I also love games that just contain stealth elements. There is just something about cheerfully picking off folks so that they never see it coming that I simply can't resist... ah well.

 

[Oldman Jr]

I'm with @Esperahol on this one, I love stealth games. It's a completely different experience and reward when you beat a splinter cell game/dishonnored/MGS...plus in the MGS case if you do manage to beat it that way you get some nice little "perks" that make going ultimate badass even more...well...badass

 

[lindbergh]

I did not dig stealth games when I was in second year high school. I picked up Metal Gear Solid before because the gaming world was singing high praises for the game. When I played it though, I was immediately turned off because I found it extremely difficult to navigate through the environment without being caught. But I eventually learned to love the genre and it became one of my favorites.

 

[Joker99352]

It's definitely an acquired taste for some people, including me. I don't know if I'm entirely sold on some games, but I always feel like I'm missing out on all the good things about those games because I can't get past the stealth portion. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding the right strategy, but some games feel downright impossible to the point where I can't play anymore (or until I have someone else get me past that part).

 

[prefect_lark]

Pick up Dishonored. I was on the fence about stealth games, but this one kind of turned it around for me. And if stealth isn't your style, you can still do pretty well in the game walking into places with guns blazing. I should know, that was my plan B when I messed up being stealthy.

 

[Joker99352]

I heard the same thing about Hitman: Blood Money, but I think it's probably true for Dishonored. When I played Blood Money, I tried about one level "guns blazing" like people said I could do, and I got absolutely destroyed. I like when stealth is optional, but if it's essential then let's not pretend like it isn't. Dishonored is on my list of games to get soon, though, so I'll definitely check it out.

 

[Esperahol]

It's definitely an acquired taste for some people, including me. I don't know if I'm entirely sold on some games, but I always feel like I'm missing out on all the good things about those games because I can't get past the stealth portion. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding the right strategy, but some games feel downright impossible to the point where I can't play anymore (or until I have someone else get me past that part).

If it makes you feel any better there have been games where I effectively wanted to track down the dev team and beat them with each other. The top offender on that (relatively short list) is Siren. If you weren't the best stealth player every you died. Move too fast - die. Move too slow - die. Cower too long - die. Use the Force too often - die. It was awful... and I hated it... and I spent over 40 hours making my painful way through this stupid game.

Pick up Dishonored. I was on the fence about stealth games, but this one kind of turned it around for me. And if stealth isn't your style, you can still do pretty well in the game walking into places with guns blazing. I should know, that was my plan B when I messed up being stealthy.

The only problem with guns blazing is that you can't either score well, get many of the achievements, or get the "Good" Ending. Guns blazing leads to dead people and dead people lead to chaos, and chaos is something to be avoided at all costs. Either of the Arkham games would be better for you - you can be stealth or you can be action guy or you can be a combo of both types and that's perfectly find.

I heard the same thing about Hitman: Blood Money, but I think it's probably true for Dishonored. When I played Blood Money, I tried about one level "guns blazing" like people said I could do, and I got absolutely destroyed. I like when stealth is optional, but if it's essential then let's not pretend like it isn't. Dishonored is on my list of games to get soon, though, so I'll definitely check it out.

Just remember that guns blazing will net you the Bad ending and prevent you getting many of the achievements - it's also rather harder to do. I just spam the save function in the worse levels and depend on my magical powers to save my kiester for the other parts.

 

[Joker99352]

I'm not really that kind of perfectionist, though. I can't micromanage everything about a game at every turn, or I'll go crazy. I like to play games in chunks, so I shouldn't have to memorize every nook and cranny in order to get the most out of it. Still, I like to play games where attention to detail is important, so long as it's enjoyable.

 

[OniBlackMage]

Stealth is a game of 3 P's: patience, precision, and planning. If that's not your cup of tea, then its OK. Its a genre that's very much an acquired taste. Personally I love stealth games and stealth segments. It forces critical thinking and deliberate actions, like a game of chess.

There certainly are a lot of really good games that forgive and allow you to opt for the action-oriented approach or when you get spotted. But there is true satisfaction is showing your superior skill in getting in and out with no one the wiser. Its also nice to see how popular stealth games or stealth segments are becoming.The sales of recent releases like Deus Ex: Human Revolution,Assassin's Creed, Dishonored, Hitman, and Splinter Cell are now allowing classics like Thief 4 to be made. I look forward to see what the next gen will also bring to the table.

 

[Joker99352]

I really like the need for planning out your attack, though. It isn't exclusive to stealth portions, but it is a lot more common (and useful). Usually when I make a "guns blazing" entrance in a game, I at least do a little planning ahead of time. Although, to be honest, my strategy is usually just "kill everyone."