While I’m certainly a big fan of all sorts of games, the stealth action genre is one of my favorites. Maybe it’s the slow, methodical pace, or the exhilerating satisfaction of sneaking up on unsuspecting prey, but I just loves me a silent infiltration adventure. Don’t get me wrong- there’s plenty of fun to be had from run-and-gun action, but there’s nary an experience in gaming I find more fulfilling that silently stalking my prey until the last pivotal moment when I put them down. Liste below are my 5 favorites from through the years.
1. Manhunt
Ah yes, the stealth action game for violent psychotics and sado-massochists. Rockstar released Manhunt in 2003 for the Xbox and Playstation 2. The action follows James Earl Cash, a death-row inmate who after receiving lethal injection awakes to find an earpiece and a sadistic figure known only as The Director coercing you through a variety of dastardly scenarios where hunters are out to kill you for an intricate snuff film. I fondly remember living in my old apartment throughout the winter in my first year of college and mercilessly slaughtering my prey with bats, broken bottles, and plastic bags. The Director urging James on was voiced by the excellent Brian Cox and you could tell he had a blast playing such a mysogonistic bastard. Manhunt culminated in an eventual confrontation with The Director, but not before you have to face off against the morbidly terrifying, Piggsy, a gimpish character outfitted in a pig’s head who chases you down with a chainsaw while you desperately try to hide from the monstrosity.
2. Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins
Ninja action? Check. Gruesome stealth kills? Check. Uh, ninja dog? Check? Well, Semimaru aside, the Tenchu series 
has always been one of my favorites, even if recent entries were a little bit lackluster (looking at you Tenchu Z). The first game debuted on the original Playstation and was fantastic as an alternative to the Metal Gear franchise for those looking for their stealth killing fix. The original, Tenchu: Stealth Assassins was fantastic with solid controls, great original music, and satisfying death animations. However, the 2000 follow-up, Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins added all of that complete with a new playable character, Tatsumaru and a fairly robust level editor. I remember spending many an English class scribbling in my notebook to design the most dastardly levels lined with traps, pitfalls, and guards. All of this added functionality and making sure not to stray too far from the original formula made this a rock-solid follow-up and one of those rare instances where a sequel outshines the original…well, almost…
3. Syphon Filter 2
While Syphon Filter relied a little less on stealth than other games on this list, that doesn’t mean 989 Studios’ sequel isn’t noteworthy. Playing as Gabe Logan a second time around was a complete joy with a myriad of weapons at your disposal, interesting level design, and improved graphics. Granted, they look dated by today’s standards, but the gameplay worked incredibly well and kept you sucked in throughout. I also fondly remember the first time I found the much lauded air taser that I’d seen in the commercial below:
4. Hitman
If Syphon Filter 2 waivered a little too far into action territory, then the original Hitman was a little too stealthy. The game quickly became a hit on account of its meticulous nature and the rampant badassery of its protagonist, Agent 47. Having been sent on a series of assassination missions the world over, Agent 47 had a positively terrifying efficiency about him, killing enemies with a plethora of weapons from piano wire to his trusty sniper rifle concealed in his briefcase. Granted, I’m sure we all would love to forget about 47′s film debut, but his PC debut was phenomenal, even if it was incredibly difficult with its slow and methodical gameplay.
5. Metal Gear Solid
Again, you knew it was coming. If you’ve read this far you’re likely no stranger to the genre and I flat-out pity you if 
you’re a stranger to the game that defined its existance. Solid Snake’s infiltration of Shadow Moses was jam-packed with memorable boss fights, exciting new gameplay elements, and an epic narrative (even if it could be a little long-winded). Everything about the production was polished and instantly solidified Hideo Kojima, the game’s designer, as a legend in console game development. It’s one of the few games that I just couldn’t get enough of and I vividly remember playing through time and again to get each ending to secure the tuxedo, stealth camoflage, and infinite-ammo granting headband for Snake to wear.
What were some of your favorites?
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