While many games focus on direct combat, some offer the thrill of outsmarting enemies through stealth. These games reward players for executing objectives discreetly or avoiding confrontation altogether.
Stealth mechanics have become a staple in action games, with franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice incorporating them seamlessly. However, certain titles have significantly influenced the stealth genre, shaping its evolution over the years.
1 Manbiki Shōnen
The Pioneering Stealth Experience
- Developer: Hiroshi Suzuki
- Platform: Commodore PET, Commodore Business Machines
- Release: November 1979
Considered the first stealth game ever made, Manbiki Shōnen challenged players to shoplift without getting caught. This simplistic game paved the way for early stealth titles and inspired future developments in the genre.
2 005
Revolutionizing Stealth in Arcades
- Developer: Sega R&D Japan
- Platform: Arcade
- Release: October 1981
005 by Sega introduced innovative stealth elements to arcade gaming, including vision cones for enemy detection and the concept of hub worlds. These features laid the groundwork for future stealth game designs.
3 Castle Wolfenstein
Stealth Origins in World War II
Originally a stealth game, Castle Wolfenstein set the stage for intricate gameplay mechanics involving sneaking past enemies and completing missions covertly. Its influence can be seen in modern stealth titles even decades later.