At first glance, platformers and stealth games can seem like quite different genres. One emphasizes fast movement, precision, and occasionally speed, while the other is built around careful planning and maneuvering. But the two have been shown time and time again to work perfectly together.
Sometimes, the stealth serves to give the platforming some direction, like in theSly Cooperseries. Occasionally, sneaking becomes an additional tool in an otherwise platforming-focused game, as is the case withMaster Spy. More rarely, the two genres create a unique mix into something completely new, as if they had invented anew type of game.
7Gunpoint
Metacritic Score: 83
Gunpointis a clever 2D stealth game with platforming elements. The story centers around a private investigator usingwacky sneaky gadgetsto infiltrate a variety of buildings and steal sensitive documents. One of the main tools at the player’s disposal is a pair of boots that allow the protagonist to make incredible leaps, and this single-handedly turns the game into a platformer.
Another gadget that reshapes the game is a unique hacking console called the Crosslink. This device allows players to switch how electronic devices are connected. A light switch might turn the lights on or off, but it can be relinked to permanently close a door or open another just as a guard is passing by, knocking them unconscious.
6Styx: Master of Shadows
Metacritic Score: 71
Styx: Master of Shadowsis a dark fantasy 3D stealth game with strongplatforming and RPG influences. Players take the role of Styx, a goblin infiltrating a giant fortress built around the World Tree, the source of strange powers that eventually let the protagonist become invisible or summon a mirror image of himself.
Styx: Master of Shadowsis part of a trilogy of sorts, next to spiritual predecessorOf Orcs And Menand sequelStyx: Shards of Darkness.However, it’s this second game that might interest players more. While fans of the series generally prefer the originalStyxbecause of its unique setting,Styx: Shards of Darknessoffers a two-player co-op, a rarity in the genre.
5Master Spy
Metacritic Score: 68
Master Spyis a nostalgic stealth platformer proudlywearing its NES inspirations on its sleeve. This game has pixel density and a color palette reminiscent of the classic 8-bit console, although it is slightly more detailed. It’s played entirely in 4:3 resolution, and it goes so far as to even emulate the curved surface of old CRT TV sets and monitors.
As far as gameplay goes,Master Spyis structured into a series of beautifully illustrated single-screen challenges, most of which require both platforming and stealth to complete. The story is punctuated by the occasional cutscenes, which look stunning with theircrunchy, 8-bit pixel art, complete with a fun and funny spy thriller tone.
4Mini Ninjas
Metacritic Score: 73
Mini Ninjasis a charming little stealth 3D platformer. Unlike most games in the genre, this ninja-themed game is a relaxed experience, full of beautiful locations and a story that never really raises the stakes. Still,Mini Ninjasis a fulfilling game both as a stealth title and as a platformer, with multiple characters to juggle and different playstyles to try.
That said,Mini Ninjasis fairly simple as both a stealth game and a platformer. It’s probably better described as an action-adventure with elements of both genres. The simplified and sometimes mandatory combat might become annoying as players move deeper into the game, as interesting sneaking sections become increasingly trivial.
Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clonesis the sequel to 2012’s hit stealth platformer, but in a way, it’s a completely different game. For one,Stealth Inc 2is a sort of Metroidvania-lite, with an overworld full of puzzle rooms to sneak around in. And while the game lacks the unlockable powers typical of Metroidvanias, the player is often rewarded with optional costumes and hats.
As the name implies, the objective ofStealth Inc 2: A Game of Clonesis to free a bunch of clones that an evil company uses to test their products. While the game is fairly light on story, this background helps contextualize the player’s actions and makes the progression more compelling.
Mark Of The Ninjamight be one of thebest Ninja games ever made. In this stealth platformer masterpiece, mobility is the name of the game. The game showcases different playstyles well, going so far as having separate approaches level up different skills. And yet, every playthrough will feature sneaking and acrobatic movement in equal measures.
The story ofMark Of The Ninjamight not win any awards, but the game is incredibly atmospheric. This simple revenge story is improved by stunning cutscenes and moody, modern scenery. Finally, the enemy’s behavior excellently sells the idea of playing as a fragile but efficient murder machine.
TheSly Cooperseries is old. The original trilogy was released on PlayStation 2 between 2002 and 2005. Can thismascot platformer seriesfrom two decades ago really be one of the best games in the genre? While it obviously comes down to personal opinions,Sly 2: Band of Thievesand its sequel,Sly 3, represent the best mixes of platformers and stealth ever released.
Few games are as dedicated to mixing sneaking and platforming as theSly Cooperseries, but to be fair, that is a high bar. Jumping from place to place has a rhythm that feels like a refined version ofAssassin’s Creed’sautomatic climbing. Sneaking around relies heavily on reaching high places and avoiding the main roads, like a platforming-focused spin onDishonoredorThief.
