Summary
Likely the most common title that comes to mind when discussing the stealth-action genre is Hideo Kojima’sMetal Gear Solidseries. Aside from last year’sMetal Gear Solid Master Collectionand the upcoming remake ofMetal Gear Solid 3,there haven’t been many recent titles in either the franchise or the stealth genre. Even formerly stealth-focused series likeAssassin’s Creedhave morphed into action RPGs over the last several entries, and similar open-world action titles include stealth as an option rather than the focus.Ereban: Shadow Legacy, the debut game from indie studio Baby Robot Games, aims to change this with a bold adherence to old-school stealth mechanics akin toMetal Gear Solidand other 5th-generation classics.
PartAragamiand partSplatoonin its unique shadow-merging mechanic,Ereban: Shadow Legacyis a purely stealth-focused experience that gives players the option to approach its semi-open world zones as a conflict-avoidant sneaking expert or a silent takedown master. Similar to Kojima’s original intent withtheMetal Gearseries,Erebanrewards players who skillfully maneuver around encounters rather than rushing headlong into them, and its narrative provides just enough incentive to push through to the end to seek out answers regarding its intriguing and dark sci-fi take on the stealth genre.
Ereban: Shadow Legacy’s Signature Mechanic is a Twist on Classic Stealth-Action Gameplay
The main stealth mechanic ofEreban: Shadow Legacyis the titular main character’s ability to merge with shadows and travel through them, emerging either after a meter runs out or as soon as light touches the area. Aside from this signature ability, players can expect the traditionalmechanics of a stealth game: sneaking, crouching, silent takedowns, distracting enemies, etc. What givesErebanits own unique place in the genre is the way that it forces the player to consider lighting as a crucial component of traversal, using shadows to execute complex maneuvers like wall-runs, aerial takedowns, or accessing hidden air shafts to reach secrets.
It’s not all that dissimilar from the protagonist’s ability in theAragamiseries. But where those games allow players to create their own shadows to avoid enemy detection,Erebanforces the player to survey the environment and use situational awareness to either silently confront or bypass enemy sentries. This results in each of the game’s semi-open world zones having multiple different pathways to reaching an objective. Also, while it might seem like a mechanic exclusive to more modern stealth-action experiences, it’s worth noting thatEreban: Shadow Legacypays a clearhomage toTenchuin how it incorporates light and shadow as one of its primary considerations.
Both Ereban: Shadow Legacy and Metal Gear Solid Place Twin Emphases on Gameplay and Story
Convoluted as it is, theMetal Gear Solidtimeline represents one of the greatest narrative arcs of gaming, taking players through decades of global conflict and a complex interwoven conspiracy involving the Philosopher’s Legacy and the one man inextricably connected to it:Big Boss. The stealth-action gameplay ofMetal Gear Solidis undeniably groundbreaking, but the stories and characters of each game are what have continued to elevate the series to its now-legendary status. One of the greatest strengths ofEreban: Shadow Legacyis its similar approach to intertwining strong stealth mechanics with an engaging mystery pulling the player along.
The protagonist is supposedly the last of a dying race of beings – the titular Ereban – that stand as the last lingering defense against the total domination of a faceless megacorporation. This corporation, Helios, comes off as benevolent, but the various chapters thatErebanis split up to gradually reveal more and more layers about the Ereban’s past, Helios' goals, and the energy crisis facing this dystopian sci-fi world.Erebanmight entice fans of stealth-action games with its excellent homage togames likeMetal Gear Solid, but its captivating plot and unique twist on the genre help to solidify it as a genre highlight that more than earns its “Very Positive” rating on Steam.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1
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Released in 1998, this was the first 3D title in the METAL GEAR series. The game pioneers 3D stealth action against the threat of war and global nuclear weapons, using live action footage, cinematic cut scenes, interwoven with innovative gameplay.The storyline, a whirlwind of intrigue and betrayal, has been hailed as the greatest story of the 20th century and was the third title in the METAL GEAR series to become a hit in subsequent years.Also included: Metal Gear, Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, an exclusive digital Screenplay Book and Master Book that details the story and characters in Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear & Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.
