Some of the greatest stealth games of all time were enjoyed on the Xbox 360, as the console provided players with hours of thrilling experiences and challenging ways to develop their skills. From the iconic Batman: Arkham series to the legendary Assassin's Creed games, Xbox 360 had something for everyone who enjoyed sneaking around and avoiding detection.
After examining their stealth mechanics, gameplay, and how they were received by fans, this article explores some of the best stealth games on Xbox 360. Whether players are longtime fans of the genre or just starting to explore the world of stealth games, Xbox 360 had a great selection of titles that could still keep them entertained for hours.
10 Thief (2014)
Thief is a classic stealth game that revolutionized the genre upon its initial release. Players take on the role of Garrett, a master thief who must utilize his skills of stealth, thievery, and subterfuge to complete various heists throughout the game's world. The game's stealth mechanics are among its most praised elements, as players must remain in the shadows and avoid detection by guards and other obstacles.
The use of environmental sound cues, such as footsteps and ambient noise, adds another layer of immersion to the game's stealth mechanics. Garrett can also use various gadgets and tools to help him avoid detection, such as water arrows to extinguish torches and rope arrows to climb to higher vantage points. Despite some criticism for its narrative and level design, Thief's stealth mechanics remain influential in the genre and have influenced many games that followed it.
9 Velvet Assassin (2009)
Velvet Assassin is a stealth game that allows players to control a master thief named Violette Summer. The game's stealth mechanics allow players to sneak past guards, pick locks, and steal valuable treasures from heavily guarded locations. Players must be patient in order to avoid detection, as the guards are alert and will quickly raise the alarm if they spot Violette.
The game's levels are well-designed, with plenty of hiding spots and alternate routes that allow players to avoid confrontation. One interesting fact that quickly caught players' attention is that Violette's story is inspired by a real-life agent named Violette Szabo that served in World War II. Overall, Velvet Assassin is a satisfying and extremely challenging stealth game that requires skill and strategy to master.
8 Mark Of The Ninja (2012)
Mark of the Ninja is a side-scrolling action stealth game that received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay mechanics. Players control a ninja who must use stealth to infiltrate enemy strongholds, using the environment and various tools to avoid detection and eliminate targets.
The game's stealth mechanics are well-balanced and allow players to choose their approach to each level, whether it be silent and non-lethal or loud and deadly. The game's most impressive feature is the unique visual style, with hand-drawn graphics and a focus on lighting and shadows that fans really appreciated, since it felt unique and more true to the stealth concept.
7 Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent (2006)
Double Agent is a third-person stealth game that follows the story of Sam Fisher, an agent who must infiltrate a terrorist organization. The game features a variety of stealth mechanics, such as sneaking, hiding, and using gadgets to distract or disable enemies.
It also introduces a morality system, where the player's choices can affect the outcome of the story, improved graphics and sound, engaging storyline, and challenging gameplay. While some fans considered that Double Agent is not as good as other games in the series, many still believe that it was innovative, while still staying true to the Splinter Cell's roots.
6 Hitman: Blood Money (2006)
Blood Money is a classic among stealth games, mostly for the fact that its mechanics are centered around completing missions in cover. The game rewards players for being stealthy, as being detected by enemies can lead to more difficult and dangerous situations.
The game offers a variety of tools and weapons that can be used to complete missions, like disguises or poisons. Blood Money's stealth mechanics are well-designed and give players plenty of options to complete their objectives. It is considered one of the best stealth games ever made for its level design, and storyline and remains a popular choice for fans of the genre.
5 Dishonored (2012)
Dishonored combines stealth gameplay with supernatural abilities, as players control a former bodyguard and assassin, as he seeks revenge on those who framed him for the murder of the Empress. The game emphasizes player choice and creativity, allowing for a variety of playstyles, from pure stealth to full-on combat.
The protagonist's supernatural powers, such as teleportation and possession, give players a range of options for navigating levels and taking out enemies. Dishonored was well-received by fans for its engaging story and flexible gameplay mechanics. The game's blend of stealth and action was particularly praised, with many players enjoying the freedom to approach objectives in their way.
4 Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011)
Human Revolution is a first-person game that allows players to approach situations with a variety of playstyles, including stealth. The game offers several augmentations that enhance stealth gameplay, such as invisibility and silent movement.
Players can use hacking and social skills to avoid combat or gain advantages, and can choose to non-lethally take down enemies. Human Revolution allows players to explore and find their own paths, and the ability to choose different dialogue options can have a significant impact on the story. Fans enjoyed the well-balanced action and stealth mechanics, as the rich story kept them playing for hours.
3 Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (2011)
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is a remastered version of some of the most iconic stealth games of all time, including Sons of Liberty, Snake Eater, and Peace Walker. The games offer a mix of stealth and action gameplay, allowing players to approach situations in various ways.
Players can use the environment to their advantage, hiding behind objects or using camouflage to avoid detection. The Metal Gear Solid collection also features a complex narrative and unique characters, such as Solid Snake and Big Boss. While the collection was praised for the upgraded graphics and gameplay, some fans still criticized the long cutscenes and the fact that the upgrades weren't worth the full price of a new game.
2 Assassin’s Creed 2 (2009)
Assassin’s Creed II introduced players to some of the best stealth mechanics ever encountered in a video game. It allowed players to use different methods to complete their objectives, including blending in with the crowd, hiding in the shadows, and using a variety of tools such as throwing knives and smoke bombs.
The game's protagonist, Ezio Auditore, can also perform assassinations and use parkour to move around the game world quickly. Fans praised the game for its innovations, and some still consider that after so many released games, ACII is still one of the best games of the series.
1 Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Batman: Arkham City builds upon the foundation established in its predecessor, allowing players to take advantage of the open-world setting to plan and execute their stealth takedowns. Batman can hide in the shadows, use his gadgets to distract or incapacitate enemies and perform silent takedowns.
The game also introduces new gadgets and abilities, such as the ability to swoop down from above to take out enemies or use smoke pellets to disappear and reposition. Fans praised Arkham City for its well-designed levels and the variety of approaches available to the player, allowing for a highly immersive stealth experience.