Best Stealth Games From The 1990s, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• The stealth genre evolved in the late 90s, creating tense and rewarding gameplay experiences in the shadows.
• Syphon Filter, Commandos, and Tenchu shaped the stealth genre with their unique gameplay mechanics.
• Games like Thief: The Dark Project and Metal Gear Solid solidify the 90s as a golden era for stealth gaming.

Stealth gaming has taken on many forms, with most AAA games trying to include some aspects of this genre to appeal to as many people as possible. However, players who are only familiar with barebones stealth mechanics are missing out on what this genre has to offer when games lean heavily toward this style of gameplay, compelling players to stick to the shadows and avoid enemies instead of taking them head-on.

It took a while for the stealth genre to find its footing, but the late 90s served as a major turning point for this genre. Players were treated to tense, rewarding experiences where they had to stick to the shadows and avoid conflict by any means necessary. The sense of dread players experience when they’re on the verge of being spotted in these stealth games makes it clear why the 90s is a definitive era for this genre, with some of these games being hailed as innovative and groundbreaking for all the right reasons.

5 Syphon Filter

A Stealth-Action Hybrid That Set The Foundation For A Popular Genre Combination

While this game is more of a stealth-action hybrid, Syphon Filter is more revolutionary than most people give it credit for. After all, this genre combination has dominated mainstream AAA gaming, and it’s surprising to see that most people don’t have the same nostalgic love for Syphon Filter as they have for other games with similar gameplay loops like Splinter Cell and Hitman. It’s possible to power through levels by shooting enemies to bits, but the game has its mandatory stealth levels where detection leads to an instant game over.

It’s in these levels that Syphon Filter shows a competent grasp of stealth mechanics, even if the dated nature of the gameplay can make some aspects of these levels frustrating. Still, players who want a breather from the breakneck action will find the stealth sections to be a fresh change of pace that lets players interact with a major gameplay pillar of Syphon Filter.

4 Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines

A Stealth-Strategy Game That’s Tough Yet Rewarding

Strategy stealth games are pretty rare nowadays, and fans love how Commandos helped it evolve and turn into one of the most underappreciated genres in gaming history. Players control a small squad that is tasked with sneaking behind enemy lines by any means necessary to get covert information, save hostages, perform recon, and do everything in their power to aid the war effort.

This game is far from easy, and players must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their squad if they want to make it through a level by the skin of their teeth. The imaginative objectives and level design ensure that the difficulty curve is easier to manage, and there’s no greater satisfaction than completing objectives without any of the operatives falling in harm’s way.

3 Tenchu: Stealth Assassins

Pioneered Stealth Gameplay That Would Shape Future Projects

During a time when being a ninja was shown off to be action-packed with these people engaging in tantalizing swordfights with their opponents while using ranged weapons to incapacitate people from afar, Tenchu: Stealth Assassins took a different and more accurate look at what being a ninja was all about. Engaging in combat would lead to a player’s death more often than not, making it important to sneak around and take out enemies when they’re unaware of an intruder’s presence.

To add to this title’s gameplay variety, players control two protagonists with somewhat varying movesets. Rikimaru has higher health, making it easier to fend off enemies if he’s spotted. Ayame is faster and has two blades to choose from, making stealth more manageable — something players must prioritize with this character since things become way more challenging if she’s spotted.

2 Thief: The Dark Project

One Of The Greatest Stealth-Focused Immersive Sims

One of the greatest immersive sims of all time, players love controlling the silky-voiced Garrett in Thief as they break into sensitive locations and acquire as much loot as possible. The gameplay loop seems simple enough until players find the numerous tools at their disposal, giving them several options to break into restricted locations and sneak around during their thieving endeavors. While it seems like a simple stealth game early on, it doesn’t take long for Thief’s story to unfurl as players are tasked with stopping the Trickster from bringing the world to a state of ruin.

The game is at its best when players are facing off against human enemies. Monsters and the undead are significantly less interesting to deal with, especially since combat is not Garrett’s forte and will lead to his death in no time. The later levels place more of an emphasis on the supernatural, but players willing to give Thief’s weaker levels a pass will find Thief: The Dark Project to be one of the best 90s stealth games to sink their teeth into.

Hideo Kojima’s Stealth-Focused Claim To Fame

It would be impossible to talk about the best 90s stealth games without giving credit to Metal Gear Solid, one of the greatest games ever made that turned Hideo Kojima into one of the biggest names in the video game industry. Controlling a stealth operative who has to sneak around enemies and fulfill certain objectives while trying not to be spotted makes for a great time.

Everything from the game’s presentation to its story has become legendary, turning Solid Snake into an iconic character who faces off against several enemies, including a mech, by his lonesome. It’s a testament to the brilliance at play in this game that so many aspects of Metal Gear Solid endured throughout the series’ run, turning it into one of Konami’s most celebrated properties right up until Kojima’s poorly handled departure from the company.