Tenchu: Stealth Assassins
So many people wrongly assume that Metal Gear Solid was the first 3D stealth title, but one game proceeded it: Tenchu: Stealth Assassins. It had a cool cast of characters, and a huge technical advantage over a lot of the games at the time on account of its 3D worlds. It has aged terribly however, thus why so many forget about it in favour of Kojima’s PS1 masterpiece. Regardless of how it plays today, Tenchu is still a hugely influential title.
Metal Gear Solid
I don’t think there’s a lot to say about this mammoth achievement that hasn’t already been said elsewhere. It’s one of the best games ever made, and defines the classic Playstation exclusive. In terms of influence it has forever shown developers how to do stealth, story and voice acting. In terms of raw enjoyment, it is a near perfect title. There is only one stealth game that can be considered better than this particular gem.
Metal Gear
Before you think I’ve lost my mind, I must clarify that I refer only to the original MSX2 version and not that shoddy NES port. The original MSX2 Metal Gear was officially the first stealth action game ever, gracing Japanese homes in 1987. Whilst Japan got a mammoth extravaganza that is still fun to play even today, American homes got the crappy NES version, with horribly redesigned stages and a lot of nonsensical elements. Regardless of this, the proper version stands to rights as the most forward thinking and influential stealth title of all time and it’s a timeless classic because of this.
