The 21 Best Assassin Games To play in 2016

21 Assassin games to help you find your prey

I like civilized society. I really do. But now and then it can become so frustratingly dull. As the ultimate bad-boys, the killers from these games provide the best harmless taste of action, stealth and strategy so scarcely found in grocery lines. So buckle up for the best assassin games that you can play to become the ultimate killing machine, without all those pesky moral questions.

1. Dishonored (2012)

Dishonored Definite Edition Launch Trailer

Developer: Arkane Studios

Genre: Stealth, action-adventure

Themes: Steampunk warlock assassin, dystopia

Grab your steam-powered gadgets, your freaky tattooed hand and an impractical but cool-looking mask, for this is Dunwall, and there is a lot of killing to be done! A disgraced bodyguard turned assassin, Corvo Attano is going to carve a bloody path towards redemption!

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Featuring an engaging mix and match of magic, swords and steampunk, Dishonored lets you choose how to approach the action. Are you going to be merciful and just sneakily avoid detection, or do you have a penchant for murdering everything that moves, and then striking the corpses for good measure?

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But this is not one of those games where no matter if you went full psychotic or you talked your way out of it, everyone just seems supercool about it the next cutscene. No, Dishonored actually reacts to your choices, and even randomizes some portions of the game. So you have a different experience every time. Critically acclaimed for its design and style, you’ll always find a way to be sadistically creative. So have fun in your dystopia, kids.

Dishonored gameplay in HD

2. Dishonored 2 (2016)

Dishonored 2 -- Official E3 2015 Announce Trailer

Developer: Arkane Studios

Genre: Stealth, action-adventure

Themes: TWO Steampunk warlock assassins, dystopia

Bigger, better and closer to the sea, for some reason, Dishonored 2 ups the ante… twice I guess? We have two playable characters now, is what I’m saying. You can control either Corvo or the Empress in this expected sequel. And it looks so glorious, even your victims will be impressed.

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Returning from the first game is everything you liked: choices, magic, steampunk, blood, nasty looking people. This time around though, not only can you choose a new character, but the upgrade system has been revamped to allow for character growth and deadlier combos and tactics.

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With a new game engine, narrative scenes that can be interrupted, stunning visuals and lots of expectations, Dishonored 2 looks like it’s one awesome promise that will soon come true. Fingers crossed.

Dishonored 2 Gameplay (E3 2016)

3. Alekhine's Gun (2016)

Official Alekhine's Gun Trailer - EXTENDED

Developer: Maximum games

Genre: Stealth, action

Themes: Cold War Assassins, Espionage

So, you prefer your assassination contracts a little more gritty and realistic. You know, no magic but lots of chloroform and guns? Well, this is one game you should definitely check out. Named after a chess move but with definitely with more corpses, Alekhine’s Gun places you in control of Soviet agent Alekhine during the Cold War, a job that involves lots of “eliminating”.

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You’re given a file with your targets and objectives, and then quite literally let loose in a certain location. After that, it’s all your decision. You will be judged, of course, and given an appropriate rank for how loud, violent, accurate and professional you were, but it’s not as if it’s gonna prevent you from getting another contract next level. So go nuts if you like.

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Allowing for meticulous planning or just winging it as you go, this game will have you replaying the levels and experiencing them in a lot of different ways, as you try and sometimes hilariously fail to execute your master plan. Good luck.

Alekhine's Gun Mission 1 Ghost Ranking Speedrun

4. Hitman: Absolution (2013)

Hitman: Absolution Debut Trailer [North America]

Developer: IO Interactive

Genre: Action-adventure, stealth

Theme: Professional assassin, conspiracy

Legendary Agent 47 comes back in this 2013 installment. Tasked with killing his former ICA (International Contracts Agency) handler, Diana Burnwood, he will uncover a conspiracy that will take him to exotic locations while protecting a girl from killer nuns in latex outfits.

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Without much room to impact the story with different actions or exploring big areas, it can be said that it has a slightly more linear approach to missions. After all, you have to go from point A to point B, and there’s not much room for going anywhere else. But it’s still close to the Hitman games you love and replay. This time around, you must use your Instincts (a literal power-up that lets you highlight important stuff) to navigate and kill your targets. You can do so with a bullet to the head or staging an accident, hiding corpses or avoiding detection whatsoever. Your choice.

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And if you get bored with that, you can always enter the Contracts portion of the game, where you can design and play different user-made missions. A never-ending sneaky blood bath.

Hitman: Absolution Gameplay #1 Introducing: Agent 47 [US]

5. HITMAN (2016)

HITMAN - Episode Three: Marrakesh Launch Trailer (May 31st)

Developer: IO Interactive

Genre: Stealth, action-adventure

Themes: Professional assassin, conspiracy

Before you even knew he had gone away, Agent 47 returns in this episodic game with a desire to travel, see the sights and shape the world through assassination. A hopeless romantic, I’d say.

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This installment, titled only Hitman, has been launching episodes all through 2016, with an upcoming one on January 2017. Each entry takes us to different and exotic locations around the globe. With a simplified Instincts mechanic, no more linear (i.e., no more limited exploration) and huge levels, this game tries to take everything that worked in Blood Money and mix it with Absolution ideas, giving it an overall different (and arguably better) feel than its predecessor.

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With sandbox levels where to plan and kill in creative and unexpected ways, you’ll be quite happy that Agent 47 still looks good in that Italian suit of his, for you’ll be controlling him for quite a while.

HITMAN - World Premiere 'Showstopper' Playthrough

6. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)

E3 Cinematic Trailer - Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag [UK]

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Genre: Action-adventure, stealth

Themes: Assassins, conspiracy and piracy

You take the role of a new employee at a gaming studio in Montreal. No, not Ubisoft Montreal, it’s called Abstergo Entertainment. It’s obviously different. Here you are paid to relive the life and experiences of some guy using some high tech software. Fortunately, that guy is a sword fighting, parkour master, rum-loving pirate named Edward Kenway, who uncovers an ancient and dangerous conspiracy, stumbling right in the middle of the Assassins versus Templars conflict. All while visiting the wonderful Cuban archipelago and diving once or twice in its crystal blue waters.

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This game mixes everything you loved from the original gameplay mechanics, like the hidden blade stealth assassinations and the aforementioned parkour, with high-seas ship to ship combat and plunder. Never had high-sea piracy and singing sea shanties been so fun before.

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So get ready to a swashbuckling adventure with action, stealth, and salty water, for Black Flag is a revitalizing and amazing game to check out even if you’re not familiar with the series.

13 Minutes of Caribbean Open-World Gameplay | Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag [North America]

7. Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011)

Assassin's Creed Revelations - E3 Trailer Extended Cut [North America]

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Genre: Action, adventure

Themes: Ancient assassins, conspiracy

So, you star Desmond Miles yet again, who is… in a coma. Oh, ok. But to exit such state, he must relive Ezio’s and Altaïr’s memories once more, as we explore Constantinople’s captivating architecture and streets.

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Replacing the hidden blade (*gasp*, how dare they?) you’ve got the hookblade, which is more useful in traversing ropes through the city, making the pace faster and different from previous installments. You must also capture districts, like in Brotherhood, by eliminating the enemy presence and claiming that part of the city as your own (and thus accessing their stores and more). But now you have to defend them too with a sort of tower defense minigame. So a lot of games packed in one.

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The game features an addicting multiplayer that makes you feel paranoid in an exhilarating manner. Why you ask? Because you are both an assassin and a target, so you have to kill without alerting your mark, and also avoid being assassinated by another player. You also have all the usual goodies, such as collectibles, freaky clues about ancient conspiracies, upgrades, weapons, viewpoints, etc. Even if it might be a little more of the same ol’ Ezio, it is a game worth checking out if you’re a fan. And even if you aren’t, too.

Assassin's Creed Revelations HD Gameplay

8. Assassin's Creed Rogue (2015)

Assassin’s Creed Rogue Launch Trailer [US]

Developer: Ubisoft Sofia, Ubisoft Kiev

Genre: Action, adventure, stealth

Themes: Assassin going rogue, historical conspiracy

Among all these killers, how to determine who’s the best? What about murdering a dedicated assassin’s order that has existed for centuries? What about going… rogue? If that’s your cup of tea, then this game is for you, as Shay decimates his former colleagues both on land and on the icy sea.

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With a revamped ship combat and your usual building climbing, sword and gun fights, this game follows closely the footsteps of previous entries in the series. Your allegiance impacts the enemies, though, as you now must intercept assassins and prevent them from… well, assassinating.

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The 7th major installment of the series, although the mechanics may seem too similar to Black Flag, the change of allegiances brings a refreshing twist to the plot, with treason and danger at every corner.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue River Valley Land Gameplay Walkthrough [North America]

9. Shadwen (2016)

Shadwen Announcement Trailer

Developer: Frozenbyte

Genre: Stealth, action-adventure

Theme: Medieval regicide

In Shadwen, you take the role of, well, Shadwen. The plot is simple enough: You have to take care of a young girl Lily, while trying to assassinate your target. Pretty standard, huh? But you won’t settle for anything less than a king. Because you’re hardcore like that. So ask yourself: Do you like medieval settings? Do you hate having to replay a stealth level ‘cause you didn’t see that moron just standing there who gave off the alarm? ,You won’t have more troubles, as you strive to fulfill all of Shadwen’s kingslayer fantasies with total control of time and tactics.

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The game has a rather unique mechanic, where time doesn’t pass if you don’t move. As such, you can plan and outmaneuver your enemies with carefully detailed tactics, as you rope swing from building to building and use clever gadgets and pointy blades. And even if you mess up, you can pull a Sands of Time move and turn back time a couple seconds and just try again. Nifty, huh?

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With a free demo and an interesting gameplay, it doesn’t hurt to check this title out. What does hurt is when the guards catch you and kill you without mercy. So be on the lookout for that.

Shadwen PC Gameplay

10. Mark of the Ninja (2012)

Mark of the Ninja Trailer

Developer: Klei Entertainment

Genre: Stealth, action, side-scrolling, indie

Theme: Stealth, Ninjas.

So, you’re a ninja on his day off. But ninjas don’t have days off, do they? That’s what you find when some soldiers burst in, gunning down everyone in sight. How do you balance the odds, you ask? By applying a killer tattoo, the aforementioned Mark of the Ninja. Killer as in it’ll kill you and/or make you mad. But let’s not dwell on that: the tattoo gives you superpowers!

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In this 2D stealth platformer, you take the role of the only hope for your ninja clan (games have taught me that ninja clans are prone to dying out), as you take on soldiers with guns and dogs with rabies. But it’s still a risky endeavor. You must use the environment to your advantage, sticking to the shadows,creating opportunities, and using your superhuman reflexes to stay alive. You can even hang the corpses of your enemies to terrify them, as they don’t know who is out there killing their buddies, and distract them while you either run away or kill the unsuspecting victim.

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With upgrades that make you faster and more agile, imaginative stages with destructible light sources and lots of places to hide (like vents, shadow corners and the like), an interesting plot and a distinctive visual style, this is one little gem that not only measures up to any other stealth game, but sets the bar higher.

Mark of the Ninja - Stealth Gameplay

11. Sniper Elite 4 (2017)

Sniper Elite 4 - Official Teaser Trailer - 2016

Developer: Rebellion Developments

Genre: Tactical shooter, stealth

Themes: Snipers, WWII

Relying on stealth, planning and aim, Sniper Elite 4 is a game for those who like to be patient and precise, for it gives you a chance to control sniper Karl Fairburne as he helps the Italian resistance against those pesky World War II fascists.

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The gameplay is quite similar to previous games, where you need to use the terrain to your advantage in order to get in the perfect position. What’s the perfect position? Ideally where all enemies (officers and privates alike) can’t see you, but you can see each and every one of them, putting bullets through their skulls without them knowing where they’re coming from. With larger maps than previous installments, an improved AI and the fan-favorite x-ray cam that activates when your kill is awesome enough, Sniper Elite promises to be a tactical and violently satisfying game.

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I know, I know. 2017 is not 2016. You know what? I don’t care. This game’s awesome. Why, you ask? Because it shows you that there’s a certain finesse to long range killing too. And better if you can see what happens to an eyeball when impacted by a high caliber bullet.

The system now includes shrapnel and melee kills for the x-ray cam, so if you’ve ever wondered exactly what your knife is doing inside your enemy’s heart, you’ll be satisfied with this game. Expecting to sell more than 200,000 physical copies in the UK alone, this is one game to be on the lookout for.

Sniper Elite 4 Gameplay at E3 2016

12. Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 (2016)

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 - Trailer

Developer: CI Games

Genre: Action, stealth

Themes: Modern-day snipers, exploration

You like the idea of a sniper, but history lessons are not your thing? Well, jump into the boots of a modern sniper, deployed in the middle of an Eastern European conflict where warring factions collide. And you can even use drones. Cool, right?

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With the help of different gadgets (such as the aforementioned scouting drone) you will traverse open world levels that let you approach your objectives in several ways. Gather intel, position yourself for precise sniping, or just try to blow everything up before you are killed. You will find you can even do a little parkour to help you clear objectives.

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Obviously if the game is called “Sniper” it will have snipers, but this time around, you can actually upgrade and customize your weapons, with each part being assembled at the end into one lethal instrument. You’ll also have knives, handguns and machineguns, if you ever get tired with sniping. Even your drone has the possibility of being repaired, upgraded or retrofitted in order to accomplish certain specific tasks. So, lots of choices, people.

With the game’s creative director being an actual military veteran, and with an expanded budget compared to its predecessors, expect it to be quite intense.

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 Developer Commentary Gameplay

13. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China

Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China Launch Trailer [US]

Developer: Climax Studios

Genre: Action, adventure, platformer

Theme: Parkour assassins in historical settings

As the last of the Chinese Assassins, you must murder the hell out of those who have wronged you, and teach them why it is a bad idea to mess with a professional and ancient order of parkour master killers.

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In this 2D side scroller with 3D elements, you must traverse the stages with the familiar moves of the series, all while mixing and matching combat, stealth and platforming. No major plot innovations here, but the gripping gameplay and stylish visuals make for an enjoyable game that will keep you entertained.

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As part of a series of smaller games, China gives us a refreshing change of pace in the franchise, while still retaining the feel and story of the main titles. All in all, a great little game to check out.

Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China Gameplay (PC HD)

14. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist (2013)

Splinter Cell Blacklist | World Premiere Trailer [NORTH AMERICA]

Developer: Ubisoft Toronto

Genre: Action-adventure, stealth

So, you’re just chilling out when terrorists suddenly blacklist (eh? get it?) the U.S. for deploying their troops in foreign soil. But this time you are Sam Fisher, and you just happen to have an entire counter-terrorist organization at your disposal. So you just go counter-terrorizing them.

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Using a mixture of traditional stealth elements and action-oriented abilities such as quick hand to hand combat and automatic precision shooting. So you can avoid detection, silently murder everyone, or LOUDLY murder everyone with explosives, night vision goggles and drones. You can even tag and kill targets with precision while you run like a lunatic. Your choice, really.

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Although initially criticized for the change in voice actors, Blacklist was positively received, and remains as a fun installment in this stellar franchise.

Splinter Cell Blacklist | First Gameplay Demo

15. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction (2010)

Splinter Cell Conviction - E3 trailer

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Genre: Action-adventure, stealth

Themes: Espionage, modern-day weapons

Blacklist’s predecessor, Conviction places you in the shoes of grief-stricken Sam Fisher as he aggressively investigates the hit and run death of his daughter, killing everyone who isn’t cooperative enough.

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Marked by a more aggressive take on stealth than its predecessors, it is easier to fend off various enemies while still clinging to the shadows and usual sneaking around. This is also the debut of the mark and shoot mechanic, which lets you feel you have ungodly good aim as you gun down various enemies at the same time.

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With the co-op campaign back, it is a great game to jump in with a buddy. A trustworthy one, though, or else it becomes frustrating. But all in all, a fun action-focused take on an old classic.

Splinter cell Conviction Gameplay PC

16. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014)

METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES - Launch Trailer

Developer: Kojima Productions

Genre: Stealth, action-adventure

Themes: Alternate history, espionage

You are in command of the legendary Snake a.k.a. Big Boss himself, who is tasked with infiltrating a secret American prison on Cuban soil, and spring a couple dudes from a paramilitary organization. You know the drill.

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Stealth is the name of the game (or at least a subtitle or something), as it has been in all the previous installments. This time, though, there is no alert status or gauge to tell you if someone is looking at you, and now you must learn to use the audio and visual cues for a more immersive experience, for you actually have to pay attention to your surroundings and not rely on a HUD. Also, if someone sees you, time slows for a second to allow you to react in time, before that loud-mouthed guard blows your cover.

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A comparatively small game, it introduces new mechanics and brings back the old favorites such as silent weapons, stealth takedowns, complex politically and philosophically charged plot, and boxes. An amazing prologue and a fun challenge, it is priced accordingly and therefore is a great game to buy.

Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes - PC Gameplay

17. Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom Pain

LAUNCH TRAILER | METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN (EU)

Developer: Konami Digital Entertainment

Genre: Stealth, action-adventure

Theme: Espionage, tactical action, alternate history

You have fallen into a coma (dude, you should really stop doing that), and when you wake up, it’s time to do some sneaky business, albeit with a missing arm. Taking control of Big Boss a.k.a. Venomous Snake, you join the cutely name Diamond Dogs mercenary group to track down the men responsible of killing your previous group. All this during the Angolan Civil War.

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The gameplay remains largely unchanged from Ground Zeroes, now you have an enormous open-world to screw around and use your gadgets and abilities in more varied situations, from infiltrating bases to kidnapping wildlife (seriously). You can even choose which missions to tackle first, depending on where you go (either on foot, by horse, tank or chopper). All this while using the Fulton recovery balloons to abduct people and resources to build your base.

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One fun thing to note is that Hideo Kojima, the game’s director, really tried to keep the game in secret. I mean, there are videos still in the Internet where he goes through the trouble of creating a fake studio, under a fake name, and announcing the project as an independent game. But the fans of Metal Gear Solid saw through the ruse right away, solving the hidden clues and making the connection. Never underestimate the internet, or dedicated fans with too much time on their hands. So let’s hope you’re actually sneakier in-game than the marketing team. Zing!

Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom Pain Gameplay Walkthrough Part 2 

18. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014)

Official Shadow of Mordor Launch Trailer

Developer: Monolith Productions

Genre: Action, adventure, stealth

Themes: Lord of the Rings characters, sword and magic

In this game based on Tolkien’s work, you take the place of Talon, a guy who had the misfortune of horribly dying. Understandably, you are quite angry. With the help of your undead guide, you have to…stop Sauron, I guess? Avenge your family? Whatever the case, you kill TONS of orcs.

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With Mordor as an open world to explore (and murder the hell out of), you must navigate the hostile territory with your awesome parkour skills, killing orcs with sword, dagger, bow or magic. It’s like Assassin’s Creed meet Arkham Asylum, but with more beheadings.

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Where this game really comes together is with the Nemesis system: Orcs have a hierarchy, and killing you makes them move up. You can either kill or brainwash them, and even develop a rivalry with one in particular. And because every orc and trait is randomly generated for each game, your nemesis and your history will be exclusive to you. Unless you want to tell the developers, who actually reenacted one such story with voice acting in Youtube. And that’s a win, right there.

Official Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Gameplay Walkthrough

19. Styx: Master of Shadows

Styx: Master of Shadows - Launch trailer

Developer: Cyanide Studios

Genre: Stealth, action-adventure

Themes: Inflitration, goblin coming-of-age, fantasy

The first goblin. Or at least the first charismatic one. Your heart’s desire is a literal heart (yup, a heart as in a beating, living heart…to each their own) of a World Tree, hidden away in a huge tower. So let’s infiltrate the hell out of it, ok?

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With different skill trees and various abilities to remain hidden and take advantage of the environment, Styx can use a combination of steel and magic to overcome problematic odds and move from one hiding spot to another. You can then use your blade to jump on top of your enemies, either loudly slashing them, or using your green little hands to muffle their screams. Or you can just rob them blind. Do mind larger enemies, though.

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A sequel has been announced for 2016, so trail away and die a lot: in the end, this is not the last time we’ll see our little green friend. And that’s a good thing.

Styx Master of Shadows - E3 Gameplay

20. Thief (2014)

THIEF - Launch Trailer

Developer: Eidos Montreal

Genre: Stealth, Action-adventure

Themes: Medieval thievery with supernatural elements

Ok, ok. Garret the master-thief is actually opposed to killing random people, even if he does live in a nightmarish world of darkness and disease that looks like the worst fears of the Industrial Revolution. What is he doing in an assassins list? Two things: first, as you traverse the rooftops and streets stealing anything you can get your sticky fingers on, while uncovering a supernatural conspiracy in which you were accidentally involved, you’ll find you actually have the skills of an assassin, even if you choose not to kill. And secondly, if you have qualms with this you’re gonna hate the next entry. But let’s cross that bridge when it comes to it, ok?

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Using your natural agility and a stealthy approach, you must use the shadows to your advantage, either by avoiding light or extinguishing torches and candles. Apart from picking up everything of value that’s lying around, you also have the choice of sneaking behind someone and picking his pocket. And then wack him on the back of his head, if you want.

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With cool gadgets like water arrows to douse the flames, a cool little supernatural instinct to help you during the levels, an awesome hideout and supernatural plot, this remake brings the feeling of the old games to a new generation, ready to take the mantle of a master thief.

Thief Walkthrough Part 1 With Commentary - Sneaky Fun Times!

21. Batman Arkham Knight (2015)

Official Batman: Arkham Knight Trailer – “Gotham is Mine”

Developer: Rocksteady

Genre: Stealth, action-adventure

Themes: Superheroes. Batman.

Here we go. Batman. The caped-crusader with the no-kill rule. When the Scarecrow and the titular Arkham Knight take over Gotham and let the criminals loose against Batman, ol’ Brucie must make things right by punching people. But an assassin? No, not really. But if you’ve paid attention, all the mechanics and abilities every other guy on this list has is neatly summarized inside the pointy-eared cowl of Batman, with the only difference that he leaves broken bones and not severed limbs. So come on, it’s Batman, don’t gripe about that stuff and let’s have fun, ok?

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The free flow combat is back, along with the gadgets, the “predator” stages, and everything you loved about the previous Arkham games. Oh, and now we have the Batmobile, which is a freaking missile launching tank. With expanded gameplay mechanics, you can even summon allies during your combos and pummel that cowardly, superstitious lot that is the criminal underworld. All this while trying to beat that guy who looks like a high tech version of yourself.

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An amazingly fun and engaging game, it did have some troubles with its launch on PC. But after a series of patches, suspending the sales and then starting anew, the developers are constantly improving and patching any issues it could have. So you should really try it out. I mean, just look at the gameplay and tell me it doesn’t look slick. So have fun squashing skulls non-lethally, and remember no one will judge you if you start saying “I’m Batman” after every takedown.

Batman Arkham Knight Stealth Gameplay - Best Stealth Takedowns

So, if you really need more convincing, I have no idea what you want. I mean, action, adventure, stealth and cool plots. From a blade in the dark to Batman, from snipers to ninjas, you will definitely find a game that gives you that surge of adrenaline that’ll help you kill time. And virtual enemies. So everyone wins.

Haven’t had your fill of virtual life being extinguished? Have a look at these other great articles for your reading pleasure.

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