stealth mechanics Archives

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

To celebrate the imminent launch of a new Styx adventure, Epic is giving away Cyanide’s last two goblin-flavoured stealth games for free

In the early 2010s, Cyanide Studios’ Styx was a notable stealth title in a sparse gaming landscape. Styx, a goblin character, gained attention before being overshadowed by the Hitman franchise. In February, a new installment titled Blades of Greed is set to release, and Epic Games is offering the previous titles, Styx: Master of Shadows and Styx: Shards of Darkness, for free on Steam. Both games focus on stealth mechanics, encouraging evasion and cunning rather than direct confrontation. Master of Shadows established the series with intricate environments, while Shards of Darkness improved nonlinear exploration and cooperative play. Blades of Greed promises expansive gameplay with three vast environments, new mechanics like a glider, and a more proactive role for Styx as he assembles a crew for heists from his airship. The game is scheduled for release on February 19, with a demo available on Steam.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

AU Deals: Today’s Best Value Game Deals on Console and PC Hunted Down for You

Assassin's Creed Chronicles India celebrates its tenth anniversary, while Lost Planet turns 18. Discounts for Nintendo Switch include: - Crisis Core: FF7 Reunion (-45%) - Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (-35%) - Diablo III Eternal Collection (-27%) - Hot Wheels Unleashed (-85%) - This War of Mine Complete Edition (-90%) Discounts for Xbox include: - Assassin's Creed Mirage (-69%) - Persona 5 Royal (-51%) - Star Wars Jedi Survivor (-63%) - Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate (-32%) - Star Wars Squadrons (-38%) - For Xbox One: Dishonored 2 (-77%), Spyro Reignited Trilogy (-37%), Diablo III Eternal Collection (-59%) Discounts for PlayStation include: - Ghost of Yotei (-13%) - Spider-Man: Miles Morales (-48%) - Elden Ring (-53%) - Returnal (-43%) - Tekken 8 (-45%) - For PS4: BioShock Collection (-57%), Persona 5 Strikers (-58%), Batman: Arkham Collection (-90%) Discounts for PC include: - Pacific Drive (-60%) - South Park: The Fractured but Whole (-70%) - SteamWorld Dig 2 (-94%) - A Plague Tale: Innocence (-80%) - Little Nightmares Complete Edition (-75%) LEGO deals include: - Minecraft: The Creeper (-29%) - 3in1 Wild Animals Panda (-35%) - V-19 Torrent Starfighter (-30%) - Balrog Book Nook (-25%)

AppWizard

December 26, 2025

Mark’s most anticipated PC games for 2026

- First Light is an upcoming game from IO Interactive that reimagines the Bond formula, combining stealth mechanics with action-oriented narratives, featuring high-speed chases and shootouts. - The Blood of Dawnwalker, developed by Rebel Wolves, is a vampire RPG inspired by The Witcher series, focusing on a character named Coen who must reclaim his family from a bloodsucker, with dynamic quest mechanics influenced by the time of day. - Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan and aims to replicate diverse biomes and dynamic weather, offering an open-world car collecting experience with urban landscapes and mountain passes. - Star Wars: Galactic Racer features racing mechanics set in the Star Wars universe, allowing players to pilot hovering crafts through off-road trails while experiencing high-speed races.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

First-Person Shooter Now Free for Epic Games Store Users for 24 Hours

Blood West, a first-person shooter developed by Hyperstrange and New Blood Interactive, is available for free on the Epic Games Store for the next 24 hours as part of a holiday promotion. The game, which typically costs .99, has received an 80 score on Metacritic and an 88% approval rating from over 3,200 user reviews. While the base game is free, any downloadable content (DLC) is not included in this offer. Blood West features a blend of shooting and stealth mechanics, where players assume the role of the Undead Gunslinger in a desolate wasteland.

AppWizard

December 14, 2025

007 First Light, the James Bond game from Hitman developers, gets a major pre-order discount months before launch

James Bond has been a popular character in video games, with adaptations varying in quality. The upcoming game, 007 First Light, developed by IO Interactive, features a young Bond on his first mission, aiming for a more relatable portrayal. This game allows players to engage in action rather than traditional stealth gameplay, appealing to a wider audience. It combines elements of Hitman and Uncharted, and is available for pre-order at Fanatical for .89 / £52.19, with a 13% discount. The promotion is expected to last until the game's release.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

The Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake is real, and we’ve got the PEGI rating to prove it

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is an upcoming remake of the original game, confirmed by the PEGI ratings board. The remake will include elements such as swearing, violence, and in-game purchases, with hopes from the community for minimal microtransactions. There is speculation that an official announcement may occur during The Game Awards. The remake aims to provide a fresh yet familiar experience for both new players and veterans of the original game. Further details, including a release date and gameplay updates, are anticipated.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

We owe Skyrim’s beloved Stealth Archer to one of the designers of an all-time classic PC stealth game, who wrote Todd Howard ‘a big document of stealth in 20 different games’

Stealth mechanics in role-playing games have been popular among players for decades, with games like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Cyberpunk offering immersive experiences. The Stealth Archer playstyle in Skyrim has gained a significant following, leading to numerous guides and discussions online. Emil Pagliarulo, Bethesda's design director, has a background in stealth games, having started his career at Looking Glass Studios, known for titles like Thief. He conducted an analysis of stealth mechanics in 20 different games upon joining Bethesda. Oblivion, released in 2006, introduced important stealth mechanics such as consistent sound and line-of-sight, enhancing the stealth experience compared to previous games. Pagliarulo distinguishes between Thief, which focuses solely on stealth simulation, and Bethesda's games, which offer a broader range of gameplay systems. He emphasizes the freedom players have to shape their characters' identities through stealth gameplay, expressing pride in the evolution of stealth mechanics at Bethesda.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Genshin Impact’s flashy combat and Control’s paranormal vibes collide in a new Hoyoverse game, and I’m immediately hooked

Hoyoverse has released a half-hour gameplay demo of its upcoming open-world title, Varsapura, which features elements reminiscent of Control and LA Noire. Set in modern-day Singapore, the game involves paranormal investigation, dialogue choices, stealth mechanics, and combat similar to Zenless Zone Zero. Players assume the role of a protagonist applying for a job at SEAL (Shadow Entity Analysis and Limitation), where they undergo a "mind scan" during the application process. The game introduces officer Sayuki, who discusses the Mindrot phenomenon, which generates derogatory comments in a test chamber. Players combat shadow creatures using umbrella-based attacks and can swap characters during battles. The narrative includes a personal motive for joining SEAL, with dialogue options categorized into 'Empathy,' 'Persuasion,' and 'Deception.' The gameplay features an open-world driving segment and stealth mechanics, allowing exploration of a city resembling Singapore. The visual style combines realistic art with anime character designs. Hoyoverse hints at customization options for the protagonist's appearance and is recruiting talent for the game's development.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

Five new Steam games you probably missed (October 13, 2025)

Steam releases approximately a dozen new games daily, leading to hidden gems among the offerings. - Carimara: Beneath The Forlorn Limbs - Release Date: October 6 - Developer: Bastinus Rex - Description: An indie game with enchanting visuals and intricate storytelling. - Bye Sweet Carole - Release Date: October 10 - Developer: Little Sewing Machine - Description: A sidescrolling cinematic platformer inspired by early '90s Disney animation, featuring puzzles and stealth mechanics. - The Lacerator - Release Date: October 10 - Developer: Games From The Abyss - Description: A horror game with a chilling narrative where players must survive in the lair of a sinister filmmaker. - The Farmer Was Replaced - Release Date: October 11 - Developer: Timon Herzog - Description: A simulation game that combines agricultural automation with programming challenges.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

4 PC-exclusive classics that deserve a modern remake

Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines (2004) is a flawed masterpiece that struggled with bugs and unfinished elements at release but features sharp writing and memorable characters. A modern remake could refine its dialogue and enhance gameplay. The first Witcher game, while adhering to the source material and featuring strong character development, suffers from clunky mechanics and performance issues. Rumors suggest a remake is in the works to update controls and accessibility. Half-Life 2 (2004) set a new standard for first-person shooters but has aged, particularly in visual fidelity. A modern remake could enhance graphics and AI, and address unresolved plot points. Thief: The Dark Project (1998) introduced stealth mechanics focused on subtlety and patience. A modern remake could improve its mechanics with advanced AI and ray-traced lighting, redefining the stealth genre.