Styx: Master of Shadows

Not overwhelmingly great, but as good as it gets when it comes to oldschool stealth these days. Pretty good worldbuilding, vast Thief-inspired levels that are fun to explore, smooth gameplay, amusing voice acting, many interesting gimmicks to play around with. Camera is a bit jiggly, but if you can handle Bully on PC, there's nothing to worry about.

This is a very good stealth game. It has everything I need in such a game: 1) Good, logical and easy controls (unlike new Thief with its poor consolish controls in its PC port). 2) A likeable character (although your mileage may vary) who is small and nimble which provides for some welcome new opportunities - hiding under tables, scafolds, etc. where men cannot find you. 3) Very good level design - vertical with multiple paths to your goal. 4) Engaging gadgets (and skills!) for use against various enemies. 5) Achievements/badges for no-kill, fast level time, all-looting way of playing. (Although I played it mostly the simpliest way through - slow & stealth kill everyone :) = no badge except all loot.) It's an interesting series that will not dissapoint any stealth lover. The moments when you "orchestrate" accidents or when your small goblin jumps at the back of knights in shining armor just to be able to reach their neck are hilarious. But don't try to fight them up front (except for some loners that you failed to assissinate the first time around - and even then you better be good at parrying their blows!). 5 stars. More of it is always welcome. Negatives: Aaah, who cares? :) Maybe the AI could be more "worried" when the soldier who patrolled with them (or who stood around the corner all the time) goes suddenly missing. .)

Styx: Master of Shadows is off to a good start. After a short introductory level, you enter a fairly large level where you get to experience the game at its best. What this game does well is that you never really get stuck. There is always another option if you cannot get past a certain obstacle. It is up to you whether it is worth going for side-objectives and earn some extra ‘experience points’ to unlock additional skills. While the main objective in each level is always simple (mostly: get from point A to B), the game lets you choose how to get there. You can sneak your way there without hurting anyone or you can assassinate everyone. There are various tools at your disposal: you can stealthily kill guards, you can enter combat and use timed parries, you can briefly make yourself invisible, you can summon clones to distract guards or use them as bait; and you can throw daggers (which you have to collect as you go). The game gives you extra experience points if you manage to kill no one or do not cause an alarm; or if you reach the goal fast. There are also collectibles in the form of 10 ‘coins’ per level and a relic per “mission” (usually each mission has 1–4 levels). The level designs themselves are varied and well-made. They are open and there are almost always multiple paths to reach your destination, even in the more linear levels (e.g. you can go through the door or climb a wall and go through the window). Where this game falls short is that many levels are revisited; one of them even three times. They only vary in the placement and the type of enemies and destination. The enemy AI is also awfully limited; they always follow a simple pattern and they rarely behave differently if their surroundings change (e.g. an item has been taken or a fellow guard is killed or disappears). There is also no reliable auto save. While the game starts well, it loses its appeal after levels start to repeat and you know how to handle each enemy type (there aren’t many).

+ Huge, vertical levels with many paths leading to your goal + Satisfying stealth mechanics: hiding in shadows, hearing enemy footsteps, peeking around corners etc + Well implemented skill system with gameplay changing spells. You puke out clones to distract foes + You can kill everyone in various, spectacular fashions. Traps, environmental kills, throwing knives, aerial stabs... + ...or you can go full pacifist and never be seen by anyone. Both playstyles are equally supported + Everything is climbable + Enemies can insta kill you when you get caught so you NEED to plan ahead + Subtle storytelling and likeable protagonist As for cons, I only have some nitpicks about what I miss from Thief games (I played them far too many times). Like lack of ability to swim. Or no readable objects. Or binary hiding in shadows (either hidden or visible, nothing in between). But on the flip side, it has puking out clones for distraction! And supports being murderer... This game is what Dishonored would be if they bothered to implement actual stealth mechanics other than "You are invincible. And invisible when 1m above enemy head". Great addition to stealth genre.