Developer: Curve Studios
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
Genre: Puzzle
Rating: 16+
A re-formatted version of online game Stealth Bastard Deluxe: Tactical Espionage Arsehole (and, perhaps wisely, renamed for the re-release) Stealth Inc finds you in control of one of apparently countless identical clones, and let loose within a giant ten level long puzzle building. Starting off avoiding security cameras and running away from lowering ceilings, before getting to the likes of armed sentries and huge laser firing bosses, this 2D platformer has one purpose and one purpose only, to kill you. And kill you it will, as your cloned character will die over and OVER again.
The pleasant surprise is that the instant deaths you'll face won't cause desperation or frustration as they would in so many other games. Instead, death is merely a form of trial and error here, often times you may HAVE to kill yourself to see which route out of the levels will and won't work. Perfect timing and precision controls are the name of the game here, as your goggles switch from green to yellow to red, letting you know how visible you are to the games baddies, and if you stay in red too long, you will be killed pretty sharpishly. Its fast paced, addictive, and you won't notice three or four hours passing by like they were just a few minutes. It's very much a “Just one more level” game that you're still playing at 4 in the morning.
The resemblance to the Portal is more than a passing one, as the platform puzzles and sarcastic sense of humour within the game (the walls are covered with hints on how to get passed the obstacles, but not without having poked fun at your performance first), but there are just as many similarities to the likes of Metal Gear Solid.
It's definitely not a game for everyone – it can sometimes ramp up the difficulty a little too harshly, and the visuals are little basic, but the soundtrack and sound effects are both very good – but considering the low price and endless opportunity to replay to get as high a score as possible, then this comes highly recommended to those looking for something a bit retro.
Rent Or Buy: Buy
Presentation: 3 out of 5
Gameplay: 4 out of 5
Replay: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
