Stealth Inc 2 is a puzzle platformer that plays somewhat like a 2D
version of Portal. The player character is a clone from a scientific
research center that must complete a series of puzzles and avoid traps
in order to escape the facility to freedom.
The
game is comprised of a series of test chamber stages that are linked
together …
Stealth Inc 2 is a puzzle platformer that plays somewhat like a 2D
version of Portal. The player character is a clone from a scientific
research center that must complete a series of puzzles and avoid traps
in order to escape the facility to freedom.
The
game is comprised of a series of test chamber stages that are linked
together by a Metroidvania-style overworld. The test chambers are by far
the star of the show here. Each one features a combination of
puzzle-solving and platforming combined with some light stealth
elements. Every ten stages focuses on a different experimental gadget in
the clone's arsenal, thus keeping any one mechanic from getting stale.
While some of the challenges can get a little frustrating, the puzzles
are generally pretty clever and I found myself looking forward to trying
the next set of chambers and unlocking new gadgets. Unfortunately,
getting from one chamber to the next requires traversing a rather bland
overworld. Since all the gadgets are received automatically by
progressing through the stages, there's very little to do in this
overworld beyond finding the next chamber's entrance. This causes me to
question why the overworld is there at all. While it would probably
reduce the total playtime (which wouldn't necessarily be a negative for
me), I think this game would be a much more enjoyable and streamlined
experience if there was just a simple level-select screen rather than a
shoehorned-in Metroidvania map.
The music is a mixed
bag and the story is bare-bones, but in a puzzle platformer these
elements are of lesser significance anyway. I did find myself
appreciating the graphics, however. The character designs are simple yet
cute, but the impressive part is the use of light and shadow. The
dynamic shadow effects give the game a moody atmosphere and also play
into the stealth aspects of the action.
While I was
underwhelmed by many parts of Stealth Inc 2, the clever puzzles of the
test chambers kept me engaged enough to stick with it. For those who
enjoy puzzles and are absolutely smitten by the Metroidvania formula,
this game should provide a pretty desirable package overall. However,
for players like me who just want to get in, beat a few puzzle stages,
and get out, they may find themselves wishing Stealth Inc 2 stuck to its
strengths and cut the padding.
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