Stealth Combat

In each level of Stealth Combat, you control a vehicle, ranging from an armed jeep to a Star Wars-like walker. Often (but not always) you have a variety of subordinate vehicles you can issue orders to. Each mission has a series of objectives--and generally, the other side has enough firepower to wipe out your entire force if you just charge in firing blindly. Which is where the "stealth" aspect comes in; this isn't quite Thief for vehicles--combat is often necessary--but succeeding typically requires a degree of finesse as well as mastery of the combat UI.

Combat is of the 'arcade shooter' style; while there is a good sense of controlling a vehicle over terrain, the emphasis is definitely not on simulation of vehicle characteristics and different types of armaments. But of course, in 2030, who knows what sort of equipment different armies will have.

The backstory is that two superpowers are on the brink of war, and as an elite commander from one side, you have to find out what's going on, and avert global thermonuclear conflict. There are two campaigns, each one from one side's viewpoint--and as it happens, the tension is created by a third party that hopes to benefit, and by the end of the campaign, you're working with the "opposition." (We won't call this "the game equivalent of Rashomon", but it is interesting to come at the same story from two different viewpoints).

The superpowers, by the way are the "Economic and Military Alliance," which seems to be a sort of super-European Union--and "Great Asia." This is also a nice change from the usual crap; no Amurrican chest-pounding triumphalism here. Maybe that's why the US publishers passed.

The production values of Stealth Combat are considerably higher than Manifesto's usual offerings; this was an A-level (if not triple-A) title in its year of publication (2001), and the graphics hold up pretty well today. Despite its limited distribution outside Europe, we're suprised it hasn't received more attention; it's well conceived, professionally executed, tense, and has a pretty good story arc.

If the concept and the style appeal to you--well, you really can't do better at its current price.

The Developer Says

Stealth Combat combines tricky tactics with fast action and a brilliant 3D engine. The cinema-like storyline, more than 25 missions, and detailed vehicle physics immerse you in the gameplay.

The player drives jeeps, tanks, choppers, amphibic units and even walking vehicles. Accompanied by computer controlled teammates, you must solve hazardous and politically dangerous missions. Players may take over control of the computer-driven vehicles at any time also. Missions can be solved by a combination of stealth and firepower.

Reviews:

German press:

"7,8=very good"
   - Gamezone.de

"76%, Gameplay 80%"
   - 4players

"Stealth Combat is an uncommon genre mix that ties you to the screen with its thrilling missions and rich gameplay."
   - Amazon.de

Italian press:

"83%; Gameplay 90%"
   - Nonsologiochi

English press:

"The game itself is a vehicle based shoot'em up with elements of stealthy sneakiness thrown in for good measure. It is often preferable to choose discretion over valour so the game can become very involving with due attention being given to the arc of vision enemy units have and the patrol routes they are taking. An element of strategy is also available as you often have to command one or more additional units. There is a basic command interface so orders can be given to these units; this enables you to get them to follow you, hold position, and go to way points or to sneak around the battlefield avoiding detection.... 80%"
   - Ace Gamez

Russian press:
"Nash Vibor" (Our Choice)
   - Game.EXE

"5 out of 5"
   - G-Play