After the dumpster fire that was 2020, many of us are hoping 2021 brings a lot of joy. For some of us, that means some great new games to enjoy while we wait for our Fauci Ouchies (or just because we’d rather play games than interact with people either way).
So far, we’ve got a nice list of games to scratch those itches if you’re into stealth & sniper games. So, what does 2021 have in store for us?
Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood (Out Now)
When I read about what Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood (that is a mouthful right there) is offering, I immediately think of Deus Ex in mechanics. Allowing you to hop between whatever playstyles you prefer no matter the goal is always welcome at GGN, but the stealth mechanics themselves are fascinating. Preorder here, and check out the Dev Diary showcasing a bit of the mechanics below.
Update: Read the GGN review of Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood (spoiler alert: It didn’t hold up well).
Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 (Q2 2021)
The follow-up to the first Contracts (which has left me feeling “eh” about the sniping mechanics when compared to SGW 3) looks to be a good one. Bringing back extreme range shooting will satisfy my needs, and if they drop the magic mask system? Even better.
Horizon Forbidden West (Q3/Q4 2021)
Following the exceptional Horizon Zero Dawn title, HFW is going to continue to build on the expansive universe of HZD. Does anything else need to be said? If you enjoy archery and Assassin’s Creed verticality (plus traps), Horizon Forbidden West should already be on your radar.
Aragami 2 (2021, TBA)
The first Aragami was a smash hit for fans of smaller stealth gaming fare (and ninjas), including unique shadow-traversal methods (well, somewhat unique, given Dishonored has Blink). Aragami 2 ups the ante by including multiplayer coop. If you liked the first, you’ll most likely love the second!
Specular Stranded (Summer 2021)
When I interviewed the creator of Specular Stranded, I became exceedingly excited at the prospect of stealth in a space suit. Inspired by Splinter Cell (once again, excitement abounds), this indie game is something that I’m more than ready to give a solid try.
Hood: Outlaws & Legends (May 2021)
Playing stealth in a multiplayer setting is always a challenge, but it looks like Hood: Outlaws & Legends may have created something to scratch that itch. Read my initial thoughts on the reveal here.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (2021)
While not a dedicated stealth game, you can’t really have fun as a vampire without spending a bit of time in the shadows in my mind. The rich setting and universe of the V:TM universe is here, too, making this definitely one to watch for.
I.G.I. Origins (TBA)
Acting as a prequel to the original I.G.I., Origins sets the scene and brings spying with cool gadgets back. I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know this existed; it appears that things have been relatively quiet, so we don’t know if it will actually come in 2021, and all we really have is a 2019 trailer to get to know it.
Perfect Dark (TBA)
Perfect Dark was a classic stealth game, and the fact that we’re even SEEING a new release in the Perfect Dark world came as a pleasant surprise to many gamers.
We don’t know much yet, and we’re not even sure it’ll come in 2021, but there is definitely the possibility!
Unknown Tenchu-Like Game (TBA)
Ok, this one is even less likely to come in 2021, but one can dream. With a focus on the PS5 (seriously, can someone buy me one?) who knows when we can expect it, but there are plenty of gamers ready to see another stealth ninja game, especially after enjoying the crap out of Ghost of Tsushima. Read IGN’s thoughts for more.
There are a lot more stealth games (and unfortunately very few sniper games) coming in 2021 than we can reasonably hope to outline here. What are you looking forward to in 2021?