Velvet Assassin

Too often, in today's games, when they tell you that it's stealth game, they actually mean it's a game with stealth elements. Sneaking and the whole general idea of "do not get spotted" is only a feature in some parts, and if it features in the whole game then it more often is not as good as if you engage the foes in a gun fight. With Velvet Assassin, stealth is in the very core of gameplay. Sure, you can engage foes in a gun fight, but with the limited aiming and your terrible health you'd find that a challenge above all challenges in this game. Sneaking may feel slow, but that's what stealth really is. You might take a lot of damage when shot, but that's what guns do. What might be seen as flaws just make sense to me in the whole context of things. As for the story, it's interesting enough for me to subconsciously follow along through the flashbacks. I liked the variety in levels. It's not the best, but i thought that it at least offered something more than the bunker levels. The whole art direction as well isn't the best (including for what it was during its time) but it served its purpose. The overall sepia tones made sure that you really didn't forget you were playing through several flashbacks. The darkness and shadows were well defined enough to know where you were safe and where you weren't. And if you still weren't sure, you had the slight purplish glow around you that indicated you were hidden. Sound effects were kept simple. Sometimes the game's age would peek out through, and I would chuckle a little, but I still appreciated the game. It's worth it now, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a) a classic , and b) a different stealth game.

Far from perfect but you might want to give it a try if you like stealth games. The use of shadows and other features of the game are great, but the feeling is that it could have been way better. Stealth is not good, action is not good and overall gameplay is not good... but it is not bad either! Everything related to the game feels like its story, just grey. If you are tired of Metal Gear, Splinter Cell and all those third person stealth based titles, Velvet Assassin might give you something different. If not, well, there are more than ten games that does it way better.

I can see why Velvet Assassin is underrated game. I probably enjoyed it more than I should but still, there are few reasons for negative review. Mostly because of stealth: It's much better than more popular "stealth" games but still not a perfect one. You will fail many times because enemy will notice you when they shouldn't. Parts of game when you need to change into SS uniform are most annoying. And last mission... it changes to shooter game. Level designs aren't also good. Running around because there are parts in this game where locations looks almost same. Fortunately there is a map, so you will need to look at it many times. And a things like "finding a key for this door which is behind a door WHICH also needs a key" is kinda ridiculous. I don't remember if it was main part of game or maybe for some collectibles but still... Graphics are nice, Violette looks even more nice, german soldiers speaks their native which makes experience while playing even better. BUT if main mechanism of game isn't so good, then it all doesn't matter. If there will be some sale for this game, I guess it's worth at least checking. I wouldn't buy it at full price.

I simply LOVED this game. I'm a huge fan of Hitman, and this game reminded me of it a lot. It's as 'simple' as: stealth or die. If you get caught, there's a huge possibility that you end up dying. This is the kind of game that makes you want to restart the latest checkpoint if the enemy sees you. This is NOT an action game. You have few bullets, if any, the combat system is not meant to be used quickly (the enemy will beat you easily if you engage). Your main tool is the knife. Sneak in through the missions as silently as possible. Kill only the enemies you consider necessary. If you like doing this, you'll like this game, it's a gem and it makes you think. As a con, the engine is not too polished, and weird things happen from time to time. You will also need to install nVidia Physx in order to run the game properly. Also: dararaaa daraaraa... (players will know! :) )

This is just a stealth game. It introduces some new mechanics. The story is basicaly the flashbacks of a covert female assasin Violette Summer, sent by the British during the Second World War. There is some problem with not having enough of stealth actions, like distract, take cover, etc. But the AI can be pretty dumb or clever based on what you set. The game also provides a good atmosphere and a music that I, personally, liked. Even though it's a stealth shooter, the knife will be your best friend in this game, and you kill most enemies with it, but that's because other weapons make noise and it's a stealth game. Overall, this game is pretty good for Stealth fans. Not among Hitman, or Thief, but good enough. 7/10 For Stealth Fans