The Problem with Modern Third Person Stealth

Joe from GamersFTW writes: Immersion is important for a stealth game, as a stealth game requires a lot of input on the player’s behalf: the development of a strategy, selection of a suitable arsenal, scouting and knowing the movements of your enemy. All of these can be shrunk down in scale so that they can be used in a section of a level, which is why we see so many stealth sections in modern AAA action adventure games.

[alexgibson]

Couldn't disagree more! First person perspective doesn't suit stealth games because of the lack of peripheral vision. I like feeling like a badass in stealth games, but in first person I feel clumsy. I never quite know where anybody is, which is part of the reason why games such as Dishoured grants players an xray vision ability; the games just dont work well without them. But I do agree first person is a more immersion experience. Deus Ex has it right, first person with 3rd person cover mechanics.

[KurtRussell]

If you play on console than i agree it's clumsy as hell, combining controls and low fov console games have, but on pc that excuse does not fly if you have any skills and an fov slider. And you mentioning Dishonored of all games is saying alot, because that game is one of the easiest first person stealth games. I refused to use that cheat ability in both my playthroughs of it, since you could lean around corners without the possibility of being detected. I bet you would even make Alien Isolation third person, and ruin the game by doing so haha

[alexgibson]

Absolutely agree. First person on PC is way better. And no, Horror games are a different story, that game was sweet in first person.

[SavageKuma]

Stealth works pretty well in either genre. I enjoyed it much in Mirrors Edge and of course thief, but third makes it a bit easier to get around since you can see your surroundings better. To each is their own I guess.

[ScorpiusX]

Hope both play styles remain for those that like them , personally i prefer 3rd view just so i can see everything .

[MilkMan]

i like my stealth 3rd person, but ill take 1st also. i just love the genre.

[DefenderOfDoom2]

To me having a camera behind my avatar in 3rd person mode, takes me out of the immersion. First person mode makes me feel like i am actually there.

[RedDeadLB]

I like both. I enjoy FC3 and 4, Dishonored and I enjoy MGS5, Hitman, Batman.

But, the thing is, with first person stealth games I absolutely NEED a FOV slider. No way can I play normally with a fixed FOV of 60. 90+ is necessary for me.