Summary
Why are RPGs obsessed with forcing stealth on you?
It seems that every triple-A RPG these days has an enforced stealth section.
Unfortunately, it seems like the upcoming Ubisoft RPGStar Wars Outlawswill include this dated trope.
Okay, Im being kind.It looks terrible.
The karma system seems derived from equal parts BioWare and Star Wars board game Outer Rim.
But then theres the stealth sections.
Protagonist Kay Vess jumps from waist-high cover to waist-high cover so that stay out of view.
She sics her pet onto another guard to smother his scream.
She crouches, tiptoes, and only draws her weapon when absolutely necessary.
Its generic stealth gameplay by the book.
Of course, this could feel amazing when we actually play the game, but allow my cynicism.
The issue in most triple-A RPGs is that the stealth mechanics are half-baked.
Theyre put in as another thing to do, like space travel or a poker minigame.
This makes me glad for Starfields lack of stealth gameplay.
Unless your game is a stealth game, I dont want it to have stealth mechanics.
On a more specific level, stealth doesnt really work forStar Wars.
Yes, our protagonists dress up as Storm Troopers to infiltrate a prison the size of a planet.
Sure, Cassian Andor and co. perform a daring heist to steal the Death Star plans.
But these arent subtle, tense thrillers about covering your mouth so your breathing doesnt give you away.
These are films about blasting, shooting, exploding everything in your path.
Star Wars needs stealth as much as RPGs do.
Without focus, everything comes out half-baked and boring.
And thats the worst thing a game can be.
Assassin’s Creed finally has competition.
