Stealth tactics is one of the most underrated video game genres, blending the strategic depth of real-time strategy with the precision and tension of stealth gameplay. Pioneered by series like Commandos, this genre offers a unique experience where players meticulously eliminate enemies one by one, all while avoiding detection. The true thrill lies in the delicate balance between careful planning and quick reactions, as a single mistake can lead to intense, unscripted moments where players must adapt on the fly to survive and achieve their objectives.
While many games in this genre are highly regarded, they have struggled to achieve mainstream success. Mimimi Games, the developers behind standout titles like Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew and Desperados 3, even had to close their doors last year. However, the genre isn’t fading away with their departure. Devolver Digital and Artificer are stepping in to keep it alive with the upcoming release of Sumerian Six.
Sumerian Six harks back to the classic Commandos series, a standout in the stealth tactics genre, with its World War II setting. However, it introduces a unique twist by blending science-fantasy elements, as a group of super soldiers battles Nazis using a powerful energy source called Geiststoff. While some of the characters and their banter can be grating, the game’s early chapters reveal a highly polished and skillful execution of stealth tactics. Sumerian Six’s accessibility, combined with its Guardians of the Galaxy-style team of protagonists, could be just what the genre needs to reach a broader audience.
In Sumerian Six, players embark on a mission to defeat a rogue Nazi scientist named Kammler. Once a member of the Enigma Squad—a group of scientists who discovered how to harness a mysterious energy called Geistoff—Kammler defected to aid Hitler in creating a devastating weapon to turn the tide of the war. The game begins by introducing players to the new Enigma Squad, tasking them with assembling a team of skilled operatives to bring down Kammler and thwart his sinister plans. The initial missions focus on familiarizing players with these characters and rebuilding the squad for the battle ahead.
The game aims for a Guardians of the Galaxy-style vibe, featuring a team of snarky characters with big personalities who must unite to tackle a greater threat. However, the writing doesn’t quite capture the same level of nuance as Guardians of the Galaxy, which sometimes makes characters like the main protagonist, Sid Sterling, seem more unlikable than charming. Despite this, I appreciated the game’s efforts to make me care about the people I was leading.
In Sumerian Six, each character’s unique abilities are pivotal to gameplay, allowing players to strategize and overcome challenges creatively. For instance, Sid can hitchhike on moving enemies without being detected or use a flash bomb to stun them, making him a master of stealth. His sister, Isabella, brings her own set of skills, such as swapping places with enemies or rendering herself completely invisible. Progressing through levels requires players to skillfully use these abilities to eliminate or bypass groups of Nazis. The true excitement in Sumerian Six lies in combining these powers effectively—like having Isabella swap places with an enemy, setting up Sid for a swift and lethal attack.
In Sumerian Six, players can pause the game to carefully plan and assign commands to each squad member, ensuring precise execution of complex strategies. This feature is particularly useful for timing critical maneuvers in the stealth tactics genre, where precision is key. Impressively, the game also performs smoothly with a controller, a rarity in this genre, making it accessible and enjoyable even for those who prefer not to use a keyboard and mouse.
Sumerian Six stands out in the stealth tactics genre due to its accessible gameplay, offering a more approachable experience than other games in its category. This is largely thanks to the powerful abilities of its characters and the fact that enemies can never hear player movements, making the game more forgiving for newcomers. Despite this, it still offers enough depth to satisfy hardcore fans, with its unique World War II setting and diverse cast of playable characters.
As Sumerian Six and Commandos Origins both release later this year, the stealth tactics genre may see a resurgence in popularity. Sumerian Six is set to launch for PC on September 2, and could be the entry point many have been waiting for.