5 Best Video Games Like Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell

Whenever the Tom Clancy branding surfaces, it’s forever linked with modern tactical action, especially with video games. Among the most prolific titles bearing the best-selling author’s name is “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell,” which debuted in 2002. The series stars Sam Fisher, an NSA operator who takes on various clandestine missions around the world. These games place a heavy emphasis on stealth gameplay, with players sneaking through the shadows rather than going in guns blazing.

While Ubisoft confirmed a “Splinter Cell” remake was in development in 2021, there’s been little substantial news about that project since then. In the meantime, we’re highlighting games that are similar in either tone or gameplay to the adventures of Sam Fisher. These are games that also favor stealth or provide their own twist on contemporary tactical action with global stakes. 

Here are the five best video games like “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell,” each worth trying next.

Metal Gear Solid

The “Metal Gear” franchise started out as a top-down action game for the Japanese MSX home computer in 1987. When creator Hideo Kojima revived the franchise in 1998 on the original PlayStation, it was rebranded “Metal Gear Solid” while featuring a 3D presentation. Taking place six years after the preceding title on the entire “Metal Gear” timeline, the game has special forces operator Solid Snake called out of retirement on a new mission. Snake infiltrates a nuclear weapons facility on a remote Alaskan island taken over by terrorists, including the mysterious Liquid Snake.

While stealth elements were always part of the “Metal Gear” experience, the shift to 3D makes this approach much more saliently realized. The level of detail, including avoiding making noise and using area-appropriate hiding materials, is improved upon considerably. The game’s combat mechanics are also impressively staged, really highlighted during the boss battles punctuating the story. A game that proves 1998 was the best year in gaming, “Metal Gear Solid” brought its franchise to new heights.

Thief: The Dark Project

Not all stealth games have to be within contemporary settings, of course, and “Thief: The Dark Project” turns these sensibilities medieval. Released in 1998, the game’s protagonist is a burglar named Garrett in a fantasy steampunk city whose heists target the rich and powerful. This leads to Garrett uncovering a conspiracy involving dark magic that puts the fate of the realm in the balance. Played from a first-person perspective, the game has Garrett rely heavily on stealth, snuffing out lights, distracting guards, and covertly dispatching those in his way.

“Thief: The Dark Project” is an ambitiously rendered game, using everything from dynamic lighting to environmental effects to determine stealth. Everything from terrain types to the presence of bodies and blood stains can give Garrett away, making players think twice over how to proceed. The level design is appropriately labyrinthine, putting players on edge as they come around every corner and try to evade enemies. A strong start to the series, “Thief: The Dark Project” will keep players sticking to the shadows if they want to succeed.

Syphon Filter

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Admittedly, 1999’s “Syphon Filter” for the original PlayStation is the game on here that incorporates the least amount of stealth action, but it aligns with “Splinter Cell” tonally. The game follows special agent Gabe Logan as he battles a terrorist syndicate around the world with his partner Lian Xing. The game is primarily played from a third-person shooter perspective to deliver its tactical action thrills in various global set pieces. While much of the game features more overt action, there are stealth sequences throughout the experience that earn it a place here.

Interestingly, “Syphon Filter” is a game that takes place in the same universe as “Splinter Cell,” albeit more as a tangential Easter egg. There is a shared sensibility there, with both titles delving into the world of spycraft and special forces thrills. The game itself is an underrated third-person action title released late in the PS1’s lifecycle that spawned a small series. But that first game has a stronger emphasis on stealth than its sequels, even if it feels a bit rougher around the edges, aligning with the intent of this list.

Dishonored

Another steampunk fantasy entry on this list, “Dishonored” feels like a spiritual successor to the “Thief” series. The 2012 game is also played from a first-person perspective, features open-ended level design, and strongly encourages players to proceed stealthily through missions. The mythology in the “Dishonored” series unfolds in the industrial city of Dunwall, with royal bodyguard Corvo Attano framed for the murder of the empress. Becoming an assassin, Corvo tries to uncover those who framed him for the assassination while developing his magical abilities.

Taking advantage of its steampunk setting, “Dishonored” features a distinct environment to explore and plenty of gadgets at Corvo’s disposal to get the job done. The game’s emphasis on stealth is so strongly developed that players can complete entire missions without killing a single enemy character if they choose. The fantasy elements are seamlessly incorporated into the experience as well, feeding into the RPG gameplay as players grow stronger as they progress. A sumptuously developed fantasy stealth game, the first “Dishonored” title is still an under-appreciated gem well worth revisiting.

Hitman: World of Assassination

When IO Interactive relaunched its “Hitman” series in 2016, it enhanced the sandbox gameplay that the franchise was known for while maintaining its penchant for third-person stealth action. Initially simply titled “Hitman,” the game was rebranded and packaged with its two subsequent sequels under the compilation “Hitman: World of Assassination.” The game reintroduces protagonist Agent 47 as he embarks on clandestine missions around the world killing high-profile targets on behalf of a line of clients. The story continues on in the 2018 and 2021 sequels, as Agent 47 pursues the mysterious Shadow Client while still completing assassination contracts.

The “Hitman” series has really become one of the premier stealth game properties since it debuted in 2000. The 2016 revival really heightened the amount of freedom offered to players for each mission while retaining the lethally open-ended charm the series was known for. This was improved upon with each passing entry, and the “World of Assassination” collection brings these titles together in a full-on celebration of the franchise. With “Hitman,” players can hide in plain sight as they carry out globe-trotting contracts deep in the heart of darkness.