The cutesy aesthetic prevents proceedings from being too bleak, combined with some snarky environmental commentary that bites at your heels as you progress, mocking each and every mistake you make. A memorable concept combined with some devious puzzle design solidifies Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones as one of the best 2D puzzlers currently available.
The clones themselves take obvious inspiration from stealth classics such as Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid. The bright neon-green goggles they all seem to wear highlighting the light hearted parody they incite. The ability to customise them with clothing that range from viking hats to chicken suits give a much needed injection of personality to a world that is visually mediocre for the most part. The majority of your time will be spent transfixed on the gadgets you acquire, and the subsequent puzzles you solve with them. The first you obtain, the “inflate-o-mate” can initially be used to crush enemies and reach higher platforms. But the beauty of Stealth Inc’s design is how further applications of each item are revealed by your own experimentation.
How you approach each stage changes as you become more versed in how each item reacts with the obstacles you must surmount. This eliminates much of the frustration that accompanies usual trial and error, as you feel rewarded for uncovering a once invisible facet of a certain gadget.
Of course basic stealth mechanics also play a part. You will find yourself crouching in the shadows to avoid patrolling enemies and laser wielding security cameras. But these are not as integral to success as you would expect. Once you have a stage mastered you can bound across it quickly with a series of a well placed jumps, earning a valuable spot on the leaderboards that are plastered on the screen before and after each stage. The incentive of speed is actively encouraged as you enter a test chamber.
I went from cautiously approaching an enemy to diving over them in confidence once I knew the correct approach. This kind of progression suites the overworld perfectly, a setting which hides layers upon layers of secrets begging to be uncovered. Revisiting old haunts with a slew of new gadgets emphasises how much you missed first time round, giving you ample opportunity to utilise your new gadgets on the environment in ways that simply weren’t possible before.
The dank and unsettling facility you explore is juxtaposed brilliantly with the game’s twisted sense of humour, poking fun at the clone’s dismal misfortune. The maniacal scientist that narrates your journey lends each trap and enemy a semblance of quirky personality that remains prevalent throughout the 7 hours it may take to conquer Stealth Inc 2. I giggled endlessly as sarcastic messages strewn across the metal walls mocked me as I once again fell to my death. These insults also double as helpful tips on how to avoid traps and progress.
The multi-layered level design is purposely unforgiving, which may turn off more casual players. At any moment the ground beneath you may shift or shrink, forcing you to make a split second decision or face imminent death. Such overwhelming odds force you to think on your toes and anticipate what challenge will be thrown at you next. Despite this I never felt frustrated or cheated, but consistently more determined to beat Stealth Inc 2 at its own game.
Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones doesn’t use its twisted humour and unique personality as a crutch for so-so gameplay, but is instead heightened by a visual personality that does nothing but add to the experience. The plump, clumsy and determined army of clones are a joy to guide through each puzzle, and the accompanying satisfaction to their completion rarely lets up. A combination of gadget-based puzzling and precise platforming make for a damn good time, even if difficulty spikes and backtracking issues can sour the experience somewhat.