Platform Games of the 2010s, Part 2 Codexery

Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones

A puzzle platformer sequel with a level editor and clone mechanics.

Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones

Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones is a 2D puzzle platformer from developer and publisher Curve Digital. As a follow-up to Stealth Bastard Deluxe, it introduces new puzzle-focused mechanics. The game launched on the Wii U on October 23, 2014, and arrived on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, and Windows in April 2015.

Gameplay centers on controlling multiple clones who wear goggles, navigating the facility where they were created. Players gather tools to unlock new areas, and the Wii U GamePad is used to manage skills and equipment to keep the main clone hidden. Unlike the first game, which only offered goggles, this sequel relies on various gear to solve puzzles. A built-in level editor allows players to share their creations, offering near-endless content beyond the main campaign. The game also integrates Miiverse, letting players leave messages that appear on in-game walls.

The plot follows a clone that escapes the test facility and uncovers the truth behind the clones' creation.

Pre-release reception was positive, with Nintendo Life calling it a valuable addition to the Wii U eShop. Upon release, critics gave generally favorable reviews, earning an 83.93% aggregate on GameRankings from 14 reviews and an 82/100 on Metacritic from 21 reviews. Thomas Whitehead of Nintendo Life scored it 9/10, praising it as a much larger experience than its predecessor, with a satisfying story, well-designed levels, challenging gameplay, a detailed level editor, and a co-op mode that made unique use of the GamePad. He called it "a gem" and one of the best Wii U download games. Scott Thompson of IGN gave it 8.5/10, highlighting the leaderboards for replay value, along with the game's humor, puzzle design, and progression, calling it one of the best eShop games. Chris Schilling of Eurogamer was more critical, finding the game frustrating with too much trial-and-error, criticizing its color palette and checkpoint system, and unfavorably comparing it to Mark of the Ninja, Toki Tori 2, and 'Splosion Man, calling it "too demanding and too laborious." As of April 3, 2015, the series had surpassed 1 million downloads.

Quick Facts

Title
Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones
Publisher
Curve Digital
Designer
Jonathan Biddle
Platforms
Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, PlayStation Vita
Released
Wii UWW · October 30, 2014Windows, Xbox OneWW · April 3, 2015PS3, PS4, PS VitaNA · April 7, 2015 · EU · April 8, 2015
Genre
Platform, stealth
Modes
Single-player, multiplayer

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

Stealth Inc 2 is a puzzle platform game centered on goggles-wearing clones. The player controls multiple clones, exploring a cloning facility where they were born, and obtains equipment to unlock new areas. The game makes use of the Wii U GamePad for managing skills and tools to keep the main player hidden. Unlike the first game, which only had goggles, this title revolves around working with different equipment for solving puzzles. The game includes a level editor with sharing capabilities, said to provide an 'endless' amount of content extending beyond the core campaign. It also makes use of Miiverse, allowing players to post messages that appear on walls within the game. The plot involves a clone escaping the test facility and discovering the reason behind the clones' existence.

Reader's Guide

The significance of Stealth Inc 2 lies in its expansion of the stealth-puzzle formula and its integration of platform-specific features. Pre-release reception was positive, with Nintendo Life praising its unique gameplay and considering it a valuable addition to the Wii U eShop. Upon release, the game received generally positive reviews, with an aggregated score of 83.93% on GameRankings and 82/100 on Metacritic. Thomas Whitehead of Nintendo Life gave it a 9/10, calling it a much more expanded experience than its predecessor and praising its satisfying story, well-crafted levels, challenging gameplay, detailed Level Editor, and co-operative multiplayer mode that made unique use of the GamePad. Scott Thompson of IGN gave it an 8.5/10, praising the addition of leaderboards for increasing replay value, as well as the game's sense of humor, puzzle design, and progression. However, Chris Schilling of Eurogamer was more negative, noting frustration, excessive trial-and-error, and criticizing the color tone and checkpoint system, comparing it unfavorably to Mark of the Ninja, Toki Tori 2, and 'Splosion Man. As of April 3, 2015, the series had yielded more than 1 million downloads.

Did You Know?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones?

It's a 2D puzzle platformer sequel to Stealth Bastard Deluxe, both crafted by Curve Digital. The title debuted on the Wii U in late October 2014 before its multi-platform rollout arrived in April 2015.

What do you actually do in Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones?

You pilot a group of goggled clones through the very facility that built them, collecting tools that open up previously sealed sections. On Wii U, the GamePad doubles as a skill-and-equipment manager to keep your lead clone out of sight.

How does the story of Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones wrap up?

The narrative tracks the clones as they explore and unlock the containment facility where they were manufactured, gradually revealing the circumstances of their creation. The journey is structured around tool-gathering and area-unlocking rather than a single climactic confrontation.

Why do fans consider Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones a notable 2010s platformer?

It carves out a niche by merging stealth, clone management, and puzzle-solving into one tight loop, which set it apart from the action-heavy platformers dominating the decade. Its 83.93% aggregate across 14 GameRankings reviews shows critics recognized that distinction.

Where can I play Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones?

The title launched exclusively on Wii U on October 23, 2014, and then expanded to PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, and PC in April 2015.

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