Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones is a platform puzzler with stealth mechanics that was developed by UK-based developer and publisher, Curve Digital.
Curve Digital found fame with their multi-platform stealth puzzle platformer, Stealth Bastard, which was renamed Stealth Inc: A Clone in the Dark in order to bring it to PS3 and PS Vita platforms.
Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones is available exclusively by way of digital download through platform specific online stores. At this time, the game has been launched on the Wii U, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PS Vita and PC. It’s not yet known if the game will receive a digital release on Xbox 360 or if the game will be ported to Linux or Mac OS.
It launched first on the Wii U in October 2014 in North America, Europe and Australia. On April 3rd 2015, it launched worldwide on PC and Xbox One, later coming to the PS3, PS4 and PS Vita on April 7th and 8th.
One of the most surprising things about Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones is that it’s lead platform was the Wii U. Not only that but Curve Digital have pledged to bring four games to the Wii U before the year is out. Speaking about the choice of platform, Rob Clarke of Curve Digital has said, “We’re big fans of the system, our history with Fluidity proves that. We’ve been seen as ‘PlayStation guys’ for years but while we love working with Sony, we’ve always considered ourselves ‘platform agnostic’ – one of the great things about being an independent developer and publisher is that you never have to tie yourself to one system.”
Praising Nintendo, Clarke added, “Nintendo, more than any other platform holder, really love games, and it’s refreshing that they don’t really make the distinctions or labels that other people make. They don’t see us as ‘indie’ or small, they treat us like they might treat Ubisoft or Platinum, and that’s really awesome.”
A feature included in the game is a level editor. The point of this level creation tool is to help players and intrepid level designers create more content for the community. effectively given the game a near unlimited amount of playable content.
The plot of Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones revolves around scientists creating clones with the intent of killing them. It’s your job to save the clones and find out the motives of the various scientists.
As mentioned above, Stealth Inc. 2: A Game of Clones is much less linear than Stealth Inc: A Clone in the Dark. Where the latter is a very linear and player driven experience through consecutive stages with a growing difficulty level, the former is a much more open game with the bulk of content being unearthed thanks to exploration and experimentation with the equipment you find.
The Wii U build of the game, which was the first launch of the title, is seen to be the best version, giving players the ability to manipulate and manage skills and equipment from the Gamepad screen. This keeps gameplay much more fluid and more akin to actually managing an important inventory.
Speaking about bumping up the gameplay style, managing director Jason Perkins and design director Jonathan Biddle have said, “One of the things with the original is because the levels are very short and built around this punishing loop, where you make a mistake and get sent back a very short time. They’re very cerebral, but also very precise. If you play too many of those levels in a row then you get burnt out very quickly.”
Going on to talk about how the game will be approaching things from a metroidvania perspective, Biddle said, “What we’re doing with the sequel is still having that test chamber-based gameplay, but we’re pulling back. A clone will escape from the test into the facility at large, and then we’ll have a Metroid-structured game that sits in front of the test chambers. So you’ll explore the facility with a classic Metroidvania structure using abilities, getting to different areas and enemies in the exploration structure, but it’ll be more leisurely paced as regards the test chambers that you find and then enter in order to rescue the clones from within.”
Another part of the Wii U’s integration with the game is using the Miiverse to post messages directly into the game world.
The player takes control of a clone who is but one of many in a long line. Your clone, however, breaks free of his lab testing scenario and sets out with the intent of freeing his brethren.
Note: This wiki will be updated once we have more information about the game.