Intravenous Review: Indie Stealth Redefined

Title	Intraveneous
Released	July 26th 2021
Developer(s):	Explosive Squat Games, MB
Publisher(s):	HypeTrain Digital, LLC
Platform(s):
Genre	Stealth, Action, Top-Down
Rating	N/A

Completed on PC on Normal

HowLongToBeat Time: 8½ Hours | My Clear Time: 5h 40min

Background

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Intravenous is a top-down stealth/action game with a strong focus on stealth mechanics inspired by classic Splinter Cell titles, particularly Chaos Theory. Developer Roman Glebenkov described it as a revival of the depth and challenge found in traditional stealth games. The game aims to offer a more authentic experience in a genre where stealth is often reduced to a minor feature.

Originally, Intravenous was titled Bloodstream, reflecting the story’s themes of life’s fragility. However, the name was changed in 2019 after a VR game with the same title was released. Glebenkov ultimately chose Intravenous to maintain the connection to the game’s narrative roots.

Roman’s inspiration for the project stemmed from a desire to create a stealth game reminiscent of his favorites, such as Hitman: Blood Money and Silent Assassin. He expressed a longing for stealth-focused games that don’t rely on gimmicks, noting the lack of depth in many modern titles. This insight reflects his passion for returning to the genre’s roots.

This information comes from an interview with Mitchell Godsend on April 8, 2021 (Godsend, 2021).

The development team for Intravenous includes:

Experience

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Coming from a background of tactical and stealth games, Intravenous offers a nostalgic, yet brutal, reminder of older stealth titles. Fans of stealth-action games that allow freedom in approach will find Intravenous a challenge, blending elements that reward careful planning but punish mistakes. For players familiar with games that require adaptability and tactical choices, Intravenous delivers an experience that’s both challenging and rewarding.

Impressions

Introduction

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The story follows Steve Robbins, a man bent on vengeance after his brother’s murder. The game opens with Steve gathering intel on his targets, setting the stage for his journey through a criminal underworld. This intro establishes a tone of grittiness and raw revenge, aligning with the overall aesthetic and mechanics of the game.

Gameplay and Mechanics

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Intravenous encourages players to balance stealth and action through high-stakes encounters, with mechanics that emphasize realism and strategic planning. The movement system works similarly to Splinter Cell, featuring stages of movement—slow, normal, and fast—controlled by the mouse wheel. This adds another layer of tactical control, allowing players to carefully adjust their pace depending on the situation, and reinforces the game’s homage to Splinter Cell.

Stealth is at the heart of Intravenous, with players able to sneak through vents, vault over walls, and manipulate the environment by shooting out lights, locks, and other devices. This creates multiple paths for entry and the ability to control darkness, a mechanic reminiscent of Thief: The Dark Project and refined in Splinter Cell. Shadows, combined with sound, are key to surviving, as even the smallest noise—like walking on glass—can alert enemies to your position, much like in Splinter Cell.

Weapons are also an important part of the strategy, offering a variety of options with distinct differences in their rates of fire, calibers, damage, range, and volume. Some guns are silenced and ideal for stealthy takedowns, while others pack a punch but are much louder, making them risky choices in stealth scenarios. Each weapon choice comes with its own set of consequences, forcing players to weigh the benefits of firepower versus the risk of alerting nearby enemies.

Combat remains secondary to stealth, but Intravenous does incorporate brutal features such as bashing down doors. If enemies are behind them, players can incapacitate them, adding to the visceral tension. These elements work in tandem with the game’s ruthless AI, which responds with deadly precision to any slip-up. Even a minor misstep can escalate a quiet infiltration into a deadly firefight, ensuring that players are constantly engaged and planning their next move.

Character and Art Design

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The art style reflects the game’s unforgiving nature, with a dark, grungy aesthetic that aligns with its grim storyline. Characters are minimalistic, with emphasis placed more on the atmosphere and level design. Environments are designed for tactical use, featuring shadows, narrow hallways, and multiple entry points that encourage creative approaches to each mission.

Unique Features and Mechanics

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• Sound and Visibility: Players must manage their movement and weapon choices, as running or using loud firearms can draw unwanted attention. Stealth and careful planning are essential to success.
• Dynamic AI: The game’s AI reacts to disturbances, making every action meaningful. Players must adapt to the ever-changing environment, adding tension and excitement to each mission.
• Tactical Gear and Weapon Modifications: Customize your loadout with various tactical gear and weapon modifications. Whether you prefer stealth or brute force, the game offers a range of options to match your playstyle.
• Level Editor: A built-in level editor lets players create and share custom content, offering endless possibilities for new challenges and environments.
• Steam Workshop Support: Take advantage of Steam Workshop to download user-generated mods and levels, ensuring the game’s community can continually expand and refresh its content.

Sound Design & Music

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Intravenous uses sound design to heighten the tension of its stealth mechanics. Every noise—whether it’s footsteps, gunfire, or equipment clinks—affects enemy awareness, making stealth and strategy crucial. The absence of a traditional soundtrack creates a more immersive experience, with ambient sounds adding to the sense of isolation and danger. This minimalistic approach ensures that players must remain alert to their surroundings, where every sound could be their last mistake.

However, despite the lack of a constant soundtrack, certain key moments are highlighted by powerful tracks that further amplify the game’s intensity. Below are some notable songs that stand out in shaping the atmosphere:

• Xtrullor – At Ease: A somber, ambient piece reminiscent of Max Payne, adding a melancholic touch.
• Xtrullor – Woe: An upbeat, ambient track evoking the tension of a Metal Gear Solid alert sequence.

Verdict

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Intravenous successfully blends classic stealth elements with high-stakes, tactical gameplay, demanding careful planning and precision. Its ruthless difficulty and immersive atmosphere may not appeal to everyone, but for players who thrive on methodical decision-making and intense strategy, the game delivers a gripping and relentless stealth-action experience.

TLDR

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Pros

• Engaging Tactical Stealth Mechanics: Requires careful planning and execution, rewarding players who enjoy strategic gameplay.
• Dynamic AI Reactions: The AI responds intelligently to player actions, adding depth and immersion to the gameplay.
• Sound and Visibility Mechanics: Sound and visibility play a key role in the stealth experience, requiring constant attention to environment and noise levels.
• Modding and Replayability: Steam Workshop and mod support provide players with fresh content and extended replay value.

Cons

• Steep Difficulty Curve: Can be punishing for players not used to hardcore stealth games, with mistakes often resulting in significant setbacks.
• Limited Mission Variety: Some repetition in mission structure may detract from long-term engagement.
• Lack of Checkpoints: The reliance on manual saves can be frustrating and disrupt the flow of gameplay, especially in longer levels.
• Slow Pacing in Some Areas: Certain sections of the game may feel drawn-out or repetitive.

References

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1. Launch Trailer – Intravenous – Official Launch Trailer.
2. Interview – Intravenous Developer Interview & Exclusive Gameplay
3. [Intravenous OST] Xtrullor – At Ease
4. [Intravenous OST] Xtrullor – Woe