Intravenous is a stealth shooter game with a retro feel. It’s an action game that brings a fresh twist to the stealth genre, drawing inspiration from early Splinter Cell titles. Players control Steve Robbins, who embarks on a mission of vengeance after his brother is killed by junkies. The storyline is simple but effectively drives the gameplay, maintaining focus on the core mechanics. 

Similar to Hotline Miami, Intravenous is fast-paced and demands sharp reflexes and precise movement to succeed. It features a top-down perspective and old-school visuals combined with modern gameplay. Hence, it captures the essence of both classic and contemporary tactical games.

Highly suspense gunplay

The gameplay of Intravenous encourages players to adapt to their environment, offering a range of approaches from aggressive gunfights to stealthy maneuvers, such as hiding, crawling through vent shafts, or creating distractions. Its sound design is noteworthy, with music that heightens the suspense and keeps players on their toes. However, the soundtrack lacks variety, as the same tracks play throughout the levels.

The game excels with its hardcore tactical gunplay, offering players a diverse arsenal of weapons, each with distinct characteristics. Careful consideration is a must in choosing what weapon to use for various scenarios. Another standout feature is the game's AI, which exhibits high levels of awareness. Enemies respond to subtle environmental cues, such as flickering lights or creaking floors, making it essential for players to be meticulous with their movements.

However, a downside to the AI is that enemies can shoot you from positions outside your view, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the game suffers from a lack of variety in its visuals and level challenges, making it feel monotonous. Looking ahead, Intravenous 2 continues the story, promising new challenges that expand upon the gameplay mechanics introduced in the first game.

Dynamic strategy meets intense gameplay

Overall, Intravenous delivers a gripping blend of tactical gunplay and stealth, though it faces challenges with its repetitive design and occasionally frustrating AI mechanics. Despite these flaws, the game’s intense combat and strategic depth create a compelling and immersive experience. For fans of tactical stealth games, this game offers a unique challenge that stands out with its hardcore approach and engaging gameplay.