Each level starts in a "sandbox" free play mode in which the King is able to walk around and freely explore the level. It is here the player also selects the challenges- a set of specific rules for food delivery. For example, some missions may require the player to not be spotted, others may require a certain chain combo, etc. After a challenge is completed a letter score will be given. "C" is the most common award, "B" and "A" awarded for better points or faster completion times. There are four levels- Saw Mill, Cul-De-Sac, Construction Zone, and Downtown. Each features a unique map and 20 challenges apiece.
The general gameplay borrows from games such as Metal Gear Solid and Manhunt. NPCs have a blue "cone of vision" in front of them, if the player walks into this cone or if an NPC approaches the player will be spotted. The King also makes noise as he runs, being too loud will alert nearby NPCs. Silence and stealth are the primary means of food delivery. Food may also only be delivered if a hunger icon appears above an NPC. NPCs that are hungry for too long will eventually pass out from hunger for a few minutes, encouraging quick delivery. However, the more hungry an NPC gets, the more points awarded for delivery. The hunger icon will change from green to red, finally flashing prior to the NPC passing out. An NPC that spots the King may not become interested again. In addition to merely sneaking up behind an NPC, the king may also hide in various locations and surprise an NPC with food when they approach. Hiding typically awards more points. It is not possible to deliver food in sandbox mode nor will NPCs either see or hear the King.
The bottom left-hand corner shows a circular area map, with the noise meter circling the right side. The map displays an area around the player and turns as the player moves, with an arrow pointing north. In free play mode it displays challenge markers. In challenge mode it indicates where NPCs are and their status. Each challenge marker displays a "!" when the challenge has not been accepted. A letter score will be indicated upon completion, and an "X" indicated either challenge failure or quit. Challenges may be retried at any time.
Points are awarded based on how hungry an NPC is, player stealth, proximity to an NPC and other style points. When presenting food, a Flourish meter appears which quickly fills and empties, requiring a timed button press. The higher the flourish meter, the more style points awarded and the more elaborate the food delivery display. Pushing nothing results in a standard delivery.
Fulfilling half the challenges on a level opens the way to the next level. Once all 80 challenges are completed, the Stealth Suit is unlocked.
Controls apply for both Xbox and Xbox 360 play
- left stick: move
- left stick button: first person view
- right stick: camera
- right stick button: zoom level
- start: pause
- right trigger: sneak(free play mode), run(challenge mode)
- A: surprise, Flourish meter stop, menu accept
- B: cancel
- Y: hide/unhide, action
Control options allow the right stick to be inverted, stick sensitivity adjustment, and to swap the functions of the left and right stick.
