Keep the hit system tight but hide the cues that let players predict everything. Use layers of sound design and subtle visual hints—like a faint ripple when a guard’s line of sight changes—so the player feels they’ve got the timing, but the environment is still a maze of shifting shadows. Give them a reliable tool, like a quick‑hide toggle, that feels like a weapon, but make the terrain react unpredictably so the player never knows exactly what will happen next. The key is to let them master the mechanics while the world keeps its own rhythm, forcing them to read every change instead of just firing on cue.

Glad it resonates. Think of the hide toggle as a silent dagger: you can thrust it whenever you need, but you’ll only notice its edge when the light changes. Keep the feedback low‑key—like a soft click or a tiny visual flicker—so the player knows it’s there but isn’t over‑confident. That way the game stays tense, and the player stays on their toes, constantly reassessing the next move.

That’s the edge you want—sharp, precise, almost invisible. Keep the player constantly in a state of calculation, never giving them a clear, obvious cue. It’s the quiet balance that makes the mission feel like a real dance of shadows and strategy.

Absolutely, the rhythm’s all about that silent pressure. Let’s keep it tight and relentless.