Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance, built on the foundations laid by the original Metal Gear Solid, took the stealth gameplay to new heights. The game featured more complex environments, a wider array of stealth techniques, and an AI that could adapt and counter the player's actions more dynamically. Players had to employ strategy and patience, using shadows, distractions, and camouflaging to evade detection. This emphasis on strategy over brute force made for a more engaging and rewarding experience.