Thief: The Dark Project

Review

by Peter Suciu

You're sneaking through medieval castles and hiding in the dimly lit hallways, lurking in the shadows and listening to the footsteps of guards as they grow closer all while hoping to avoid detection as you search for valuable loot and precious treasure. This is what it is like as you play Thief: The Dark Project, a first-person adventure game that casts the player in the role of the rather talented and experienced medieval burglar Garrett. Be warned, this is not another mindless action game where you run down the hallway and shoot everything that moves while trying to survive and get to the next level. On the contrary, this is a game where moving slowly and stealthily is the key to success. If you try to confront the guards and monsters that may or may not cross your path (depending on how well you can blend into the atmosphere of your surroundings), you will lose and your character will be killed. It is absolutely essential in achieving victory that you sneak through dark corridors and avoid confrontation as much as possible. Fans of Quake may not appreciate the subtle gameplay because it must be understood that this is not a hack and slash gorefest of a game.

As the game continues, players will find themselves wrapped in a compelling plot full of hidden agendas, dark secrets and almost zero tolerance for mistakes or failure. To make things hard (or maybe realistic), Thief has a very challenging artificial intelligence to deal with. Guards and servants react to you actions astonishingly. If you're spotted, a guard may call for other guards to back him up or come at you slashing. When you've been spotted by a servant, they'll run off and find help and alert everyone of your presence. And because you're trying to find loot while avoiding confrontation, it almost feels like a role-playing game at times. The balance of all three genres (action, adventure and role-playing) is exceptionally well done and represented well.

The biggest downside to some may be the lack of multiplayer options. Then again, a thief is known to walk alone which leaves little room for partnership in this setting. Still, the first rate storyline as well as visual and audio effects make Thief quite an immersive gaming experience. It is a subtle yet captivating game that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.