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79%
PROS
Great graphics, hiding in the shadows is fun, detailed maps, sharp AI, an overall detailed game.
LOWS
Horrible map interface doesn't tell you where you are and NO MULTIPLAYER.
OVERALL
Would be so much better with multiplayer and a good map interface.
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Eidos is the creator of the Hitman series, which puts you in the place of Codename 47, our favorite silent assassin. Thief: Deadly Shadows gives us more Hitman-esque gaming. Packaged in its cool slide-out box to reveal a plastic CD holder, Thief is a game different from the rest; both in packaging and in gameplay.
The game takes place in a metropolis known as The City (how original) where tons of people reside. Garret is not your famous Robin Hood; this guy takes from the poor and gives to himself. He does not care about the rest of the City's lower class population. The City is ruled by these guys known only as The Keepers. They believe in some insane “awakening evil and an impending Dark Age” and believe that Garret is in the center of this theory. This puts you in an interesting position… especially since you are so close to discovering the dark secrets of The City.
As Thief has no multiplayer, (remind you of Hitman?), you will go through a whole campaign of single player maps, where your job is to steal loot. The locations you go to are selected usually because of word on the street, or just because you have a feeling something big is going down. Playing as a Thief is similar to playing as a Hitman. You can pick any lock, knock out guards, and even hide bodies. Thief differs from Hitman in its shadow implementation. Maps are FILLED with detailed environment shadows, solely for the purpose that you can hide in them. A small gem will lighten or darken depending on your location. The lighting effects are incredibly detailed, so graphics are a big plus for this game.
When you are not lurking around in the shadows, you will be taking out watchmen, guards, or anyone else who gets in your way.
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Strategy is imperative here, as you will have to pick the right time to take someone out. If they turn around to face you right before you knock them on the head, they will run away from you and alert guards start to attack you. Just like in Hitman, the speed at which you move affects your chances of being detected. Staying crouched is a good idea, especially since it can make a difference in your light gem. You can also walk by holding down shift, while standing or crouching. This helps to decrease sound when walking upon louder surfaces, like metal. If you are sure nobody is present or you are trying to get away from an attacker, you can always resort to running. One tactic I thought to be cool was to throw a flash bomb if an enemy was attacking me and my health was too low. This temporarily blinds them, giving you enough time to run away into some dark corner for cover.
Thief maps are incredibly detailed, making each steal a different experience. The only thing is that the game is pretty hard; some steals can be difficult when areas are heavily guarded. Be prepared to put in a lot of time into this one.
Another thing that makes Thief very hard is its map interface. Sure, pressing ‘m' will bring up an old fashioned map of the place. The only thing is that it will not tell you where you are currently located. I got lost so many times that I would basically give up on a level for a week or so until I tried it again. The map interface is just about the stupidest thing I can possibly imagine… especially since some levels are so complicated. Way to ruin a game Eidos.
Aside from the map issue, Thief Deadly Shadows is a great game. Amazing graphics, enemy AI is sharp, detailed maps… what more can you ask for? A MULTIPLAYER MAYBE? Hmph. Please Eidos, please; make us a multiplayer mode for Thief or Hitman. It's all I ask.
