Smooth Criminals

About

Smooth Criminals is a 3D action game where you lead a crew of four thieves with distinct abilities. Each member handles a specific role: one fights, another shoots, a third drives, and the last tackles platforming challenges. The goal is to infiltrate Count Egor von Vile’s fortress, bypass guards and security systems, and reclaim paintings he’s defaced with his own smug portrait. The game emphasizes switching between characters mid-mission to solve puzzles and escape traps. Gameplay blends stealth, combat, and quick reflexes as you race to recover art and make a clean getaway. Created by students at USC’s Advanced Games Project using Unreal Engine 4, the game stands out for its quirky humor and tight teamwork mechanics. The Count’s vanity-driven villainy adds a lighthearted tone to the heist. Though released in 2017 with a small team, it showcases polished level design and responsive controls for its genre. Players who enjoy cooperative problem solving and fast-paced theft antics might find it a hidden gem, particularly on PC platforms.

Storyline

"Oh no! The dastardly Count Egor von Vile has taken all the valuable paintings in the world and imposed his smirking mug onto them! Who can save all those poor paintings? Looks like it's a job for the Smooth Criminals!"