Thief

About Thief

Thief dropped in early 2014 from Eidos Montréal as a reboot of that classic stealth franchise. You play as Garrett, a master thief navigating a grim, disease-ridden city where the rich thrive while everyone else suffers under the Baron's oppressive rule. This single-player adventure blends shooter and adventure elements into a first-person experience available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. The game asks you to navigate treacherous streets where revolution is brewing against tyrannical forces. You are the only one who can move unseen through this world of fear and misery. The design prioritizes player choice in how you approach every mission rather than forcing a linear path.

Gameplay

You spend your time moving through environments while managing light and sound. Garrett carries a bow, a knife, and various gadgets to disable traps or create distractions. A typical session involves scouting ahead to map out guard patrols and finding high ground before making a move. You cannot simply walk past enemies; you must stay in shadows or use water to mask your footsteps. The game does not offer health packs or regenerating armor, so one hit can end the run. Mission objectives are clear, but the route to complete them remains up to you. You might sneak through ventilation shafts, drop down from rooftops, or talk your way past guards if they lower their guard. The controls feel tight and responsive when you need to crouch or climb quickly.

What Players Think

Critics and players on PlayPile have mixed feelings about this entry. The IGDB score sits at 66.8 out of 100 based on 343 ratings, suggesting a divisive reception. Community moods lean heavily toward intense and story-driven experiences with three votes each for those tags. Two voters labeled the game as hardcore, likely referring to the punishing stealth mechanics that offer little margin for error. Average playtime data is sparse in our logs, but the focus on narrative suggests players spend significant time absorbing the atmosphere of the city. Review snippets often praise the atmospheric tension while criticizing the repetitive level design. The data confirms this is not a casual shooter but a deliberate, slow-paced stealth title that demands patience.

PlayPile's Take

This game costs around $20 on sale and features a standard achievement list for completionists. It suits players who prefer methodical problem-solving over fast reflexes or open combat. Garrett's struggle against the Baron and Orion's revolution provides a solid narrative backbone, but the gameplay loop can feel repetitive after ten hours. The high difficulty might frustrate those expecting frequent checkpoints or health regeneration. I recommend this only if you want a focused stealth experience in a dark setting rather than a broad action title. It is worth playing for the world-building alone, even if the mechanics do not innovate much over previous entries.

Storyline

Garrett, the Master Thief, steps out of the shadows into the City. In this treacherous place, where the Baron’s Watch spreads a rising tide of fear and oppression, his skills are the only things he can trust. Even the most cautious citizens and their best-guarded possessions are not safe from his reach. As an uprising emerges, Garrett finds himself entangled in growing layers of conflict. Lead by Orion, the voice of the people, the tyrannized citizens will do everything they can to claim back the City from the Baron’s grasp. The revolution is inevitable. If Garrett doesn’t get involved, the streets will run red with blood and the City will tear itself apart.