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Thief Deadly Shadows
by Ryan Kang
Tuesday, March 2 2004
The last legacy of Looking Glass, Thief looks to reclaim the title of stealth game extraordinaire.
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Title:
Thief Deadly Shadows
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Platform:
PC Windows
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Publisher:
Eidos Interactive |
Developer:
Ionstorm |
#
of Players: 1 + Online Play |
Genre:
Action
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Origin:
United States
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Expected
Release:
Spring 2004 |
Grapevine:
Thief Deadly Shadows is looking to launch this Spring, under a new dev studio (RIP Looking Glass...), and once again take it's place at the throne of action/stealth games. |
With the explosion of popularity that has been bestowed upon games like Ubisoft's Splinter Cell, it's kind of expected that the original vanguard of the genre, Thief, be brought back up again. Thief Deadly Shadows is looking to launch this Spring, under a new dev studio (RIP Looking Glass...), and once again take it's place at the throne of action/stealth games.
As Garrett, the once unknown hero of The City, you must polish your lock-picks and don your cape once again. The Keepers, entrusted with the task of maintaining the delicate balance between the forces vying for control have chosen you to do their bidding. However, for a master thief, it’s all in a night’s work.
Thief, originally created by Looking Glass Studios, has been handed to Warren Spector (who worked on the original game) at Ion Storm who has done everything to ensure that Deadly Shadows will be just as innovative as the fist game including hiring all key members who worked on sound, graphic design, and story. While the original feel of the game is preserved, a few additions have been made in order to really bring the series into the next generation.
Garret’s offensive capability have been increased so the player can kill instead of evade; however it is still not a good idea to attempt a full frontal assault on a group of patrolling guards. Also, sneaking around the city is a bit more flexible making hiding in the shadows less lengthy and nerve wracking. Despite the basic necessary changes, the most intriguing option is the ability to switch between first person and third person views, this tweak was originally hacked into the game in the design stage by some developers in their spare time, but after seeing how big a difference this made in game-play, designers decided it was a must. The tools of the trade have been revamped as well. Players can put out torches and wash away suspicious blood with water tipped arrows, or knock guards and unsuspecting victims unconscious with gas as well as blind and confuse with flash bombs. One thing that hasn’t changed of course is the thief’s always useful dagger which is always good for a few assassinations. Additionally, eavesdropping on NPC dialog will pay off, since certain secrets about the compounds as well as the overall mood and awareness of the guard population can be learned.
The always excellent AI of the series has thankfully been maintained. AI guards actually see and hear, track evidence and become suspicious of noise. They will search for intruders, fight, and give chase. Stealth is the name of the game with this game's A.I.
The game is permeated with lighting and shadow effects since it runs on the Deus Ex: Invisible War game engine. Consequently, using the realistically cast shadows to your advantage is key. However, despite being built on a sci-fi engine the fantasy setting will most likely offer a uniquely different experience.
--- Ryan Kang
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