Thief™ 2: The Metal Age

My first encounter with the Thief series was this game, Thief II: The Metal Age. We got it for free with a sound card we had ordered and it quickly became my favorite. Since then, I made sure it was always installed on subsequent home computers until it just wouldn't run, even in compatibility mode. At that point, I just lived on the memories of the thrills I got from playing the same best levels over and over, like the bank level. The game influenced my view and perception of all other games I encountered since. I've beaten it quite a few times, but I just can't get enough. It wasn't until recently, when I was feeding my interest in everything Thief that I found this site. I've played my Thief 3 game a lot, but never with the satisfaction I had when I played Thief 2. Unfortunately, there is so much good about the Thief series, I could spend all day typing this review. Having only played a few levels of Thief 1 (which I've also just bought), there's little I can say for its merits, but I know from fan reviews & the behind-the-scenes film for T2 that it made some needed improvements and the levels are much better. I have yet to encounter a stealth-focused game that is as good as this. Thief invented a genre of games that has yet to be matched. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this game to everyone, even if you don't consider yourself a gamer. The graphics aren't great, but I don't believe a good game is really about graphics anyway. In the past I've expressed this in the following way: Though the 8-bit graphics of Warcraft I stink by comparison to Blizzard's newest games, there was something about the gameplay that just made it magical, something that got lost in its sequels. This magic also resides in T2. If you don't have it, get it. Ten bucks is a steal for the adventure that awaits you!

Thief was an under appreciated revolution when it was released. Some of the best first person games that fall outside the traditional run'n'gun model being released today, including Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Hitman, all share some elements that were introduce with Thief. I suspect that Thief didn't get the reception it deserved because its barely Quake 1 level of graphics were overshadowed by the likes of Unreal. Thief is not a pretty game. The textures all seem to be a shade of brown or grey, the models are very angular, and about the only effects you'll see are the occasional use of particles and animated water textures. And yet, the game has its own beauty. The levels all have a moody atmosphere, which really sucks you in as you sneak through the shadows. Turn off the lights, turn up the speakers, and your pulse will quicken when you hear a guards footsteps. It is a game that requires patience, both to play the game and to configure its bizarre default key bindings, but once you get into it, you'll be rewarded with a clever and engrossing experience well worth the price of a cup of coffee.

Thief 1 and 2 are legendary games and (along with Metal Gear Solid) gave birth to the stealth genre of games. Thief 1 and 2 though are far superior with some of the most incredible technology developed in its time (and even still today) to provide the greatest stealth game experience. Still today, these games are essentially unmatched in the simulation capabilities, atmosphere, intricacy and gameplay uniqueness. Just legendary games through and through.

Like Freespace2 Thief2 perfected a genre. Unlike Freespace2 there were MANY games that followed (Splinter Cell being the most dominant) but never caught up. I can't add anything that other reviewers have already said, except reinforce that this is the definitive stealth game gameplay wise, combined with a good story, a detailed world and stellar voice acting. Garrett is the man.

The Looking Glass's Thief is the best stealth game series , the original stealth games. Absolute masterpieces, all three games. Now, what makes the Metal Age the best, in my opinion: + More complex plot than in Thief 1, comparable to Thief 3. + Better level design that makes you rely on stealth only (Escape! from Thief 1 - I am looking at you). Numerous ways to go through the levels. + All the goodies from Thief 1 and more! Compared to Thief 3 the first two games give you significantly more freedom and Thief 2 does not disappoint in that regard. + Tougher missions due to all the Mechanist inventions getting in your way. + Very various environments and missions. + No Bugbeasts, Praise be to Karras!