I beat this game twice and I could describe it as "guilty pleasure". Literally. Stealing is bad but... why is my hand once again in this cookie jar?
What this game provides?
-Freedom. You're not limited by the plot, you can go out there and do what you like. You're your own boss.
-Graphics. They're just fine. Day\night cycle, reflections, resolution, small detail, nature... It's exactly what it should be.
-Skill tree. Growth with experience.
-Rules. Clear and simple conditions of success.
-Challenge. You'll break a sweat quite a few times and replay your jobs after being caught.
-Tutorial. You're taken into the game by the hand. It's not intrusive, it's a simple guidance that organically leads the character through the game.
What are the annoying parts of the game?
-Roughness. It often feels raw, like a beta. Many "corners" uncut. The simplification of rules makes this world "plastic", on rails. The atmosphere gives a false impression of realism, then you face binary choices and reactions: being seen is instant, people notice a break-in by simply seeing objects you touched, crouching in public is suspicious but staring at a house with binoculars for hours is not...
-Skills tree is too short, end-game lacks motivation, piles of money with nothing to spend on.
-The plot is disappointingly simple. It's only used as a guide through the game.
-The world isn't that big. 3 neighborhoods with scaling difficulty.
-Time flies too fast. Classic 1 real minute = 1 game hour. 60 seconds to do your thing and get out is... pressing.
In general, I must say that everything works together. It is a good game with many good ideas. But you will have a feeling like there could be more. Like it could be better. Everything could be improved and expanded. I really hope there comes a better version: sequel or a game that would be inspired by Thief Simulator. The price is fitting. I don't regret playing it.
