Hilfsaeffchen on 10/1/2022 at 20:14

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I played most FMs that were released during the last decade, which is why I tried a couple of older ones and unfortunately I didn't like them as much as the somewhat recent missions. They weren't really BAD, just not as good. I realize that a level created in 2002 was built around the limitations of the hardware of that time, so a somewhat reduced level of fidelity and complexity is expected. Still, are there any FMs made prior to 2010 that can compete with the cream of the crop of today?

DirkBogan on 10/1/2022 at 20:35

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The first ones that come to mind for me would be both of AsyluM/Mark Smith's maps, (https://www.thiefguild.com/fanmissions/4634/hidden-agenda) Hidden Agenda and (https://www.thiefguild.com/fanmissions/4632/heist-society) Heist Society. The latter especially is almost cheating, because it essentially achieved NewDark-like brush limits by using a clever build order. In terms of layout, gameplay, style, and attention to detail, I think these two maps outshine even the best OMs.

On a similar par I would put Morrgan's two Greyfeather Gems maps, (https://www.thiefguild.com/fanmissions/3121/the-shipment) The Shipment and (https://www.thiefguild.com/fanmissions/3114/rodamill) Rodamill. I think all her maps are brilliant, but people seem to consider Rodamill at the top. The two are equally polished to my mind, though the latter may be more creative.

Last but not least would be Wille's (https://www.thiefguild.com/fanmissions/1965/mystic-gems-2-heart-of-bohn) Heart of Bohn. Exceptional layout and a brilliant, consistent use of custom resources.

There are many more that I think are excellent, some of which I might prefer in one way or another... but if you want the 2000's maps that hold up in every way, these would be my picks.

skacky on 10/1/2022 at 21:05

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Personally I don't think Ominous Bequest stood the test of time. A bit heretical I know, but this mission has pretty much everything I dislike in FMs and is a slog to play.
Some other older FMs from before 2010 I can recommend in a heartbeat are Conspiracies in the Dark, Thieves' Highway, The Power of Suggestion, Wicked Relics, Amoral Dilemma, Third Time's The Charm, Returning a Favor and Relic: Left for Dead.

SlyFoxx on 10/1/2022 at 23:26

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Lots still do. Equilibrium springs to mind. 2MB of thiefy goodness.

Hilfsaeffchen on 11/1/2022 at 16:58

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Thanks for all those recommendations. I already played a few of the mentioned FMs in the past. Heist Society and Calendra's Cistern were indeed very good. Rocksbourg on the other hand wasn't for me, mostly due to its obnoxious ambient soundscape. L'Arsene was one of those older missions I was talking about in my initial post. I wouldn't call it bad, but it had an issue that made me stop playing. To me that mission felt very linear (the progression not the layout). I usually don't have a problem with that, but I was at times running around like a headless chicken, because I was looking for the key necessary to progress to the next area. And the readables didn't really help to signpost where I might find it. Now on smaller, denser maps I usually can force myself to go through the level a second time, but this one was just too big and empty. So yeah, not a fan of keyhunts outside of small levels.

Out of the recommended FMs I decided to start with Ominous Bequest, because it seems to be divisive and I wanted to see why. Well, I think it was fine, but there are certainly reasons to dislike it. It's probably a bit keyhunty and too long. And personally I found the story to be silly, because it relied on Garrett doing very specific things for the plan of the Big Bad to work. Also, readables were a bit too long. I know that in the Thief universe everybody and their mother has a diary the size of an encyclopedia, but it still was a bit much at times. Other than that I liked it though. Especially how it opened up more and more and all the little secrets to discover. One down, dozens to go. :) I think I'll continue with Rowena's Course, because it's considered a classic by so many people.