Tannar on 10/2/2009 at 20:08
Bi-weekly works for me. A month is just too long and a week is not quite long enough given my schedule.
SneakyJack on 10/2/2009 at 21:11
Alright - after a few hours of preparation everything is launched.
I named the group "Thief: Together In Shadows" - I thought it sounded good, apologies if it doesnt. :laff:
You can find the index thread that will house the explanation and mission listing here: (
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125237)
You can find the first volume of the group discussion "Cop In The Shadows" here: (
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125236)
Hopefully I brought the idea to life well enough to do it justice, and everyone that has feedback on how I can make it better please PM it to me right away - I'm hoping to get a solid format for it before the next edition is posted :)
Updates to this thread coming soon!
SneakyJack on 11/2/2009 at 05:14
Firefly By Lobster and Moghedian
Released: Mid 2004
Whats the story?: A pretty solid story concerning a small town mayor that has lots of dirty fingers in lots of dirty pies - and you find out that the sleepy little town of Firefly isnt as innocent as it seems. This quiet town is about to experience a ruckus.
Hows it play?: Gameplay for me on this one was a mixed bag. One the one hand I love the small town setting and the way everything is put together. What initially strikes you as a very small mission continues to open up and branch out along the way - leading you though varied locations including caves, a mine and even a prison area where you'll need to preform the ever so classic jailbreak of one of your associates. Once again in this mission we've got our blackjack taken from us - so if you are not a major blackjacker like myself - here you really only have two options for much of the mission until locating your blackjack - kill or ghost. You'll encounter lots of interesting mixtures of enemies along the way including a giant cave beast and a magic hurling pagan woman. Overall, gameplay is pretty solid.
Hows it look?: Although the architecture is rather blocky at points this mission looks pretty good. There are custom skins here and there including little touches like rabbits hopping along (perhaps a few too many rabbits, they are everywhere and tend to make loud noises when they hit pavement that can be distracting) and the interiors of the buildings are decorated nicely. There are also spots of water here and there that add to the rustic feel as well as a firepit and an outhouse or two. Overall this mission is visually very interesting and is a different feel of a setting.
Hows it sound?: Most of the mission sounds like typical thief 2 fare - one thing that did get a little jarring is the abundance of rabbits hopping along nearly everywhere. At one point I had four rabbits and two frogbeasts hopping around in one area making their noises and I nearly went mad. The rabbits have an odd weight to them that causes a footstep noise when they hop onto a solid walkway - causing me to think I was being approached at a high speed by guards more than once. Heartattack city. Overall, this mission sounds pretty strong.
Whats the verdict? I really enjoyed my playthrough of Firefly. I think its pretty creative and mixes alot of different settings together in a fairly large fan mission and all of it makes sense and works well. Its got a few bits that could be changed - but what fan mission doesn't really? Give it a shot, its a good way to spend and hour or two.
Tannar on 11/2/2009 at 06:34
Another nice job SneakyJack! :thumb: Lovely screenies. If I ever get some free time I'll add a reveiw to this thread.
This post is completely free of candy bar references.
SneakyJack on 11/2/2009 at 19:02
Thanks for the kind words Tannar!
Fletcher's Final Mistake By SlyFoxx
Released: May 2004
Whats the story?: Once again Garrett finds himself double crossed and thrown into a tale of mystery, wonder and blood money changing hands. Someone has been hired to kill you - we cant have that happening now can we?
Hows it play?: For being SlyFoxx's first FM (at least thats what the readable tells me) I was very impressed with all he managed to pack into this mission. The architecture is well done and really interesting to see (many buildings connect to each other in interesting ways, there are many secret passages and overall you'll notice yourself finding bits and buildings that you may have missed during your first trip into an area) and this ends up being a rather large mission. Guard patrols and lighting are excellent and interesting bits of story and objectives keep you playing to see what happens next. Plenty of opportunities for rope arrow shenanigans as well - one of my favorite bits of gameplay. Very strong fun factor in this mission - I think it'll be a future TIS entry. Also, special mention needs to be made for the opening movie - it was brilliantly done and sets up the mission perfectly.
Hows it look?: Again, for being a first fan mission (even if it wasn't a first for that matter) this mission looks really good. From little touches like the entryway to Garrett's home being covered in heavy vegetation to keep it concealed to the way the pubs and building interiors are decorated - everything looks exactly like it should and feels very lived in. Most of the texture choices are good and lighting is just right in most places.
How's it sound?: SlyFoxx's voice work (I'm pretty sure he is the one that does the spot on Garrett imitation) is strong as always (the opening cinematic for this mission is really well done) and overall sound is done very well. I noticed a spot or two that had no sound when walking on it, but that is bound to happen with such a large area to cover. I also end up in some places I shouldnt be most of the time when screen shotting missions.
What's the verdict?: This mission is great - and for a first time mission one of the best I've seen. The city is interesting with lots of different locations and you'll find yourself discovering many locations on your second trip through an area that you thought you'd previously discovered. Highly recommended for any fans of gameplay-is-first type play - or blackjack knockout addicts like me. Play it!
SneakyJack on 11/2/2009 at 21:52
I don't know if anyone has seen this yet so I wanted to bring it forward:
(
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/544-Thief-The-Dark-Project)
Zero punctuation's most recent review is a retro video review of Thief: The Dark Project and mentions T2 and T3 as well.
The language isnt exactly work safe at points as Zero Punctuation tends not to be, but overall the review is very positive and funny.
Edit: Noticed someone had posted it in the general forum - couldn't hurt to post it twice I guess.
SneakyJack on 12/2/2009 at 02:16
Gerrard's Temple By Jericho Barimen
Released: October 2003
Whats the story?: Head Priest Gerrard is out of the temple for the evening - time to relieve him of some of those riches that are certainly bogging him down.
How's it play?: This one was a challenge, indeed. Hammers make excellent foes - and the temple is full of torches lighting up small, cramped corridors. If you are a ghoster - good luck with this one. I'm sure there are many here good enough to ghost this one, but I'm betting it holds a bit more ghosting challenge than alot of missions do. That being said - this one was a good bit of fun. I'm a knockout player, so hammers provide a bit more challenge than guards do which is always fun. It may be just my mind playing tricksies - but they seem a bit more sensitive than guards in general. Loot is distributed nicely and there are some secrets to be found in this one - overall a fun (but somewhat smaller) mission.
How's it look?: The temple itself looks great from the outside, the cinematic look of the giant clock lit up by spotlights looks fantastic - and the inside of the temple is decorated well enough. You may get a little confused since all the corridors look basically the same - but for the most part everything looks pretty good.
How's it sound?: Like typical thief 2 sounds. I think the only voice acting is during the excellent opening cinematic. The hammers are always great, though.
What's the verdict?: This one is a lunchtime sneaker that wont take you that long (about a half hour, unless you are ghosting) but hammer missions for me are always a good time, so I'll recommend it!
jtr7 on 12/2/2009 at 07:31
Ooooo. :)
Anybody got screenshots of ascottk's Krellick's Labyrinth, by the by?
SneakyJack on 12/2/2009 at 21:01
Happy New Year, Mr. Lambert By Gaetane
Released: Jan. 2005
What's the story?: Four ancient statues have disappeared from a museum - and Mr. Lambert just happens to be in possession of them. The bad news is - those statues are now causing.. things.. to happen. Guests are disappearing, Sir Lambert's most trusted guard Jack as well - and there is blood on the hands of.. Well, play the mission - this story is very, very interesting and you are in for quite a few surprises. A few shocking surprises, to be certain. One of the best mission stories I've experienced!
How does it play?: I had a blast playing through every minute of this mission. The city area (though small) offers a few rope arrow opportunities and lots of knock out moments, and once you reach the mansion of Sir Lambert the mission really shines. The mansion is heavily guarded, though guard patrols are done excellently and do not become frustrating. You are in for a challenge, but you'll have fun while overcoming the odds. There are many funny scenes - guards roasting food on the end of their swords over a fire, party guests dancing to heavy music while holding balloons and so on. Simply put, this mission is a great deal of fun - and the really well written story is just icing on the cake. Oh, and there is cake too. One thing I particularly enjoyed was a secret that really was worth finding - usually in missions we are rewarded with just a bit of loot - but this particular secret on easy rewards you with an invisibility potion and a health potion. Thats my kind of secret! This mission is top shelf gameplay.
How does it look?: Fantastic. This mission is very well textured in all areas. The snow effect is really well done here, and overall the snowy atmosphere accented by burning barrels and people huddling around the fire comes off as very immersive and cozy. Not only are the textures and architecture strong, but everything is very well decorated and alot of thought seems to have gone into the overall design. Very well done.
How does it sound?: As far as I could tell the sounds were all stock sounds other than the rammstein playing during the party. That being said, everything sounds good and no footstep or sound problems were noticed.
What's the verdict?: This one goes into the "favorite missions" folder for sure. The only problem with this mission is that it ends seemingly too soon - I wanted it to go on much longer - but that's just because I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended!
SneakyJack on 13/2/2009 at 21:21
Hold on to your socks friends - this next one is going to be a monster of a 'review'. Being that the following mission is my favorite thief mission of all time - I had to give it the time I thought it deserved. This is a two parter!
Pirates Ahoy! Mission 1: Cast Off! By Christine And Greenhorn (Part 1)
Released: August 2008
Development Time: 5 Months (for the entire campaign?!?)
What's the story?: Garrett is in search of a fabled pirate treasure. In order to locate said treasure, he is going to need a map and to hitch a ride on a ship to his next destination. Both can be found in his current location - now to find a way to get both. Along the way you'll come across tales of madness, eternal love, heartwarming gift giving, betrayal and scandal - what else could you ask for in a story really?
The story in this mission is really well done - and you are in for some surprises. Some of the bonus objectives tie into the story as well - and you'll read about the largest things happening in the city clear down to a tale of a woman and her child just trying to make due while the father is away. Completing the objectives (namely the bonus objectives) is very satisfying indeed. The narrative in this mission is excellent.
How's it play? Anyone who has played a mission by Christine before knows that they are in for three things before they even start up her next effort - A beautiful looking mission that is simply a blast to play through and lots (and lots) of food! The city here is large and sprawling with excellent lighting and shadow placement to give you just the edge you need in a heavily guard populated area. You begin without your trusty blackjack or sword - but quickly find yourself armed with a hilarious alternative that gives you a very satisfying "thud" when taking an enemy to sleepytown.
Guards are plentiful but spaced out in their patrols just enough to make you sweat but not enough to become impossible or frustrating. The mission will challenge your sneaking skills in some areas, but for the most part you'll be able to make your way around undetected if you are careful. Skilled ghosters will have no problem with this one. Touches like frobbable organic lights outdoors add immensely to your shadow cover in highly populated areas - which is always good in any mission.
You'll come across a host of interesting people during your playthrough that really add to the personality of the city. A mother and child struggling to make ends meet, An eccentric woodcarver that believes his creations are coming to life - and more. The city layout is great giving you plenty of darkened spots to plan your attacks or avoid people altogether, and should you get into a tangle there is plenty of edible food at your disposal to give you the boost you may need.
One of the great things about the gameplay in this mission is that it all just makes sense. Choosing which exit to take from corner shops becomes important due to it leading you to a different part of the city. Shopkeepers enter and exit their own shops regularly after traveling seemingly across town. Guards are at posts that make sense instead of facing a wall or a banner. Almost every person in the city - important or not - has a reason to be where they are.. a reason you are told through readables or common sense. Everything in the mission simply feels like it has a purpose - something that alot of fan missions neglect. I'll get more into the attention to detail in the next section!
Overall, the gameplay in this mission couldn't possibly be stronger. Tons of blackjacking madness (My current high is 40!), varied locations, great lighting and shadows, fun objectives and a story that keeps you reading to find out more about these characters. You simply can't get a fan mission with gameplay more fun. (in my opinion, of course)
