Renault on 10/5/2017 at 03:37
The Quiet Heat
By RenaultPublished: June 25, 2006
Posted in: Thief 2 FM
Tags: City, Guards, Thief 2
I really enjoyed this mission at the start. Daytime missions are rare in themselves, but this one (brought to you by MotleyCat) also has a unique Mediterranean feel to it which proves initially to be somewhat captivating. The architecture isn't outstanding, but in my opinion, its all done very cleverly, and with the help of some nice new textures, it made for a very interesting setting. In particular, the City streets and a wrecked hideout section near the beginning of the level are very fun to walk around and explore. Although there isn't much a of a plot to speak of, its sufficient (at least early on) to keep you going and motivate exploration.
However, my enjoyment of this level did not last. After you get to a certain point in the FM, a few weaknesses become apparent that unfortunately kill the overall mood. First, the mission is way too easy. I'm not exactly a genius when it comes to solving puzzles and the like, but I cleared right through this mission without much hesitation. Next, the sound prorogation is bad in places – there was one spot where I was able to walk all the way up to a guard on a marble floor without him hearing me. Even worse however, is that you get to a certain section of the story where several modern day references are made, and it completely kills any sort of mystique that had been generated up until that point. In the beginning of this FM, I was intrigued and really wanted to discover how the mission would finish. By the end, I just wanted to get it over with and see if I missed any secrets.
Renault on 10/5/2017 at 03:38
From Beneath The Sands
Review posted on June 25, 2006 by Renault
Tagged with Crypt • Thief 2 • Undead
A very fun FM with and Indiana Jones/Tomb Raider feel, but also highly inspired by the official Bonehoard Lost City levels. I'm actually surprised there aren't more missions like this one (created by nicked), as I believe many fans find them quite entertaining. The central challenge in this level is puzzles, and there are many of them. The balance is achieved very nicely, with nothing extremely difficult, but nothing ridiculously easy either. Many are quite clever and original, although a few are downright cliched. Although a lot of Lost City type textures are used, this level feels far more Egyptian than that level ever did, and it looks good, but maybe not as gorgeous as some other recent FMs. The architecture is about what you would expect from a level with this theme, and there are several alternate routes to mix things up a bit. There are also some nicely done custom AI that fit in especially well considering the theme of the mission.
The story is very good and keeps you moving, and is extremely reminiscent (maybe too much) of the official Bonehoard map. Still, interest level is high as you proceed further into the ruins, with the feeling that danger is right around the corner. Your return trip at the end is equally rewarding, instead of just being a simple “return to the place you started” objective. There is some tech here, most of which is wrapped up within the traps and fits seamlessly into the level. I thought sound was done very well for the most part, except for one particular spot that is rather glaring. All in all, a very nice trip into a style of FM that has been somewhat forgotten.
nickie on 12/5/2017 at 09:00
Very many thanks for putting all these together for us.
fortuni on 12/5/2017 at 09:15
Thank you Brethren, these will be very useful. :thumb:
Cardia on 12/5/2017 at 12:25
"Citadel of Douro" has suffered updates, one of them is the sound issue that was part of the original version, and it no longer has that problem.
Its good to have missions reviews.
Renault on 12/5/2017 at 14:49
Pedro, I added a note to the review to reflect the updates.
Cardia on 12/5/2017 at 16:16
Quote Posted by Brethren
Pedro, I added a note to the review to reflect the updates.
Thank you Mike
Petike the Taffer on 7/10/2019 at 22:16
This is excellent work, Brethren ! :cool:
I hadn't noticed this thread before. Good job. :D I remember the reviews well, I think I even rediscovered and saved a few on my own, a few years back.
