Prunesquallor on 10/9/2007 at 15:38

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Hi folks -great fora. It is good that so many people still appreciate the genius that was the Thief universe.

After years of playing turn-based wargames, SPWAW and the like, my eye is now drawn to my copies of System Shock 1 and 2, Thief Gold and Thief:TMA (these latter sit right next to Azrael's Tear, as is only right and proper).

Thief Gold is first up on the list of re-exploring a backstory/creative writing every bit as good as Planescape: Torment and then some. I can fondly reminisce over Bafford's, Basso's 'rescue' from Crags-thingy, and remember pretty much ghosting through these without problem. Very enjoyable. But what is next? Ah, Bonehoard. There's my real problem right there. It's like being confronted with your least favourite person and trying to smile politely at them, even as you curse their guts.

I hate this level. Truly. There's a lot of criticism of TDS, but bonehoard ruins the entire series for me. I plan to spend a week or more playing these two games well into the wee small hours. The point of these sessions will be to play every level of the first two games in sequence, immersing myself in Garrett's role, very likely for the last time. It helps that the lengthy time spent away from these games means that they'll inevitably seem fresher than before, things that may have been forgotten offering a few surprises.

But bonehoard...Erk... T:TMA I completed, T:G never, because of this one single dreadful mission. T:G game remains one I chose my missions to play, none of which were in sequence, sorry to say. I'm not one for looking at walkthroughs, so bonehoard here I come because I must. Finally, after all this time, I feel the need to do it properly, and to enjoy Thief as a work of art, which it clearly is.

Those bloody never ending tunnels.....wish me luck!

Regards to all.

Dia on 10/9/2007 at 17:14

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I totally and absolutely sympathize with you Yandros. Bonehoard and The Cradle; two OMs that have proven to be the banes of my existence (Thiefwise). Therefore, I too have resorted to (and I'm not ashamed to admit it :p ):

'Level Skip
While playing, press CTRL-ALT-SHIFT-END. ' (For TDP & Gold only)

Works for me every time! ;)

I figure if you're not going to enjoy it, then why force yourself to go through it yet again? You've already had the experience of playing it at least once before and that's more than enough imo. :cheeky:

theBlackman on 10/9/2007 at 18:54

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Bonehoard is really not that bad. In fact at the NORMAL level, it has been done in as little as 3.50 minutes.

The "Burrick" tunnels are really not that confusing and, as mentioned, the Zombies are slow. Most of them can be avoided with patience and sharp ears and a good eye for shadow.

I find BH very entertaining, and re-visit frequently. I think I have explored every inch, but can't state that for a fact.

But BH has some very interesting "side" activities to play with.

For example: When you enter the caves from the last hallway of the upper crypts and turn right at the sloping plank, you will find a hole that drops to a pool of water.

Most players know where this ends up. What most don't know is that you can place Rope Arrows at differing levels in the sides of the shaft, and then CLIMB BACK UP from the pool. If you place them correctly the last one touches the water and you can just make your way back to the caves.

There are other such little side ventures you can indulge in as well.

Bonehoard am fun. :thumb:

Prunesquallor on 11/9/2007 at 00:39

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You have a point, Dia.

But continuity is what is needed. These games were ultimately very special; they require playing through for the complete picture, from Bafford's to Shalebridge and the eventual climax. The guy from fourfatchicks has it right -Thief represents a pinnacle of sorts. One must climb the whole mountain.

Cheers.

jtr7 on 11/9/2007 at 10:32

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What makes these never-ending tunnels worse than any of the others?:D

Not only do I wish you luck, but patience!