Chade on 23/5/2008 at 11:04
The thief game play is really focussed on the core stealth mechanics, and doesn't distract the player with frivolous "cool" extras.
Also, the thief aesthetics are just really cool.
And by-and-large the story was presented in such a way that it actually made you feel more immersed in being Garrett. This doesn't sound like such a big deal now, but it was pretty awesome back then.
Cerebration on 23/5/2008 at 13:18
I've also been replaying Thief after a long, long absense with the help of Boot Camp on my iMac.
I've always wondered who at LGS first came up with the idea to add the steampunk elements to the original Dark Camelot concept, as it was truly inspired. The unusual combination of magic and technology resulted in a unique atmosphere which stood out against the other FPSs of the day which all tended to be futuristic shooters. It's this atmosphere that makes me want to spent time in the Thief world, whether in the original games or in FMs (which are trully excellent, by the way). While I'll happily play on other, more popular games like GTA for a short while, they just don't seem to have the depth that really makes me want to invest a lot of time in them.
Thief also seemed to nail the tension aspect and create a real sense of unease, even when facing normal, human opponents. While Garrett has this gift of remaining unseen in the shadows, he isn't an acrobat and nor is he a tank, and so he feels more like an everyday person than your typical armour-plated FPS hero.
Dia on 23/5/2008 at 14:37
Seconded, Blackman. All of the above. And then some.
I've also played a gazillion games (before & after Thief) and have yet to find even one that comes remotely close to being as novel and innovative. I do so love the ambience, the fact that Garrett (regardless of Mr. Russell's seriously sexy voice ;) ) makes for such a marvelous anti-hero, and the fact that the games (well, at least DP & MA and their respective FMs, imho) are so very immersive that it's easy to lose track of time. A great way to escape, unwind, or just entertain yourself for hours on end.
I also think that it's the TTLG Thief community which has and still does contribute to the appeal that the Thief games hold for me. I took a mini-break from the forums lately, just popping in occasionally & hardly posting a whit; but it felt like just like coming home again. Mayhap a bit maudlin, but true nonetheless. :cheeky:
Dussander on 23/5/2008 at 15:35
In GTA San Andreas it had a more stealth theme, but it was a lot more controlling (such as situations where you alerted people whatever). Although it did have creeping & hiding in the shadows making you invisible, which I thought was a nice touch. They also introduced burglary & sound detection.
But I digress ;[
AfroTaffer on 23/5/2008 at 22:17
Quote Posted by sunjammer
What makes Thief a spectacular stealth game
Lord Brosius.
Goldmoon Dawn on 23/5/2008 at 23:00
Quote Posted by Dia
I took a mini-break from the forums lately, just popping in occasionally & hardly posting a whit; but it felt like just like coming home again.
Awww Dia...
Welcome home, to TTLG.
:ebil:
Yandros on 24/5/2008 at 02:09
Quote Posted by AfroTaffer
Lord Brosius.
:thumb:
pavlovscat on 24/5/2008 at 03:18
In a word...immersion.
Thief is the only game that allows me to completely tune out the world (except for the occasional feline intrusion on the keyboard ;) ) no matter how many times I play.
Dia on 24/5/2008 at 12:22
Quote Posted by Goldmoon Dawn
Awww Dia...
Welcome home, to TTLG.
:ebil:
Thanks GD.
*gets the warm-fuzzies*Now give me back the coinpurse you just nicked from me, you Taffer!
;)
Kin on 24/5/2008 at 12:54
What makes for me Thief so spectacular is:
1) The first person simulation stealth gameplay (the game engine, tools, weapons, AI all built around one idea "Stealth"). Lots of 3rd person stealth games out there but i always hated to chase someone at least this is what it looks like for me. 3rd person does not simulate anything.
2) The exploring nature of thief. I mean sure i will knock out some guards, shoot some of Garrett's weapons, use the thieving tools but what keep me most of the time occupated is the vast environment to explore and find valuable items or loot and solve any kind of mystery.
3) The main caracter of the game is enigmatic and has a low profile (at least on thief 1 & 2) in contrast of all other games around. I am not playing a game with a hero main character but a simulation of a thiefs life.
4) And the last one the story. Finaly a game that has a story to tell. A game that will not force you to "kill your story trough" but "unroll" it in real time trough conversations and redables.
PS: Oh i forgot No 5) Dromed:cheeky:
