Thief: The Dark Project

Thief: The Dark Project, developed by Looking Glass Studios and published by Eidos Interactive, was released in 1998. It was a groundbreaking game that revolutionized the stealth genre.

The game's development began as a sequel to the famous Ultima Underworld series but eventually evolved into a unique experience. The team at Looking Glass Studios wanted to create a game that focused on the art of thievery, blending elements of stealth, strategy, and immersive storytelling.

The game introduces players to Garrett, a skilled thief who operates in a dark and corrupt city called The City. The game's narrative revolves around Garrett's quest for riches, as he takes on various missions that involve stealing valuable artifacts and navigating dangerous environments. The development team paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each mission felt unique and offering players multiple paths to complete their objectives.

Gameplay & mechanics

Thief: The Dark Project has unique gameplay mechanics and features. The game focuses on stealth and subtlety rather than combat, encouraging you to avoid direct confrontations whenever possible. As Garrett, you can access various tools and gadgets useful in your thieving endeavors. From lockpicks and rope arrows to water arrows and noise makers, each tool serves a specific purpose and adds depth to the gameplay.

The "light and shadow" system is a fascinating addition. The game simulates realistic lighting conditions, so you must carefully navigate well-lit areas or stay hidden in the shadows to avoid detection. This creates a tense experience, as you must constantly be aware of your surroundings and adapt your strategies accordingly.

The game also introduced a level design that emphasized exploration and non-linear gameplay. Each mission feels like a mini open world, with multiple paths and hidden areas to discover. You can approach missions in your own way, whether it be through a stealthy approach or a more aggressive playstyle.

Lastly, the levels are meticulously designed to tell a story through their architecture, props, and hidden secrets. Exploring each environment revealed hidden lore, adding depth to the game's narrative. This is called environmental storytelling.

The immersive world of Thief

The City is divided into various districts, each with its own distinct atmosphere and challenges. The streets are filled with NPCs, each going about their daily routines, creating a sense of realism and immersion. The world feels alive, with its own set of rules and dynamics.

The world also features rich lore and backstory. The game's narrative explores the history of The City, its factions, and the dark secrets that lay beneath its surface.

Tips and strategies for playing Thief: The Dark Project

1. Embrace the shadows: The game's light and shadow system is crucial for remaining undetected. Stay hidden in the shadows whenever possible and avoid well-lit areas.

2. Plan your approach: Before embarking on a mission, take the time to study the environment and plan your route. Look for alternate paths and hidden entrances that can help you avoid guards and obstacles.

3. Use your tools wisely: Garrett has various tools at his disposal. Use them strategically to overcome obstacles and distract enemies. Experiment with different tools to find the ones that suit your playstyle.

4. Listen and observe closely the game's sound cues and visual indicators. The sound of footsteps murmured conversations, and flickering torches can provide valuable information about your surroundings.

5. Save often: Thief: The Dark Project can be unforgiving, so make sure to save your progress frequently. This will prevent frustration and allow you to experiment with different approaches without fear of failure.

Thief is a game that made history. If you liked this demo, don't forget to buy Thief Gold on GOG.