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3DNow!™ Thief: The Dark Project Review
| Developer/Publisher Looking Glass Studios / Eidos Interactive | Est. Street Price $44.95 (US) |
| Minimum System Requirements 166 MHz Pentium class computer 32MB of RAM 4MB 3D accelerator | Recommended System Requirements K6-2 350MHz or higher 64MB of RAM 8MB 3D accelerator |
After successfully completing the Keepers' training program, you decide to use your new found skills to make a better and easier living. You'll rob the highly religious Hammers, steal from the undead, journey through lost cities, and perhaps even confront a god or two. What's certain is your in the shit now.
The characters are also very detailed as well as realistic. Humans are dressed in armor and other Medieval clothing that may remind you of scenes from Monty Python's Holy Grail. Their faces look like they are actual photographs mapped onto the models. This makes the game even more real when the guards peer out into the darkness saying, "I'll spy you thief!" Monsters and other demons are equally detailed. Each carries their own distinguished and sometimes chilling look. Animation of these enemies is incredibly life-like. Men walk, run, and search all very believably. Other creatures add their own method getting around from trotting to floating. The graphics in Thief certainly are an asset to games presentation.
Thief's music adds that fine polish to truly immerse you into the game. The music is location based, meaning that certain tracks will be played upon you entering a new area. All of the music in the game is ambient and quite eerie. Needless to say I found this game most difficult to play all alone in the midnight. Additionally, a hybrid ambient/techno style is introduced in the cut scenes which is some of the best of that genre I've ever heard.
The other arts of thieving are staying out-of-sight, keeping silent, and hiding evidence of your presence. On screen is a very useful visibility gem that will fade to black when you are safely hidden in the shadows. If a dim area is hard to find, water arrows are at your side to extinguish them. Keep in mind that having certain weapons drawn like your sword of fire arrows make you stand out more. Some floors are made of metal or other noisy materials. Moss arrows are available to help soften their surfaces if too many ears are around to hear you creeping across. You may think silencing a thug or beast would end their threat to your mission, but if you are not careful their corpse may be spotted by their friends alerting them to your intrusion. Pick up the bodies and hide them in the shadows, and if blood hath been spilt wash it away with water arrows.
Thief only has twelve levels, but they are the longest and most enduring levels I've ever had to complete. Most missions consist of you stealing something, but as you progress sometimes the mission changes. This adds a wonderful dynamic and spontaneity to the game. You never know what to expect or what to prepare for. The story line in Thief is very intriguing and keeps you involved. You'll come across many texts and notes that will provide you with more insight about your enemies as well as clues to the success of your mission. Also, as you journey through each level you'll have plenty of opportunities to increase your wealth while depleting the wealth of others. At the beginning of the mission following you'll be able to spend your new found fortune on weapons and supplies.
The game runs well on my AMD K6-2-400 and Voodoo2 rig. There is very little choppiness as long as there are no more than four enemies on the screen. But don't worry, that doesn't happen very often. Depending on the video card, I wouldn't suggest this game to anyone with less than a K6-2-350 processor.
Introduction
In Thief: The Dark Project, you play the role of Garrot, an amateur crook just looking to score his next meal ticket. One day you notice a mysterious man on the street and decide to steal his purse. To your surprise he catches you. However, instead of turning you into the authorities he invites you to learn of the ways of his religious sect, The Keepers. Apparently, spotting a keeper when he does not want to be seen is more than just luck.
Graphics & Animation 
Don't expect Thief to dazzle you with lush and outrageous colors like those found in Incoming or Shogo: Mobile Armor Division. What you will find is some of the most realistic scenes sure enough to convince you that you are in the Medieval Ages. Thief incorporates well crafted textures representative of the times to construct some of the most detailed settings and structures. Lurking shadows and harsh identifying lights bring to life the eeriness of the city streets and castles. The result is the best looking dark first-person shooter ever.
Sound & Music
Looking Glass Studios absolutely outdid themselves with Thief's sound effects and music. To be a master thief, you must not only stay hidden in the shadows, but also go unheard. There are many surfaces that you'll have to cross to accomplish your mission. Each harbors their own unique sound that if traveled upon hastily will alert enemies to your presence. However, this hindrance is also a blessing for enemies also make noise while patrolling these areas. In addition to that, guards and monsters may converse with each other, whistle, or moan giving you clues to their position. Weapons also have their subtle and bold noises. You can stealthily knock out a guard with a gas arrow or blow a demon back to hell with fire arrow.
Gameplay & Immersion
If you are a die-hard action fan, then Thief may not be the game for you. However, if you desire an adventure and possess the thirst for the kill, then this game will rule your world. Thief is all about sneaking around. Simply going into a mission with your arrows blazing like you're Geronimo will surely get you killed within a few seconds. In your arsenal, you are provided the tools to be a master thief. A sword, blackjack, mines, and a variety of arrows are at your disposal. You must use these weapons wisely, as launching fire arrows at your opponent may burn his threat to the ground, but it will alert all of friends about you. Better to knock him out with your blackjack so he'll go down without so much as a whimper.
3DNow!™ Support 
It appears that Thief may not get 3DNow!™ support after all. When AMD issued their 3DNow!™ Conference Call, Thief was originally listed along with many of titles published by Eidos Interactive. However, AMD's current 3DNow!™ Partners List no longer includes Thief: The Dark Project on it. When last I spoke with Looking Glass Studios, 3DNow!™ optimizations were in the works for the Dark Engine. They stated that they were planning to have the support completed for System Shock 2 and any Thief sequels. So perhaps we'll see 3DNow!™ support in Thief Gold Edition and Thief 2: The Metal Age.
Overall
Thief is absolutely the best first-person shooter I've ever played. I've never experienced such satisfaction than hiding out in the dark with the bow drawn, waiting for a guard to wander by, and then releasing the bow to silence his thwarting patrol. If you are a fan of Metal Gear Solid or Technu: Stealth Assassins, then Thief is for you. What's more is that Thief is definitely the best of the sneak and kill genre of games out there by a long shot.
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