User Reviews (21 - 31 of 80)

Show these reviews first:

Highest Rated
Lowest Rated Newest
Oldest Most Helpful
Least Helpful

A bit of patience will bring maximum enjoyment

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: August 19, 2004
Author: Amazon User

The third installment of the Thief series finds Garret back in the shadows. This is known as a `stealth' game, meaning creep around in the shadows a lot, taking people down like an assassin. Which makes the game play somewhat slower in pace, but allows for a richer story line to be absorbed.

Rather than slap together a few cut scenes with some trite dialog that gives you a thinly veiled reason for going from A to B, Thief has a rich backdrop of a story that pushes the game along as you find answers that uncover new questions. Lots of side missions are melded seamlessly into the overall story so it's all just part of a thief's life. Picking pockets and stealing loot and then having to fence them to gain the cash to buy more supplies adds a small RPG element (the more loot you steal, the better equipped you can enter the missions). A nice selection of weapons are offered: Water Arrows (to put out the torches and make more shadow), Moss Arrows (to cut down the sound of footsteps), Fire Arrows (to do some lethal damage) are among the more unique. Add in some flashbombs, gas bombs, the requisite health viles and some other goodies to fill out your arsenal. The foes get scarier and creepier as the game progresses and almost approaches a horror/survival atmosphere.

Thief 3 makes a good balance of forcing you to take some degree of stealth. You can kill most bad guys, but attract more than one or two and its flee or die. Picking locks takes full advantage of the Xbox rumble pack to `feel' out the sweet spots. Graphics are slick and soundtracks are rich setting tense atmospheres. A bit of patience and willingness to `get into the game' will bring maximum enjoyment.

Good stealth game

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: November 12, 2005
Author: Amazon User

In an age of firefight shooters - this is very different kind of game. I played Serious Sam and Painkiller before this one, took the run and gun strategies from those games with me into this one, and got slaughtered. This is a stealth game. Much like in Far Cry you got to be nimble and sneak a LOT to succeed.

The atmosphere in some levels (especially Shalbridge Cradle - an abandoned asylum/orphanage) is just plain creepy. The game itself (lasting approx. 20 hours) is worth playing just because of this level.

The story is also very well implemented. Unravelling the identity of the Gray lady keeps the player interested.

Graphics are good - not great. The loading screens between the different parts of the city are a bit tedious though.

AI is not bad at all. Citizens will fetch guards if they catch you blackjack someone.

A great FPB - First Person Blackjacker :-)

Not at all what I expected, but great anyway

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: June 27, 2006
Author: Amazon User

The reason this game is rated mature isn't because of violence or excess blood like it says on the back of the box. The game, instead, is scary. At least, scary to me, since this is my first stealth game. I've played Halo, Serious Sam, Half-Life, and all those things, and this game is definetly different; and not at all in a bad way, I'm almost finished with it, and it still has the draw that it did when I just installed it.

At times, you wander around in abandoned ships, prisons, and asylums, listening to eery muffled screams, moans, distant heartbeats, and fighting undead enemies. The "OLD GRAY LADY", herself, is terryfying to behold during a cutscene. Not intolerable, by any means, just be prepared. Unlike the other games previously mentioned, stealth is definetly the wisest choice here. Be sure to CAREFULLY examine the area you're about to enter and enter with the utmost caution. Playing like this THIEF is a FPS is a definite way to die.

Now, despite any misapprehensions you might be having right now, knock it off. This really is a great game, and it's not all just doom and gloom, there's more than enough action, adventure, and humor thrown in. Just remember, be patient, it may take a long time to get seemingly nowhere, but that's just how this game works: after all, you're a thief, and you have all night, yes? I'd recommend this game to anyone over 16.

Now, the technical stuff. When I first installed this game, the picture was halting and jerky. I soon found out that the game's resolution was set up too high, and I switched it to 640 by 480. My monitor is set higher than that, but my computer isn't exactly steller, either. It's a Windows XP, and other than that minor early hassle the game runs perfectly now, and has never had a glitch or crash. I've had endless frustrations with games that will just as soon slag one's hard drive as they will run. But THIEF isn't like that at all.

Good Game, Broken on PC

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 6 / 9
Date: July 14, 2004
Author: Amazon User

The Thief series has always been an interesting set of games that challenges you to think while you play, instead of simply blasting away (which can be fun too). Games like No One Lives Forever owe their gameplay formula to just how innovative and fun the first two games in this series are. Thief 3 is just as excellent a game as it's predecessors, provided you own an XBox...

Much like Deus Ex (both by Ion Storm), this game arrives on the PC platform in a completely un-optimized state. The game runs slower then Far Cry on my computer, yet doesn't even look as good as Call of Duty. Maybe the new physics engine is to blame or the new lighting model, but I can't help but feel that my PC should get a better frame rate then it does (at least in comparison to it's performance in other FPS games). On my AthlonXP 2700+ with 1Gig of DDR2700 RAM and a GeForceFX 5600, I should be able to do better then 30 fps on 640x480 with details above low quality. Especially considering that I can run Far Cry at 800x600 with a mix of medium and low quality settings, and get a solid 50-60 frames.

My suggestion, wait a year and then pick up both games (esp. if you can purchase them in some sort of combo pack). This time next year, when you have made that eventual computer upgrade to play Doom3 or Half-Life2, This game will actually run and you'll be able to enjoy it. As for now, I'd have to suggest passing on it.

Everything I expected...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: May 28, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Ion Storm managed to create a game that lives up to the first two installments but also works with a console (XBox). There are certain elements of the game that clearly are meant for console players and are "dumbed down", like the twinkle of loot items. The item highlighting is back, but in a blue tint. So far I'm on the first mission and the game plays like Thief 1 and 2. People are complaining in their reviews that it's just not the same, but I beg to differ. The demand for games on multiple platforms nowadays forces developers to make small compromises. None of these hurt Thief 3 in my opinion. Gamers should step back and realize that things change. It's the same thing with everything else... people get stuck in a rut wanting more of the same. When something slightly different or new comes out that doesn't meet their narrow concept the developers are labeled sell-outs. I'm sorry, but Thief 3 delivers gaming goodness and does everything I expected from another installment. If you've got so many hang-ups about this series that you can't accept change then maybe you should be playing Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow instead of Thief 3. Games change, people change. Thief is still Thief. I see a bright future for the Thief series. As long as the basic gameplay elements and depth of story remain this series will always be enjoyable to me. Bottom line, if you're a fan of the Thief series and the story and stealth gameplay were what made the previous games so interesting and enjoyable, I don't think you'll be disappointed. As for some of the reviewers--I despise people like Hardee who take advantage of a rating system and post multiple times. Trolls don't deserve the right to post a review on Amazon.com or any other rating system.

Thief 3

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: June 09, 2004
Author: Amazon User

What can I say this is a truly worthy addition to the very entertaining Thief franchise. This title not only ties into the storylines of the previous two games but adds so much more. The multiple factions you have to deal with form an intricate fabric that sometimes you forget who you're working for and who is looking to end your life.

The graphics and music are far more extensive and immersive than the previous games. Merging that with awesome level design makes you want to explore every nook and cranny just to see it all. Unlike other people who have said that playing earlier "beta" versions yielded no multi-level, multi-roomed mansions you're sorely mistaken. This game teems with huge complicated maps and manors.

The weapons array is, for the most part, the same as the last game minus the rope arrows. You get climbing gloves instead which have many tiny hooks on it to grasp vertical surfaces. Not all missions are condusive to climbing gloves but then again when it's available you'll use the heck out of them. There are a few more tricks in your arsenal and this time around you visit shops to buy/sell your loot and weapons. Nice addition!

All in all Thief 3 is well worth the price of purchase and with the new modern game engine is quite viable for making third party mods and conversions. Yay! Buy the game and enjoy it! :)

Exciting Stealth Gameplay

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: August 02, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Thief: Deadly Shadows follows the presigious Thief storyline, as you portray an amoral thief by the name of Garrett. As for the actual storyline though - it is a cliche of many RPGs. (Don't worry - no spoiler here.) As you're playing the game, you aren't thinking about the story whatsoever. Fortunately - TDS needs no storyline to be a successful game. TDS has the most immersive stealth gameplay I've experienced. The environments are detailed and interactive, and the audio experience is breathtaking. The game has wonderful voice-acting and ambient sound is placed in the correct places. The graphics engine is a modified version of the Deus Ex 2 engine - but there is very little difference. Environments are dark and dreary - but it is appropriate due to TDS' place in time. Character models are also good, and the shadowing/lighting effects are even better than they were in Deus Ex. Although TDS has good gameplay - it can boor you. Combat rarely exceeds a simple knock to the back of the head with a blackjack, and when one does enter hand to hand, balls to the walls combat- a fight cannot be won without losing most of your health. Sometimes, missions seem to be more out of necessity than pleasure. Some missions can be more boring than fun...but I suppose being a Thief is no glory job. TDS is only for die-hard stealth fans. Just because you enjoyed Splinter Cell, doesn't mean you will like TDS. For die-hard Thief fans, this is a must buy. For those who enjoy stealth games with brief spurts of violence though...invest in Pandora Tomorrow.

Awesome game for any Thief fanatic

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: December 15, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I loved Thief and Thief 2. I liked the graphics - while behind the times, they had a beauty to them that was sometimes breathtaking (especially some of the fan-missions). When I heard 3 was coming I spent every day reading and re-reading everything on it I could.

I bought the game the same day Amazon put it up for pre-order and I was so excited when it got to my house I took the day off work to play it!

Well, sometimes things aren't always what you'd hoped for. The game was more difficult to get used to then the other two - the guards are more responsive and you can't knock them out from in front or the side or if they are aware of you. Some parts are easier too - you can "melt" into a wall and someone can walk right past you and not see you. If you creep along or crouch, you make no noise, not even on metal.

The visual are awesome, far beyond Thief 2, especially the musuem - wow! (and be so careful when playing the Shalebridge Cradle - stock up on fire arrows and flashbombs)

The story kind of plays the same as the last one, but still has tricks and turns. No changes (beyond some of your goals) keeps the game from being all that replayable, but I've played through it three or four times.

If you liked or loved the Thief series, you'll be happy with this one...besides, my computer won't play Thief 2 anymore anyway...

A great wrap up to the franchise.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: June 04, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I own all three Thief games, and I love them all. "Thief: Deadly Shadows" is a fine ending to the trilogy. It ties up all the loose ends from the other games. It is very scary and exciting. It has an awesome plot (the best of the three), tons of mystery, and some cool, new tricks.

If you liked "Thief: " and "Thief 2: the Metal Age," you will like "Thief: Deadly Shadows."

The only disappointment is that levels had to be sized to X-box limitations. So instead of a sprawling world of discovery (like the roof top level in Thief 2), you get fairly large levels with a "blue mist" that lets you move into another area on the map.

But if you don't mind that so much, then it is a typically great Thief game.

Note: if you are not familiar with Thief 1 and 2, you will still enjoy this game. It has its own storyline and objectives, and it is complete. But you will not fully understand some of the meanings of things that reference events of the first games.

Another Note: thieving is about sneaking, being quiet, invisible. This is not a fighting game--this is a sneaking game. So if you want to see a lot of fighting, try a war game. That being said, Thief 3 has more fighting than the other two games, because there are no restrictions on fighting when you are at the expert difficulty level.

Anyway, I highly recommend "Thief: Deadly Shadows."

Great...but not quite superb

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: June 03, 2005
Author: Amazon User

My review has been delayed because I really had been very busy with school to even sit down and spare 2-3 hrs for playing. In addition, the ATI Radeon 9200 SE card I had had such low-frame rates that I gave up playing after solving the SUNKEN CITADEL. Anyway, I recently bought a 9800 PRO, and the results-frame rates, resolutions, loading times, etc. were much better and pleasing, and with the available time on my hands, I am on the verge of completing the game.

The game on its own stands out from its predecessors. Truly, one doesn't need to play the first two games, but the "historical significance" of the series is so spellbinding and concrete, that the first two games do require a spin in your PC's. Garret is the same person we knew- cynical, sarcastic, and self-serving. He just happens to live in a town that's half as majestic and sprawling as the city in the previous two games. That's a much accepted compromise for all the brilliant textures, dynamic lighting, and much improved A.I. (when compared to Thief 1 and 2) in this package. The A.I. is definitely well improved, but not perfect. No longer can you blackjack guards with weapons drawn or those who've been flash-bombed (however, what I found frustrating is the fact that one can't bop a guard who's sitting). Try bopping them from their sides, and you're easy meat for their swords. Now that Garret's arsenal has no swords, a one-on-one melee is strictly not advisable. In addition, guards now react realistically to torches being put out, or fellow guards being bopped (if they happen to face them). Some old glitches like the guards giving up investigation pretty quickly, and resuming their lackadaisical patrol patterns- easy meat for Garret's blackjack, still exist and need some improvement.

Weapon keys were indeed switched, but I am so used to the first two games, I decided to organize the way I liked them (water-4, blackjack-2, dagger-1, and so on). Water arrows, gas arrows, and fire arrows are much cheaper and the ability to play an open-ended game in the city, allows Garrett to restock his arsenal in the midst of the mission by selling his loot. This was one aspect I really loved in the game, however, there are pre-set limits as to how much each of the weapons Garret can carry (which pretty much eliminates over-enthusiasm in stocking up water arrows that Thief fans respect and love). Loot is aplenty as innocent citizens of the city provide moolah in the form of purses, jewelery, and other items for Garret's picking, and in a way supplementing his loot picked during missions.

Creep factor is definitely better on this package, with unearthly voices hissing and creeping up on you, for which a 5.1 speaker set with an Audigy soundcard is absolutely essential. The mission to the "Shalebridge Cradle" gave me the creeps and it took me 9 hrs of playing time to complete, simply because of the claustrophic desolation you are forced in and the writhing zombies you are forced to contend with. Not that there are many of these freaks in the level, it's the ghostly voices that sneak up on you in various decibel levels that unnerve you. The game itself is worth for this particular level.

The bad parts?

1. No rope or vine arrows, and instead the climbing gloves that come at 2000 g's a pair are hardly used in a city in which the biggest building in merely 3-4 stories high.
2. There are no interesting and chilling cutscenes which introduced the next mission, and instead we have a blue screen with writing, accompanied by Stephen Russell's (Garret's voice) narration of the same (indicating the sacrifice made for the game's improved graphics).
3.Loot is now rather easy to find or rather too easy to find, considering the user can see it glinting a good distance away. However, it is understandable considering how other useless items look like valuables and can also be "picked up" by Garret.
4. Poor rag-doll physics on victims who are bopped by Garret. At times they behave like invertebrates, bending over backwards (literally) upon being clubbed. This is something that could use some fixing if there is another gem to the series.

Besides a few obvious complaints, Thief :Deadly Shadows doesn't fail to satisfy the taffer within us and fans who have eagerly waited for it. While the conclusion to the game (as suggested by various walkthroughs) doesn't indicate whether there'd be a 4th in the series, we can always hope to see a continually improving product.

Review Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next 

Actions