Official PlayStation Magazine has posted a gameplay preview for the upcoming Thief game, showing nine minutes of Garrett sneaking around different environments including a small workshop and a brothel. This isn’t a pure action game and both the commentary and what you see on screen make sure to emphasise that, with the majority of the footage showing the player checking the environment for clues and the best way to avoid guards.
You can’t escape the fact that Thief looks and, in certain instances, plays just like Dishonored which is a compliment but also will inevitably draw conclusions between the two games. There’s a moment in the video in the brothel where Garrett appears to move to a different spot very quickly, and that just made me think of the Blink ability from Corvo’s adventure. Though outright combat isn’t shown we are told that engaging in it usually ends badly so sneaking around is the best course of action. However the takedowns did look suitably brutal.
One bit of commentary that caught my ear is that the world itself seemed quite devoid of an atmosphere with Garrett and the guards mostly occupying the world, while civilians were much rarer to come across and didn’t react to the player’s presence, making their inclusion almost pointless. Focusing on awareness it would have been great to see the guards’ reactions upon discovering either Garrett or a change in the environment caused by him. This would allow us to better judge the AI who otherwise follow their pre-determined paths.
It is noted in the video that Thief was originally in development for the last gen and that is why it may appear sparse, but considering games like Dishonored and Deus Ex: Human Revolution existed on those consoles it isn’t the greatest of excuses. Obviously we can’t judge until the final product is out, but at the moment Thief, for me at least, hasn’t inspired awe.
Source: OPM
DrDamn
You can’t escape the fact that Dishonored looks and, in certain instances, plays just like Thief. The ones from years ago, you know, the ones Dishonored draws heavily on :)
three_leg_jake
Does look quite cool although the way he lunges forward to pick up objects made me feel slightly travel sick.
XIII_WarMachine
Agreed, I feel a little bit dizzy from watching that motion.
bigchrissyc
Looks ok. It will probably benefit from the lack off next gen games currently out, boosting sales even if it turns out to be mediocre.
Cron_13
Cancelled my preorder on this one… not ruled out getting it at some point but I think I’ll wait for reviews.
Preview doesn’t inspire me to redo my preorder!
ArrebatoTarugo
I really wanted this game to be good but I will wait for reviews and comments before getting it. Everyday getting a little bit less secure about it… and is £48!
Cron_13
SimplyGames have it for £40 (bank heist edition) if you were interested.
gazzagb
I was really looking forward to it, but the more I see of it the less interested I become.
TSBonyman
I think it still looks okay, if a little bit drab. I’m still interested but probably wise to wait for the reviews.