American Theft 80s
- June 15, 2022
- Noble Muffins
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam"American Theft 80s" is a first-person puzzle-adventure game set in the 1980s. As a skilled thief, players must infiltrate various locations to steal valuable objects while avoiding detection. With a focus on stealth and problem-solving, players must use their wits to outsmart security systems and complete each heist. The game features a nostalgic 80s setting, with retro graphics and a synthwave soundtrack.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Great retro setting with a fun 80s vibe.
- Improved mechanics and complexity compared to Thief Simulator.
- Engaging gameplay for fans of stealth and thieving games.
- Game feels unfinished with bugs and glitches affecting gameplay.
- Limited content and repetitive missions lead to a short overall experience.
- AI behavior is inconsistent, making stealth less rewarding.
- story148 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story in "American Theft 80s" is generally viewed as simplistic and somewhat underwhelming, serving primarily as a framework to guide gameplay rather than offering a deep narrative experience. While some players appreciate the nostalgic 80s setting and the introduction of heist missions, many criticize the restrictive progression tied to story elements, which can lead to frustration and a feeling of being forced through a linear path. Overall, the story is seen as a mixed bag, with some enjoyable moments but lacking in depth and coherence, particularly in its endings.
“The game's story mode is enjoyable - it provides a good pace with introducing tools and techniques for breaking into properties, and the heist missions are nicely designed.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with this gem so far. It has a really cool 80s aesthetic along with some funny dialogue, and gameplay is rather fun. It has you going around houses and stealing various goods; it's free roam too, so you also have story missions to accompany pretty much any house or business you can steal from.”
“The story had a nice change of pace, feeling like your character engaged a little more than in the first installation.”
“The story isn't terrible, but the 'bad' ending isn't bad because of what happens but because it doesn't make sense.”
“The story is also very unfulfilling if you could call it a story.”
“The progression of the game is similar, if not the same as Thief Simulator, which for this game is pretty frustrating because you have this open map but limited places and things to rob because the tools you receive are correlated with the story.”
- gameplay87 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is generally described as fun and engaging, featuring a mix of stealth mechanics reminiscent of the Thief Simulator series, but with some clunky elements and a retro 80s aesthetic. While players appreciate the innovative mechanics and the variety of houses to rob, many note that the game feels like a rehash of its predecessor with limited improvements, and some mechanics, like the disguise system, can be frustrating. Overall, the gameplay is enjoyable but could benefit from further refinement and additional content to enhance the experience.
“The gameplay is very similar: sneak into buildings, study tenant routines, use special tools, and take what you can to sell to a crooked pawn dealer.”
“I love this game; it's like a retro game but the 3D model could add more character detail. The gameplay is amazing and the physics are great!”
“The game was a really fun non-combat stealth game with fun and interesting mechanics.”
“The stealth mechanics are innovative yet clunky; the same goes for most of the gameplay.”
“The game world is a nice setup, but it's not an ideal environment for the vehicles you use in the game, particularly when escaping the cops; and the driving mechanics are a bit laughable.”
“The gameplay is just too basic.”
- graphics39 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the retro 80s aesthetic and improvements over previous titles like Thief Simulator, while others criticize them as outdated and reminiscent of early 2000s visuals. Despite the varying opinions on graphical fidelity, many agree that the game's fun mechanics and engaging gameplay compensate for any graphical shortcomings. Overall, the graphics are described as decent but not the main focus of the experience.
“Graphics are from an alien universe 2 billion years in the future with hyperrealisticness.”
“Graphics are superb.”
“I do like the 80s aesthetic; however, it's done pretty well and fairly accurate.”
“Graphics-wise, it feels like it's coming from about 10 years ago, and controls-wise it feels a bit janky - but it doesn't matter.”
“If you are expecting the fidelity of Call of Duty or the aesthetic quality of Sunset Overdrive, you are looking in the wrong place.”
“The graphics are very grainy and very, very dated.”
- stability17 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is widely reported to be plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, significantly impacting gameplay and enjoyment. While some players find the experience fun despite these issues, many express frustration over the lack of updates and optimization, leading to an overall perception of instability. A few users noted minimal bugs, but the consensus leans towards a need for substantial improvements in stability.
“This game is also buggy and hasn't been updated in a while.”
“Buggy as hell, can't hide as they always find me. Plus, can't go any further with missions as they're bugged out. Also, can't open doors as it glitches halfway, and the police also glitched.”
“Game is way too buggy, just straight up unpleasant to play.”
- music15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the 80s vibe and overall soundtrack, while others feel it lacks variety and authenticity to the era. Many users express a desire for more 80s tracks and the option to customize their music experience, as the current audio quality and integration into gameplay could be improved. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, it leaves room for enhancement.
“7 hours in and really enjoying the music, environment, controls, everything is done well.”
“The 80s theme is what makes this game, and they even have good detail making the pedestrians, cars, and music 80s themed.”
“They nailed the 80's feel and I love the music.”
“The music isn't the greatest and really doesn't represent the 80s.”
“Audio is poor too in pretty much every way, including the music.”
“A bit more 80s music would be appreciated.”
- optimization9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players find it highly optimized and smooth, others report significant performance issues, including major FPS drops in specific scenarios and when transitioning between areas. Additionally, there are complaints about visual glitches and general unoptimized elements, particularly related to the Unreal Engine, indicating that further enhancements are needed for a more stable experience.
“Highly optimized and smooth as butter.”
“Just something to be enhanced further; it is performance while moving between different areas, or average rendering when moving my mouse to adjust the character's sight!”
“Its a good game but has a few bugs and glitches and needs some optimization.”
“Do note it does have optimization issues which cause major FPS drops in certain scenarios at low settings.”
“There are some nasty performance drops when switching areas, particularly around the 600 neighborhood.”
“The tech situation for this game is dicey as a whole, with standard unoptimized Unreal Engine issues, visual flickering, improperly placed/flagged surfaces, and quest markers that are inconsistently shown or outright wrong.”
- humor8 mentions
- 88 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating the funny voice acting, amusing dialogue, and unexpected comedic moments, such as mistaken identity scenarios. While some users find the humor charming and fitting within the game's retro aesthetic, others criticize the game for lacking consistency in its comedic elements and overall quality. Despite mixed opinions, many agree that the humor adds to the enjoyment of the gameplay experience.
“This game is fun, the voice acting is funny, and I love the retro feel.”
“There's a character that acts like you were an agent, but I thought that was just some humor of mistaken identity.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with this gem so far. It has a really cool 80s aesthetic along with some funny dialogue, and the gameplay is rather fun.”
“Horrible game, not funny at all. There are a lot of bugs, and the AI is terribly programmed.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of time akin to having a "second life." While some appreciate the attempt to make grinding less tedious with new systems, many feel that the lack of meaningful rewards or engaging content diminishes the overall experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The game features a very short main quest, which would be totally okay, but in the meantime fails to offer you any exotic tools, cars, or features to unlock by just robbing houses and grinding that could enhance your experience on your way.”
“I admire that they tried to put new systems in place to make things less tedious and more lively, but like most things aside from the robbing and story, it feels useless.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of Thief Simulator 2 has sparked mixed opinions, with some players viewing it as a potential cash grab and a departure from the original's charm, while others appreciate the developers' responsiveness and see it as a refreshing change in an industry often plagued by overpriced content and pre-launch DLC cuts. Overall, the game's monetization strategy appears to be a point of contention among fans.
“With the official Thief Simulator 2 game slated to release in the summer of 2023, a cynic could say this release suspiciously serves as a live test-bed for the 'Thief Sim' franchise, and at worst is: 1) a cash grab, and 2) experimentation on the loyal following for a more action-oriented style of gameplay, while neglecting some of the unique aspects that made the first Thief Simulator game actually great.”
“In an industry full of overpriced AAA cash grabs cut into DLC before launch, this is a little gem.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Many users express skepticism about the game's replayability, noting that the lack of changing tenant routines and valuables contributes to a sense of emptiness in the world. Despite ongoing updates from the developers, players feel that the main story does not offer enough incentive to revisit the game.
“I'm not sure if it has any replay value; after all, tenant routines and valuables don't really change.”
“Nevertheless, after completing the main story, despite the devs continuing to update the game, I don't feel any replay value because this game's world feels so empty.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is heavily influenced by an 80s aesthetic, which resonates well with players. Many users feel that the original Thief Simulator, despite being less detailed, offers a more engaging and humorous atmosphere.
“First of all, the 80s atmosphere is really captivating.”
“I prefer the original Thief Simulator; although it's less detailed, I think it has a much better atmosphere and is overall quite a funny game, even though it isn't supposed to be.”
“The 80s atmosphere is really taking me out of the experience.”
“The game fails to create an immersive atmosphere, leaving it feeling flat and uninspired.”
“Despite its potential, the atmosphere feels lifeless and lacks the depth needed to engage players.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the emotional impact of the game's disguises and vehicles, noting that these elements enhance the feeling of immersion and sneakiness, contributing to a more engaging and realistic experience.
