Thief II: The Metal Age

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Thief II: The Metal Age is a stealth-based video game where players assume the role of Garrett, a master thief, in a Victorian-inspired steampunk world. The game focuses on completing missions that require stealing valuable objects, avoiding detection, careerscrafting, and making strategic decisions while dealing with the Metal Age revolution. This sequel builds upon its predecessor by introducing new gadgets, characters, and a more intricate storyline.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,271 reviews

story188 positive mentions

grinding17 negative mentions

Thief 2 is a fantastic sequel that improves upon the original with better level design, more varied objectives, and a greater focus on stealth gameplay.
The game features an immersive atmosphere, excellent sound design, and a gripping story that unfolds through exploration and NPC interactions.
The level design is expansive and allows for multiple approaches to objectives, rewarding players for exploration and creativity.

The graphics are dated, which may deter some players, and the AI can be inconsistent, sometimes leading to frustrating encounters.
Some levels, particularly towards the end, feel tedious and less engaging, with a few missions being repetitive or poorly designed.
The game can be overly dark at times, making it difficult to navigate without adjusting brightness settings or using community patches.

story
707 mentions
27 % positive mentions
69 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The story of "Thief II: The Metal Age" is generally regarded as an engaging continuation of the first game's narrative, featuring a more grounded plot centered around political intrigue and technological advancements. While some players find the story less cohesive than its predecessor, it is praised for its rich world-building and character development, particularly the protagonist Garrett and the antagonist Karras. However, the pacing suffers towards the end, with some missions feeling repetitive or disconnected from the overarching narrative, leading to mixed feelings about the overall storytelling experience.
- “The story had me completely invested all the way to the very end, and the mission's objectives dynamically changing as you learn of new things to do or of changing circumstances of the mission was an excellent gameplay and story feature, highlighting the risks you take as a thief and testing your ability to think of solutions to a problem on the fly.”
- “Moreover, the narrative woven throughout the game is engaging, with a mix of political intrigue and supernatural elements that keeps you invested in Garrett’s story.”
- “Thief II: The Metal Age continues the story of our hero, Garrett, as he plunges deeper into the city's metal labyrinths and bustling locations the likes of which the first game never had!”
- “Without delving into spoilers, I found it to be somewhat of a letdown in comparison to the rest of the meticulously crafted missions.”
- “The story does feel very slightly disjointed, as it was in fact put together after the fact as a way to string together a bunch of cool levels the developers had made.”
- “Sadly, the plot is beyond moronic, with the excellent protagonist Garrett totally wasted yet again on a story that doesn't feel realistic for his character.”
gameplay
398 mentions
30 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Thief 2: The Metal Age is widely praised for its refined stealth mechanics, atmospheric level design, and the introduction of new gadgets and enemies that enhance strategic options. While it retains the core gameplay elements of its predecessor, it offers a more focused experience with improved mission structures and a greater emphasis on exploration and player choice. Despite some dated mechanics and graphics, the game remains a benchmark for stealth gameplay, providing a rich and immersive experience that continues to resonate with fans of the genre.
- “The core gameplay remains true to the original, retaining what made Thief special but with slight improvements that enhance the experience.”
- “The addition of various gadgets, such as the rope arrows and gas arrows, not only enriches the gameplay but also enhances the player’s strategic options.”
- “The depth of gameplay and stellar level design, combined with a world brought to life in both stunning art direction and an excellent soundscape, make this the undisputed king of the stealth genre and one of the best games ever made.”
- “It was a wonderful display of how flawed the jumping and grabbing mechanics can be in certain situations and how it has the potential to make you want to stop playing altogether.”
- “You can't do higher resolutions, the mechanics are clunky and my arrows kept hitting the edges of things; once a guard sees you, there seems to be no way to return to stealth.”
- “The movement mechanics are very janky. This mechanic demands that you save scum your way as you might accidentally alert all guards around you when a simple climb command was not registered properly.”
graphics
240 mentions
18 % positive mentions
72 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as dated, with many reviewers noting that they do not hold up to modern standards. However, the unique art style and atmospheric design often compensate for these shortcomings, creating a charming experience for those willing to overlook the visuals. Players are encouraged to utilize mods to enhance the graphics, which can significantly improve the overall aesthetic without detracting from the game's exceptional gameplay and immersive storytelling.
- “The game's visuals, while showing their age, possess a distinct charm that adds to the overall experience.”
- “While the graphics are dated, the dynamic light system and the sound propagation engine create the most realistic, immersive experience you will ever have in a stealth game.”
- “Despite the graphics, this game is absolutely brilliant.”
- “The graphics are awful - 800 x 600 max res!”
- “The graphics are dated, the character models probably have less geometry than your cell phone icons, and there isn't any experience or upgrades to customize your character.”
- “The graphics might suck, but this is truly one of, if not, the best stealth games ever made.”
atmosphere
153 mentions
57 % positive mentions
41 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Thief 2" is widely praised for its immersive and richly detailed environments, combining elements of steampunk and dark fantasy that enhance the stealth gameplay. While some players feel it lacks the horror elements of its predecessor, many appreciate the game's intricate level design, excellent soundscapes, and compelling storytelling that create a captivating experience. Overall, the game is considered a benchmark for atmospheric storytelling in the stealth genre, despite its dated graphics.
- “From the moment you step into the shadows as Garrett, the master thief, you are greeted by beautifully designed levels that are rich in detail and atmosphere.”
- “The score perfectly complements the game's gloomy atmosphere, enhancing the sense of immersion.”
- “Thief 2 is an absolutely incredible and immersive game with an amazing atmosphere, solid stealth gameplay, large levels with lots of different options and tools to reach your goals, great voice acting and writing, and an eerie soundtrack that suits the mood of the game perfectly.”
- “The atmosphere is considerably inferior because of the modern-looking architecture of most levels and how they toned down the paranormal elements of the first game.”
- “Although this sequel lost its spooky atmosphere at the beginning, whereas monsters were always present since and throughout the first installment.”
- “I feel like the atmosphere and sound design are a little weaker in this one, but still great overall.”
music
50 mentions
28 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, with many reviewers highlighting its ability to enhance tension and complement the gameplay. While some players note a minimalistic approach to music, favoring ambient sounds that contribute to the eerie atmosphere, others celebrate the soundtrack's depth and emotional impact, particularly in creating a sense of unease. Overall, the sound design and music are considered essential elements that significantly elevate the gaming experience.
- “The music makes every moment worthwhile and can add so much tension...”
- “Thief 2 is an absolutely incredible and immersive game with an amazing atmosphere, solid stealth gameplay, large levels with lots of different options and tools to reach your goals, great voice acting and writing, and an eerie soundtrack that suits the mood of the game perfectly.”
- “The design of the levels, the music, the immersion, all overtake the primitive graphics technology like moss on a pagan stronghold.”
- “The music is rather dull and does not adapt itself to changing situations too well.”
- “No music, only sound effects and ambience.”
- “A few things I don't really like about this game so far... the ambient music is annoying and loud but there's an option to turn it down (thank god) and there is little to no music.”
humor
28 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever NPC dialogue, witty quips from the protagonist Garrett, and amusing interactions with guards, which often provide comic relief amidst the darker themes. Players appreciate the blend of humor with engaging gameplay, noting that the game's lighthearted moments, particularly in levels like "Life of the Party," enhance the overall experience. While some may not find every joke appealing, the general consensus is that the humor adds a memorable and enjoyable layer to the game.
- “That being said, I'm inclined to agree with the community regarding the level 'Life of the Party' being the highlight of the game, with its roof-hopping from one manor house to the next on the way to a towering mechanist fortress called 'Angelwatch.' There's a lot of funny moments in it involving ambient NPC dialogue.”
- “It is pretty much my favorite thing to do in the game; it's utterly hilarious to hear two dozen angry guards yell their 'insults' at you while they fruitlessly chase after you.”
- “The wonderful acerbic wit of Garrett's narration and the many humorous NPC dialogues that you can eavesdrop upon as you play through the game.”
replayability
18 mentions
56 % positive mentions
28 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability due to its expansive levels, diverse playstyles, and numerous pathways to complete objectives, allowing players to experience it in unique ways. The inclusion of fan missions and mods further enhances this replay value, offering countless hours of additional content and exploration. Overall, players can expect a deeply engaging and varied experience that encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “The freedom to choose your path through levels feels rewarding, and it encourages multiple playstyles and replayability.”
- “The freedom to approach each situation in various ways adds a satisfying replayability factor, as no two players will experience the game the same way.”
- “Hundreds of fan-made missions that are available give hours of replayability, fun, and unique settings.”
- “What made so many older games awesome was that some games had absolutely gargantuan levels, and in the Thief trilogy they had a dozen ways of being completed, increasing replayability, whereas games today tend to be so linear, with the exception of a rare few.”
- “A comprehensive stealth system where you are a thief, not an assassin, with many routes you can take to complete each level, giving the game immense replay value.”
- “The game itself had its own replay value, but the fans who made these missions and mods increased the value tenfold.”
grinding
18 mentions
17 % positive mentions
-11 % neutral mentions
94 % negative mentions
Players frequently describe the grinding aspect of the game as tedious, particularly in certain missions that involve repetitive tasks, complex navigation, and frustrating objectives. While some missions offer engaging storytelling and satisfying gameplay, many reviewers feel that the excessive difficulty and repetitive nature of certain levels detract from the overall experience, making them feel unnecessarily drawn out. Overall, the balance between challenge and enjoyment is often skewed by these tedious elements.
- “The difficulty is challenging but not tedious.”
- “Grinding in this game feels rewarding and keeps me engaged.”
- “I love how the grind leads to meaningful progress and character development.”
- “Without doing that, I can see it being incredibly tedious to crawl throughout this massive, multi-layered level.”
- “Sabotage at Soulforge is tedious and overuses the robotic enemies and metallic surfaces to artificially inflate the difficulty; there are also fewer water arrows available for purchase before this mission to further inflate difficulty.”
- “For me, this one was way too frustrating and tedious to complete.”
stability
11 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is notably affected by numerous bugs and graphical glitches, which are attributed to its age and the nature of its Steam release. While players can enhance their experience with patches and mods, they should expect occasional issues, particularly with AI behavior and the game's dark engine. Overall, despite these flaws, many fans still find the game enjoyable, especially for its stealth mechanics.
- “As mentioned, this version of the game is super buggy, and I’m not sure why.”
- “Theif 2 is a fantastic stealth game, with breathtaking atmosphere, that is commonly bogged down by decade-old glitches and bugs.”
- “I know most people love this game, but it is buggy, and way too dark to see anything to be worthwhile anymore.”
emotional
6 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its riveting narrative, which evokes a range of feelings from spookiness to heartfelt moments, though some reviewers note a hamfisted conclusion that contrasts with the protagonist's complex relationship with emotions. The game's atmosphere and character immersion are praised, particularly for those familiar with the first installment, which enhances the emotional depth of the experience. However, technical issues and a decline in quality towards the end detract from the overall emotional impact.
- “The plot feels a little more hamfisted towards the end, especially as there’s an emotional pull towards the end which contrasts with Garrett’s 'I’ve always equated feelings with getting caught' mentality.”
- “I would recommend playing the first iteration of this game before starting this one, as it gives you some background that is necessary in fully immersing yourself in this narrative, and helps you get a feel for the emotional tone of the setting.”
- “It's genuinely riveting and has at times been spooky, heartfelt and sad, and even utterly shocking.”
optimization
2 mentions
50 % positive mentions
-100 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stuttering issues that hinder movement, leading to a frustrating experience for players. However, the voice performances are noted as a standout feature.
- “The game is stuttering and causing me a lot of grief as I try to move about.”
- “The optimization is so poor that I experience frequent frame drops, making it nearly unplayable.”
- “I constantly encounter long loading times and lag, which severely disrupts my gaming experience.”
character development
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Garrett experiences significant character development in this installment, which players found refreshing. While the game's visuals show signs of aging, particularly in character design, the impressive lighting effects of the dark engine enhance the overall experience.
- “Garrett also actually has noticeable character development this time around, which was really great to see.”