Thief: Deadly Shadows

About

Thief: Deadly Shadows is a single-player fantasy shooter game with an intriguing story and perfected game mechanics. It offers a stellar soundtrack, atmospheric visuals, and plenty of humor, but is also plagued with bugs and poor optimization. In this sequel, master-thief Garrett is on a mission to uncover a traitor among the Keepers while using improved stealth and thievery techniques, thanks to its updated Unreal engine with realistic lighting and shadow effects.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,607 reviews

story241 positive mentions

stability79 negative mentions

Engaging story that ties up the trilogy nicely.
Atmospheric design with impressive lighting and sound.
Variety of ways to approach missions and interact with the environment.

Game-breaking bugs, particularly with lockpicking and climbing ladders.
Levels are smaller and more linear compared to the first two games.
Requires unofficial patches to run properly on modern systems.

story
753 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
66%
2%
The story of "Thief: Deadly Shadows" is generally praised for its engaging narrative and atmospheric depth, effectively concluding the trilogy while exploring themes of power and corruption through the eyes of Garrett, the master thief. Players appreciate the intricate level design and character-driven storytelling, particularly highlighting memorable missions like "Shalebridge Cradle" for their unique horror elements. While some critiques mention a weaker plot compared to its predecessors and frustrations with the hub-based structure, the overall consensus is that the game offers a compelling and immersive experience that resonates with fans of the series.
- “The story unfolds through well-crafted missions that balance action and exploration with moments of character reflection.”
- “The interplay between characters, along with the game’s overarching themes of power and corruption, creates an engaging storyline that resonates with players.”
- “Its atmospheric design, thoughtful gameplay, and character-driven story make it a standout title that resonates with players long after the experience ends.”
- “The story is sadly very weak to me, and until a certain point it merely exists as a strange backdrop, with the voice acting and locations carrying it hard.”
- “While it's an okay experience, it's better than Thief 2014, and my favorite in the series story-wise, it still pales in comparison to the first two games overall.”
- “The story... I kinda don't care for and also not cohesive to the character overall.”
gameplay
351 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
61%
6%
The gameplay of *Thief: Deadly Shadows* is a mixed bag, with many players praising its solid stealth mechanics, atmospheric level design, and engaging narrative, while others criticize its clunky controls, removal of beloved features like the rope arrow, and various technical issues. The introduction of new mechanics, such as climbing gloves and a lockpicking mini-game, received mixed reactions, with some finding them innovative and others viewing them as unnecessary simplifications. Overall, while the game retains the essence of stealth gameplay that the series is known for, it struggles with execution and polish compared to its predecessors.
- “Thief: Deadly Shadows stands as a hallmark of stealth gaming, expertly blending atmospheric storytelling, intricate level design, and a compelling gameplay experience that captivates players from start to finish.”
- “With its richly crafted world and engaging mechanics, Deadly Shadows is a must-play for fans of immersive gameplay.”
- “The stealth mechanics are extremely satisfying and the atmosphere is wonderful.”
- “This game's movement and interaction mechanics are some of the worst I have ever encountered in a major release, to the point that they could reasonably be described as broken.”
- “However, from a gameplay perspective, Deadly Shadows feels inferior to its predecessors in nearly every way.”
- “The gameplay feels limited and the maps are so small, removing the feeling of true exploration and improvisation that are so key in the first two.”
graphics
239 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
61%
12%
The graphics of "Thief: Deadly Shadows" are generally considered dated by modern standards, yet they were impressive for their time, showcasing a unique blend of gothic and steampunk aesthetics. Many players recommend using mods, such as the "Sneaky Upgrade," to enhance the visual experience, as the original graphics can feel limited and occasionally glitchy. Despite these shortcomings, the atmospheric design and lighting effects still resonate well with fans of the stealth genre, making the game enjoyable even today.
- “The graphics update was refreshing, even if the engine came with some occasional glitches.”
- “At the heart of Thief: Deadly Shadows is its atmospheric setting, a beautifully realized city inspired by gothic and Victorian aesthetics.”
- “The art style is stunning, with a unique blend of gothic and steampunk aesthetics that brings the city of Cragscleft to life.”
- “I do think that to most contemporary players, the graphics still might seem dated, with low-resolution textures and character models.”
- “The graphics are dated and natively only 4:5 monitor formats are supported (no 16:9 or 16:10), but the story and sound are still better than most current adventure games out today.”
- “The graphics are ugly, the level design is terrible, the loading screens are frequent, the voice acting is terrible, the cut scenes are laughable and mechanics that were previously fun (e.g. rope arrows) have been removed.”
atmosphere
211 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
38%
1%
The atmosphere in "Thief: Deadly Shadows" is widely praised for its dark, immersive quality, effectively blending gothic and Victorian aesthetics with a haunting soundtrack and eerie soundscapes. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke tension and suspense, particularly in standout levels like the Shalebridge Cradle, which is often highlighted as a masterclass in atmospheric design. Despite some criticisms regarding controls and technical issues, the overall ambiance and world-building continue to resonate with fans, making it a memorable experience in the stealth genre.
- “The developers managed to preserve the core spirit, with its dark atmosphere, eerie soundscapes, and suspenseful vibe, all amplified by the new engine.”
- “At the heart of Thief: Deadly Shadows is its atmospheric setting, a beautifully realized city inspired by gothic and Victorian aesthetics.”
- “The atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s tone, evoking a sense of tension and suspense during key moments.”
- “Cramped, nearly linear maps with loading screens shoved through the middle, with none of the sense of place or grandiose atmosphere of the older titles.”
- “It had some decent atmosphere, I'll admit, but its claustrophobic halls can't compare to the sprawling lonely expanses of the Bonehoard or Haunted Cathedral from The Dark Project, which truly felt like forsaken places where you were utterly alone and vulnerable.”
- “While it does not meet the same levels of quality as the other two games in terms of sound design and atmosphere, it is very much a worthy addition to the series and worth playing if you like the other Thief games or stealth games in general.”
stability
81 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
98%
The stability of "Thief: Deadly Shadows" is widely criticized, with numerous users reporting significant bugs, glitches, and clunky controls that hinder gameplay. Many players experience game-breaking issues, such as freezing, physics problems, and erratic character movement, particularly on modern systems. While some patches and mods can improve the experience, the game remains largely unstable and frustrating for many.
- “This is an excellent sneak & loot game; despite having read lots of posts about how this doesn't work on Windows 7, I found no glitches at all.”
- “If you loved the first two games and are itching for more thieving adventures, give it a go. It's a little different from the first two, but I like the change in dynamics. Just search for the sneaky upgrade patch so you can play bug-free.”
- “The problem is that it sucks from a technical standpoint: it's just buggy, and very clunky to play.”
- “Awful bug-ridden port that feels like a chore to play after just a few hours.”
- “Steam sells this game to me, yet due to unfixable glitches, it's totally unplayable.”
music
58 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
50%
5%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and haunting qualities, effectively enhancing the overall immersive experience. Many reviewers praised the soundtrack as a standout feature, with some rating it a perfect 10/10, while the sound design, including ambient noises and voice acting, further contributes to the game's eerie and engaging atmosphere. Despite a few mixed opinions, the consensus highlights the music's ability to complement the game's tone and evoke a strong emotional response.
- “The atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s tone, evoking a sense of tension and suspense during key moments.”
- “The sound design also deserves praise; the ambient sounds, combined with the haunting musical score, create an incredible atmosphere that enhances the immersive experience.”
- “The music, ambiance, and overall atmosphere of this game is the best in the series in my opinion.”
- “The fighting mechanics were all but nonexistent, the plot seemed terribly dull, the environment was dull, the music was dull, and the lock mini-games were pointless; lockpicking didn't provide any risk or challenge - as in the Elder Scrolls, for example - but rather it was just moving the mouse around and drifting half asleep.”
- “The music is mostly ambient but sets the mood of the game well and is never distracting, which is appropriate for the sort of immersion this game seeks to instill in the player.”
- “The game's lighting engine and skillful soundtrack give these levels a mournful ambience.”
humor
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in "Thief: Deadly Shadows" is widely praised for its clever dialogue, amusing character interactions, and comical gameplay mechanics, such as the use of oil to trip enemies. Players enjoy the blend of dark humor and lighthearted moments, with many finding the NPCs' quirky behaviors and the protagonist Garrett's witty remarks particularly entertaining. While some critiques mention a decline in humor compared to earlier titles, the game still delivers a solid mix of tension and comedy that resonates with fans of the series.
- “The dialogue of the characters was incredibly funny and some situations had me in stitches.”
- “I love how the developer implemented the oil to slip over the enemies and you could do that at the docks and they would slip off the docks and into the water which was rather humorous.”
- “The overall banter from everyone as you do your thing is very funny.”
- “When he's just telling jokes, that's okay, but his material on religion is just pointless and unfunny.”
optimization
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
48%
40%
The optimization of "Thief: Deadly Shadows" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues on modern PCs, including stuttering and bugs. While the game was originally designed for older operating systems, fan-made patches can enhance performance and fix some glitches, making it more playable. However, players caution that without these mods, the game may be frustratingly unoptimized, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
- “It isn't that optimized for modern PCs/laptops, but with the sneaky upgrade community patch, you will linger for more content; it's so goddamn good.”
- “From what I hear, there are tons of Thief mods, most of them are just a bunch of great custom levels, and some offer a bit of performance improvements.”
- “This game was optimized for Windows XP, so it takes some work to get it running smoothly on Windows Vista/7, etc. But with the fan-made patches and the right tweaks, it's a blast and still one of the best fantasy FPS-type games out.”
- “Upon release, Deadly Shadows faced criticism for technical issues, including performance problems and occasional bugs.”
- “The game is poorly optimized even with an RX 460, which is almost a million times better than the recommended specs; I'm dipping into the 20's, even with the fan-made patch.”
- “Expect problems even with the sneaky upgrade, as the Thief: Deadly Shadows engine is poorly optimized.”
grinding
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, with many citing repetitive tasks, slow navigation through city districts, and a lack of engaging objectives. While some appreciate the opportunity for exploration and loot collection, the overall sentiment leans towards the experience becoming monotonous and overly challenging without meaningful rewards.
- “Sadly these segments get a bit tedious and I never really enjoyed them that much.”
- “Each of the city districts are mostly-linear loops that are maybe three blocks across and full of continually-respawning guards, making a basic trip down to the pawn shop a tedious mini-heist.”
- “Nothing exciting, it looked interesting at first, but soon you will realize how limited it is and how tedious it gets as it gets longer and longer further in the game.”
replayability
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
11%
33%
Overall, the game offers strong replayability due to its rich lore, interactive world, and multiple gameplay approaches, despite being shorter than previous entries in the series. Players appreciate the variety of options available through mods and the abundance of loot, which enhances the experience and encourages multiple playthroughs. While some elements from earlier titles are missed, the game still provides a solid stealth experience that keeps players engaged.
- “The lore is rich; you can rob your neighbors/landlord, and the world is very interactive, as well as the game itself being quite replayable.”
- “It is noticeably shorter than previous Thief entries, but it’s very replayable and is still much longer than the average first-person shooter or stealth title.”
- “In the end, even lacking a few things that made its predecessors great (like the rope arrow), Thief: Deadly Shadows still greatly succeeds in delivering solid stealth gameplay and gives the player the liberty to approach tasks in many different ways, giving the game good replay value.”
- “The lore is rich, you can rob your neighbors/landlord, and the world is very interactive, but the game itself lacks true replayability.”
- “Content/replayability: 6.5/10”
- “Atmosphere, tension, a story that keeps you hooked, but the replayability is lacking despite many laugh-out-loud moments!”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the authentic dialogue that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, fostering a strong investment in the story. However, some express frustration with gameplay mechanics that detract from the overall experience, indicating a disconnect between emotional engagement and certain gameplay elements.
- “The dialogue feels authentic and adds emotional weight to the narrative, making players more invested in the unfolding story.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game features a rich narrative that significantly enhances character development, allowing players to engage deeply with the characters' journeys and growth throughout the story.
- “The rich narrative and character development truly immerse you in the story.”
- “I was amazed by how the characters evolved throughout the game, making each decision feel impactful.”
- “The depth of character backstories and their growth over time added a layer of emotional engagement that I didn't expect.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Many users express frustration with the current state of monetization in games, labeling numerous titles as cash grabs that prioritize hype and graphics over quality gameplay, particularly criticizing the trend among AAA games targeting casual gamers.
- “It's a sad shame that so many games coming out are garbage, even so-called AAA titles, cash grabs using hype and graphics to win over casual gamers.”