This game will steal your spare time (Thief 2 - The Metal Age (PC))

Member Name: freespirit73

Product:	Thief 2 - The Metal Age (PC)
Date:	23/09/01 (92 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: brilliant gameplay

Disadvantages: large patch to install

Whether you're new to the Thief series of games, or a seasoned pro at pickpocketing and hiding in dark corners, I reckon you'll love THE METAL AGE. Make sure you get the patch for it though.

The game has a few improvements and changes from the original(Thief- The Dark Project). For starters the interaction and response from the AI characters is a lot more complex and realistic this time around. It will have you chortling a few times, I can tell you :) This also gets the adrenalin pumping a bit more, as the whole atmosphere is more real, and the "enemy" has a more viscious and ruthless feel this time. They are always trying to goad you or insult you, and you get the feeling that you actually ARE intruding upon the building/scene that you are in. You really do feel like a sneaky thief!

There is the usual dark and brooding atmosphere and landscapes. There is a good variety of different levels and place types to explore, for example: a swamp (poisonous of course), caves and cliffs, pagan village, mansions, castles, rooftops, your own (Garrett's) apartment(!),a bank, the docks and there is a trail of blood for you to follow...

As ever there are plenty of secrets for you to discover. There is always a good sense of satisfaction in that. Lots of sneaking, spying and eavesdropping, and of course THIEVING, ahead. Hardly a minute's peace! ;) As before, the sounds are fantastic and are the most important part of the game.

The gameplay is as addictive and smooth as before, with a few new weapons and goodies for you to try out. There is a vine arrow in some of the levels, instead of the old rope arrow, and some gadgets from the "Metal Age" for you to play with. I found that a lot of the action this time is about you hauling yourself around the place, over walls and the like. ie- lots of mantling.

In my opinion it is one of the best games, as far as being in control of the character and easily usi
ng the inventory/weapons. I can really get into the game and the movement of Garrett becomes second nature to me. There is a very physical feel, like you really are the one doing the leaning around the corner, or pulling the bowstring, yourself.

I love the sneaky nature of the game, but also I must admit that I love clouting those evil guards over the head to shut them up! :) There are new types of zombie, which I don't like. Does anyone like the zombies!? They are just a nuisence.

I would highly recommend this game, particularly if you have played Thief 1. There is a learning level to start you off, so you could get into it, even if you are trying Thief for the first time. You can also choose the difficulty setting for each level, which changes the objectives somewhat, making the game worthy of returning to, to complete in advanced mode whe you find your skill improving.

- - - Lots of familiar features, and just enough new things to keep you interested. So get your tap shoes on, and get sneaking! (why such noisy shoes Garrett?).

Summary: