Stepping Back into the Shadows: Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow
Stealth-action title Thief is making a return, revealed at State of Play, exclusively for virtual reality platforms - raising concerns about its appeal.
Step into the dark, gritty world of stealth and intrigue once more with Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow, the much-anticipated entry in the thrilling Thief series, set to release in 2025.
Welcome to the City, a dark metropolis ruled by the cold hand of tyrant Lord Ulysses Northcrest. Born from the shadows and shaped by the streets, you are Magpie, a resourceful thief desperate to survive. However, your life takes a drastic turn when you stumble upon a legendary relic that hides a secret legacy.
If you're unfamiliar with the series, this mysterious artifact—based on the Eye constructed by the Hammerites for Garrett, the protagonist of the original Thief trilogy—is at the heart of your adventure. And it appears that Garrett himself might be somehow contained within, although the voice you hear at the end— "I thought I was dead" —sounds more like an excellent imitation than the real thing. So, there's that.
Get ready to savor a taste of what it means to play a Thief game once more:
- Plan and execute stealthy heists, pickpocketing guards, and cracking safes with immersive VR precision.
- Master the art of shadows, creep past patrols, and outmaneuver foes with dynamic real-time stealth mechanics.
- Hone your skills, using tools such as bows, blackjacks, and water arrows with realistic haptic feedback.
- Unravel the city's hidden conspiracies, where the whispers of shadows speak louder than words.
There's no denying that it feels like a Thief game, complete with the right atmosphere if compare it to Deadly Shadows. With the potential for a well-crafted VR experience, there's a chance it could be a remarkable addition to the series.
But here's where my cornermanspping old-timer's hat comes into play: as devoted as I am to Stephen Russell, the fact that this is a VR-exclusive game makes it, in essence, irrelevant to many gamers. While I'm not singling out VR fans, it's a fact that exclusivity limits the game's market size to a point where it hardly matters. It's a space for spinoffs and side projects, and I find it disheartening to see the Thief series - after such a long hiatus - end up there.
(Defense Attorney Chalk's Note: I was also quite peeved when Ubisoft declared a new Splinter Cell game would be VR-only in 2020.)
However,GROLOOMwood creator Dillon Rogers likely won't share my sentiments quite as strongly, but he's certainly got skin in the game.
On the other hand, Fraser Brown, our esteemed PC Gamer colleague, feels rather strongly about it. He called Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow "a massive slap on the face and a kick in the teeth for everyone who has waited more than a decade to resurface in the City." Boy, I wouldn't dare to match that level of animosity, but I can sympathize with the sentiment.
Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is developed by Maze Theory and published by Vertigo Games, whose previous works include the well-regarded Metro Awakening and Arizona Sunshine. The game is expected to land on PlayStation VR2, Oculus Quest, and Steam in 2025 and is now open for wishlisting on each platform.
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Andy ChalkA lover of games since the TRS80 days, Andy's journey through the realm of gaming involves text adventures, primitive action games, locally run BBSs, and immersive RPGs, sims, and shooters. He unites the force of his gaming expertise with his love of Henry Cavill in his coverage of the gaming industry.
- Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is expected to launch in 2025, offering fans a new game in the series that they can enjoy with immersive VR precision.
- As a devoted gamer, Fraser Brown, a PC Gamer colleague, might feel like Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is a "massive slap on the face and a kick in the teeth" for those who have waited over a decade to return to the City.
- Tech enthusiasts and gadget lovers can look forward to experiencing Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow on PlayStation VR2, Oculus Quest, and Steam, showcasing the latest advancements in technology and gaming.
- The release of a VR-exclusive game like Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow could potentially limit its market size, and some critics argue that it doesn't serve the best interests of the Thief series after a long hiatus.
