Since first launching in 1998, the Thief collection of stealth video games helped outline the style, sustaining notoriety throughout a number of video games spanning practically three a long time. Steven Gallagher (Inventive Director at Eidos-Montréal) and I are right here to provide PlayStation Weblog readers the primary glimpse into the subsequent iteration of the franchise, Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow.
Thief VR is coming to PlayStation VR 2 on PlayStation 5 on December 4, obtainable for pre-order on the PlayStation Retailer now. We’re additionally sharing the most recent gameplay trailer captured on PS VR2. This trailer demonstrates how Thief VR is a chance to step into the boots of a Grasp Thief and embody what makes the franchise distinctive in a compelling new take by developer Maze Principle and writer Vertigo Video games, aided by the OG Thief creators at Eidos-Montréal.
Takes a thief to make plans for a thief
Each nice Thief recreation consists of an array of instruments and challenges that naturally encourage avoiding fight utilizing stealth, quite a few options to any downside, and requiring shut consideration to your environment utilizing all senses. It may be difficult at first, however taking your time could make it really feel extremely rewarding. Ranges are pretty open and non-linear to assist participant company—a trademark of the immersive sim style. Permitting gamers to do what they need, not what they’re informed, says Steven, is a staple in permitting their very own distinctive narrative to emerge.
Using darkish shadows to progress by way of darker plots, highly effective, oppressive atmospheres, plus a little bit of dry wit are all signature components of Thief storytelling—and every aligns with the immersive simulation of VR. “The sense of presence VR gives makes the expertise all of the extra intense and fascinating,” says Steven. “The immediacy of having the ability to naturally use your head to observe your again as your arms decide locks with the assistance of haptic suggestions, is as actual because it will get to being within the Metropolis.”
Darkness is a solo thief’s solely ally. PS VR2 OLED lenses have a stronger, extra pure distinction, giving a aggressive benefit within the shadows. Subsequent-gen sound integration helps gamers pay attention intently for hazard. There’s a way of tangible anticipation and intimacy created by sneaking round at nighttime in VR —peeking round corners —earlier than slipping in by way of a window along with your precise head and arms.
Appears like outdated occasions…
Thief VR blends traditional stealth gameplay with next-generation immersion. Gamers embody an up-and-coming thief named Magpie by way of the dystopian fantasy steampunk world referred to as the Metropolis. As Magpie, they are going to be inspired to make use of their number of instruments, eager statement, and creativity to stealthily stay unseen from guard patrols as they infiltrate noble manors to steal historical artifacts (and extra?), whereas underneath the watchful eye of a well-known thief known as Garret.
Thief VR is made by followers for followers. Acquainted ears will acknowledge the enduring Stephen Russell as Garrett, however there are many different connections as properly. For instance, from a gameplay perspective, the stealth mechanics and fascinating gameplay of Thief: The Darkish Venture (1998) and Thief II: The Steel Age (2000) had been the primary inspirations for the gameplay pillars of Thief VR.
Along with Steven, we’re connecting Thief titles throughout time and console generations. Since becoming a member of Eidos-Montréal in 2008, his expertise engaged on animation, cinematics, and, finally, narrative design for Thief (2014) has been invaluable because the model guide for Vertigo and Maze Principle. He’s additionally saved a secret locked away in Thief’s VR historical past.
“In direction of the top of Thief (2014), Eidos-Montréal tried creating their very own playable VR demo as a part of Sony’s Venture Morpheus, the primary iteration of PlayStation VR”, Steven reveals. “Sadly, we weren’t notably skilled in making VR again then, so the general product ended up being a bit onerous to play.”
Since a terrific online game narrative is the results of the participant and the protagonist feeling like one, VR has been and continues to be a pure alternative for the franchise. We’re particularly thrilled to have his assist bringing Thief VR lastly into the sunshine of day, utilizing the most recent know-how on PlayStation VR2.
We’re not leaving with out what we got here right here for
Earlier expertise as a Thief isn’t essential to really feel like one your self when enjoying Thief VR. Everyone seems to be invited to develop into their very own totally current Grasp Thief in a world created practically 30 years in the past. VR has unlocked a brand new degree of the palpable rigidity that Thief video games are recognized for. We’re trying ahead to seeing how PS VR2 gamers get themselves out and in of suspenseful conditions with out getting caught beginning December 4.
Pre-orders are stay now, and for a restricted time, a ten% low cost might be obtainable.
