Thief (series): Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Series of action-adventure stealth video games}}

'''''Thief''''' is a series of mainly first-person [[computer game]]s where the player takes the role of Garrett, a [[thief]] in a [[steampunk]] world resembling a cross between the [[Middle_Ages#The_Late_Middle_Ages|Late Middle Ages]] and the [[Victorian era]], with some primitive technology thrown in. The series consists of ''Thief: The Dark Project'' ([[1998]]), ''Thief II: The Metal Age'' ([[2000]]) and ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' ([[2004]]). An expanded version of ''Thief: The Dark Project'', titled ''Thief Gold'', was released in [[1999]] and features three extra maps, new enemies and several [[computer bug|bug]] fixes.

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2016}}

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{{More citations needed|date=January 2009}}

{{original research|date=April 2014}}

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{{Infobox video game series

| title = Thief

| image = Thief series logo.png

| caption = Logo used in the first three games

| genre = [[Stealth game|Stealth]], [[Immersive sim]]

| developer = [[Looking Glass Studios]] (1998–2000)<br />[[Ion Storm]] (2004)<br />[[Eidos-Montréal]] (2014–present)

| publisher = [[Eidos Interactive]] (1998–2004)<br />[[Square Enix]] (2014–2022)<br />[[Embracer Group|CDE Entertainment]] (2022–)

| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Xbox One]], [[Steam VR]], Quest, [[PlayStation VR2]]

| first release version = ''[[Thief: The Dark Project]]''

| first release date = December 1, 1998

| latest release version = ''[[Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow]]''<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Catherine Lewis |date=2025-06-04 |title=11 years since the last stealth title, Thief returns with a VR game this year called Legacy of Shadow |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action/11-years-since-the-last-stealth-title-thief-returns-with-a-vr-game-this-year-called-legacy-of-shadow/ |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en}}</ref>

| latest release date = 2025

}}

'''''Thief''''' is a series of [[Stealth game|stealth]] [[video game]]s in which the player takes the role of [[Garrett (character)|Garrett]], a master thief in a [[fantasy]] [[steampunk]] world resembling a cross between the [[Late Middle Ages]] and the [[Victorian era]], with more advanced technologies interspersed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.btinternet.com/~sneaksiethiefsie/doc11.htm |title=City Timeline – A Revisionist Perspective |publisher=Btinternet.com |access-date=August 22, 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630225125/http://www.btinternet.com/~sneaksiethiefsie/doc11.htm|archive-date=June 30, 2012}}</ref>

[[Looking Glass Studios]] developed both ''Thief: The Dark Project'' and ''Thief II: The Metal Age''. After the studio went out of business in [[2000]], many former employees moved to [[Ion Storm|Ion Storm Austin]] and began developing the long-anticipated third part of the series, ''Thief: Deadly Shadows''. The game was released on [[May 25]], [[2004]] and is believed to be the last in the series. Although there have been comments suggesting a continuation, they have not yet been confirmed. [[Eidos Interactive]] published all four releases in the series.

The series consists of ''[[Thief: The Dark Project]]'' (1998), ''[[Thief II|Thief II: The Metal Age]]'' (2000), ''[[Thief: Deadly Shadows]]'' (2004), ''[[Thief (2014 video game)|Thief]]'' (2014) and ''[[Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow]]'' (2025). An expanded version of ''Thief: The Dark Project'', titled ''Thief Gold'', was released in 1999 and features three extra [[Level (video gaming)|map]]s and a number of [[Software bug|bug]] fixes. [[Looking Glass Studios]] developed both ''The Dark Project'' and ''The Metal Age''. After the studio had gone out of business in 2000, many former employees moved to [[Ion Storm]] and began developing the third part of the series, ''Deadly Shadows''. [[Eidos-Montréal]] was subsequently given the reins for ''Thief''. The ''Thief'' series has been well-received by critics.

With the release of ''[[DromEd]]'', a map editor, an active community of fans began providing a wealth of home-grown missions for the first two games (see [[Thief (computer game)#External links|External links]], below). A few of these were so successful, in fact, that their creators were invited to work with Ion Storm Austin on ''Thief: Deadly Shadows''.

== Style of play Gameplay==

Set mainly in a first-person perspective within a 3D environment, the main gameplay tactic of the ''Thief'' series is to avoid fights, stealthily traverse the environment to complete specific objectives and instead sneak around the enemies or discreetly subdue them, without raising too much noise or suspicion. The ''Thief'' games are sometimes described as either a "[[Stealth game|first-person sneaker]]", "sneak-em-up" or a "first-person looter" to emphasize this difference. Classification of the game has been slow coming, as three-dimensional stealth games, such as ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', only became more common years after the first ''Thief''. Another innovation employed extensively by ''Thief'' is the careful use of sound effects as an integral part of gameplay. Sound cues not only tell the player of other characters in the vicinity, but also indicate how much noise Garrett makes when moving about an area. Too much noise can alert nearby guards, who will grow suspicious and come looking for intruders. There are a variety of tactics to avoid being heard, however, such as walking gently, steering clear of noisy pavement, or using [[moss]] arrows to create a carpet that muffles the sound of footsteps. In a similar vein, using light and dark became one of the most important strategies. A gauge at the bottom of the screen (called the 'Light Gem') indicates how visible the protagonist is. Entering deeper shadows or ducking makes the character less likely to be noticed. Walking about increases the risk of being spotted, and having a sword or bow drawn makes him very conspicuous in the game. The astute player is constantly keeping an eye on areas of light or shadow, guard patrol routes, and the type of terrain they are walking on, in case a hiding place is needed in a hurry. A light source, such as a torch or [[Gas lighting|gas lamp]], can be doused with a Water Arrow, creating an area of darkness in which the player may hide. Electrically powered lights, in all games, may simply be shut off by using a nearby switch or button; however, if no light switch is available, the electrical light will not turn off by simply shooting a Water Arrow at it. In ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'', the player can simply 'pinch out' a lit candle by pressing the use button on it. A guard or any civilian may notice if a light source has been put out, likewise if something valuable has been stolen.

[[Image:GarrettHidinginDarkness-Thief-DeadlyShadows.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Garrett hides in a shadowy hallway as he ponders his next move in ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'']]

The main tactic of ''Thief'' is to avoid fights and instead sneak around the enemies. For example, killing an innocent will often cause the player to fail a mission; on higher difficulty levels, killing ''anyone'', even an angry guard, will result in mission failure. ''Thief'' is sometimes described as either a "[[stealth-based game|first-person sneaker]]" or a "first-person looter" to emphasize this difference. Classification of the game has been slow coming, as three-dimensional stealth games, such as ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell|Splinter Cell]]'' (released in [[2002]]) for example, only became more common years after the first ''Thief''.

Another large component of the gameplay in ''Thief'', along with the stealth, is exploration. In most missions, especially in the first two ''Thief'' games, players can freely explore the game environment without much hindrance. Players are also free to experiment with their approach towards the AI. They may choose to neutralize all the AI-controlled guards using a variety of methods. These methods include using a player-equipped [[Blackjack (weapon)|blackjack]] to quietly incapacitate enemies without killing them, a sword, used in direct combat which can kill enemies, or broadhead arrows, used to discreetly kill enemies from a long distance. Other special arrows, such as water arrows, rope arrows and moss arrows are also available to use. The player may also choose to avoid any confrontation with the AI altogether. "Ghosting" is a play style by which one attempts to complete all objectives in each mission without leaving a trace and without being seen or heard.

Another innovation introduced by ''Thief'' is the careful use of sound effects as an integral part of gameplay. Sound cues not only tell the player of other characters in the vicinity, but also indicate how much noise Garrett makes when moving about an area. Too much noise can alert nearby guards, who will grow suspicious and come looking for intruders. There are a variety of tactics to avoid being heard, however, such as walking gently, steering clear of noisy pavement, or using magical arrows to create a [[moss]] carpet that muffles the sound of footsteps.

==Games==

In a similar vein, lighting became one of the most important strategies. A gauge at the bottom of the screen (called the 'Light Gem') indicates how visible the protagonist is. Entering deeper shadows or ducking made the character less likely to be noticed. Walking about increased the risk of being spotted, and having a sword or bow drawn makes him very conspicuous in the game. The astute player is constantly keeping an eye on areas of light or shadow in case a hiding place is needed in a hurry. Arrows with water-filled tips can be fired at torches and braziers, dimming the surrounding light and creating a handy pocket of shadow which can then be used for hiding.

{{VG timeline|compressempty=yes|1998='''''[[Thief: The Dark Project]]'''''|2000='''''[[Thief II: The Metal Age]]'''''|2004='''''[[Thief: Deadly Shadows]]'''''|2014='''''[[Thief (2014 video game)|Thief]]'''''|2025='''''[[Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow]]'''''|range1=1998 –|range1_color=#660000 #CE1924|subtitle=Main series in '''bold'''}}

{{VG Series Reviews

| game1 = [[Thief: The Dark Project]]

| mc1 = (PC) 92/100<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/thief-the-dark-project/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Thief: The Dark Project'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 26, 2013}}</ref>

| game2 = [[Thief II: The Metal Age]]

| mc2 = (PC) 87/100<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/thief-ii-the-metal-age/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Thief II: The Metal Age'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 26, 2013}}</ref>

| game3 = [[Thief: Deadly Shadows]]

| mc3 = (PC) 85/100<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/thief-deadly-shadows/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 26, 2013}}</ref><br/>(Xbox) 82/100<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/thief-deadly-shadows/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 26, 2013}}</ref>

| game4 = [[Thief (2014 video game)|Thief]]

| mc4 = (PC) 70/100<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/thief/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Thief'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 24, 2014}}</ref><br/>(PS4) 67/100<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/thief/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''Thief'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 24, 2014}}</ref><br/>(XONE) 69/100<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/thief/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''Thief'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=February 24, 2014}}</ref>

}}

===''Thief: The Dark Project'' (1998)===

==Story==

{{Main|Thief: The Dark Project}}

''Thief: The Dark Project'' was released by [[Looking Glass Studios]] in late 1998 and powered by their own in-house developed [[Dark Engine]]. A re-release of ''Thief: The Dark Project'' entitled ''Thief Gold'' fixed various bugs and added three new levels (mostly derived from, but not identical to, content that was planned for the original game but cut for budget or time constraints) which contributed significantly to the existing plot. The package also contains bonus content such as the DromEd [[Dark Engine]] editor, a behind-the-scenes "making of" video, and a desktop theme designed for [[Windows 98]]. Looking Glass was working on a similar re-release of ''Thief II: The Metal Age'', provisionally entitled ''Thief II Gold'', at the time they went out of business in 2000.<ref name="the-nextlevel.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/developers/looking-glass-studios/history.shtml |title=TNL Developer Spotlight: Looking Glass Studios |publisher=TNL |access-date=February 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210155548/http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/developers/looking-glass-studios/history.shtml |archive-date=December 10, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{spoilers}}

===''Thief II: The Metal Age'' (2000)===

The ''Thief'' series follows the exploits of Garrett, a master thief living and working in a steampunk metropolis constantly being fought over by a corrupt aristocracy, an order of religious fanatics and a horde of vengeful woodland beings, all under the eye of a secret organization of Keepers.

{{Main|Thief II: The Metal Age}}

[[Looking Glass Studios]] released the sequel to ''Thief'' in early 2000. Utilizing the same Dark Engine that powered the original ''Thief'', ''Thief II'' had an almost identical look and feel, with at some points differences in architecture and technology caused by the events of the first game, and only minor graphic and programming improvements, such as colored lighting. The basic gameplay was also fundamentally similar to the original ''Thief'', but many new elements had been added, including technological gadgets such as a remote eye camera. Other changes include an increase in the number of [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] behaviors. Responding to criticism of the original ''Thief'' that more time was spent on combat than actually living up to the title of the game, the missions in ''Thief II'' were designed much more around typical thief-like behavior, and much of the game is spent robbing the rich denizens of the City rather than battling monsters. In fact, the player encounters almost none of the monsters from the original ''Thief'' except for burrick (dinosaur-like creatures) heads mounted as trophies in some of the mansions, and a few zombies, undead and ghostly apparitions. The designers stated that, unlike the original ''Thief'', where levels were developed to suit the plot, in ''Thief II'' levels were designed first and making the plot work with them was somewhat of a retrofit. A re-release of ''Thief II: The Metal Age'' entitled ''Thief II Gold'' was a game in development by [[Looking Glass Studios]] before the company closed down in 2000.<ref name="the-nextlevel.com"/> It is believed to have been an expansion to ''Thief II'' similar to ''Thief Gold''.

===Setting===

===''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' (2004)===

''Thief'' creates a living, breathing [[steampunk]] world for the player. The games are set in what is always referred to as "The City", with occasional excursions into nearby areas like Markham's Isle.

{{Main|Thief: Deadly Shadows}}

A major departure from the first two games in the series, ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' was developed by [[Ion Storm]] rather than [[Looking Glass Studios]] (albeit with many of the same people). The game was powered by the ''[[Unreal Engine 2|Unreal]]''-based ''[[Deus Ex: Invisible War]]'' engine. Unlike the original two games, the third ''Thief'' was developed simultaneously for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. Because of all these factors, ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' was different (and vastly updated) from the first two games in the series in both appearance and gameplay. One of the game's major new features was the ability to explore the City. While previous games sent Garrett straight from mission to mission, ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' allows him to walk the City streets between missions, where he can steal from passersby, spy on the townspeople's daily lives, and search for sidequests in addition to major story missions. Unlike sandbox games such as ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'', the city is not one large continuous [[Level (video gaming)|map]], but rather several small neighborhood maps connected by load zones (similar to ''[[Postal 2]]''). The game also introduced an ability to switch between first- and third-person views, and to flatten against walls. In addition, the lighting engine was updated to accommodate moving shadows and light sources, which dynamically affected where the player could hide, an innovation originally precluded by the more technically limited Dark Engine. Smaller improvements were made to AI behavior, allowing for guards who noted when items went missing from their field of view or when doors were left open, along with an overhauled sound-propagation mechanic.

The [[technology]] present in the game seems to be a cross between the Victorian Era and medieval times. The city has the air of a 19th century metropolis, and [[electricity]] is somewhat prevalent, yet torches are still used in many homes and businesses. Weapons such as broadswords, bows, and maces are common, and [[firearms]] seem to be nonexistent, except in the artillery carried by the robotic Mechanist sentries. Many guards wear mail [[armor]] and helmets similar to those in the middle ages, and quite a few structures are more like late medieval fortresses and castles than Victorian houses.

===Factions''Thief'' (2014)===

{{main|Thief (2014 video game)}}

''Thief'' is the fourth game in the ''Thief'' series, developed by [[Eidos-Montréal]] and published by [[Square Enix]]. Since early 2008, several rumors had been circulating regarding a fourth ''Thief'' game, which was allegedly under development. Eidos-Montréal's General Manager Stéphane D'Astous commented in an interview for ''[[Deus Ex: Human Revolution]]'' that confirmation of the company's second "AAA title", which its website states "begins with the letter 'T{{'"}}, would occur "over the next year" or so.<ref>{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507195626if_/http://www.gamespot.com/news/blogs/rumor-control/909119209/26870198/thief-4-stepping-out-of-shadows-may-11.html|title=Thief 4 stepping out of shadows May 11?|date=May 7, 2009}}</ref> The game was unveiled on May 11, 2009, originally titled as ''Thief 4''.<ref name="nextgenannounce">{{cite web| url= http://www.next-gen.biz/news/eidos-confirms-thief-4| archive-url= https://archive.today/20130115044524/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/eidos-confirms-thief-4| url-status= dead| archive-date= January 15, 2013| title= Eidos Confirms Thief 4| date= May 11, 2009}}</ref>

There are three primary factions at work in the City. Below is a description of each.

===''Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow'' (2025)===

The '''Keepers''' are an ancient sect of expert observers, dedicated to preserving balance in the world. Garrett once belonged to the organization and still makes use of the skills learned as a Keeper for his own clandestine purposes. Even though Garrett refuses further involvement with the Keepers, they inevitably manipulate him into acting out their prophecies and obscure designs in all three games. Much of the Keeper's powers are derived from their special Glyph magic, which spells out their prophecies and allows them to weave extremely powerful spells. The Keepers seem to be highly dependent on the Glyphs for their powers, with Garrett and Artemus seeming to be the only Keepers able to operate effectively without the aid of Glyphs.

{{main|Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow}}

{{expand section|date=June 2025}}

''Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow'' is the fifth game in the ''Thief'' series, developed by [[Maze Theory]] and will published by [[Vertigo Games]] in late 2025.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/thief-is-backas-a-vr-game-sony-state-of-play Thief Is Back...as a VR Game - Sony State of Play]</ref> This time the protagonist is a girl nicknamed Magpie, who was able to get Garrett's mechanical eye. The game will only be available for virtual reality headsets such as [[Steam VR]], Quest and [[PlayStation VR2]].

==Setting==

The '''Order of the Hammer''' is a group of [[technocracy|technocratic]] religious fanatics, also known as the Hammerites. They seek to carry out the vision of the Master Builder, their architect god, and are the burning force of progress in the ''Thief'' world. They represent Order and Orthodox religion (which has many similarities to the medieval [[Catholic]] Church). The Hammerites are skilled warriors and routinely carry large metal sledgehammers with them, which are both a religious symbol and a very effective weapon against trespassers. They despise the nature-worshipping Pagans, and are also mortal enemies of the Undead. Their scriptures are very harsh and draconian, but many Hammerites temper their religious zeal in order to better accomodate the realities of City life.

The universe of ''Thief'' is a [[dark fantasy]] setting and is centered mostly on a dense, sprawling metropolitan complex known only as "The City", which has some resemblance to 18th/19th century London, but with an altogether more Medieval culture, reflected in the architecture, style of dress, semi-feudal social structure, and a lack of firearms but widespread use of magic. It is a steampunk metropolis constantly being fought over by a corrupt aristocracy, an order of religious fanatics and a horde of vengeful woodland beings, all under the eye of a secret organization. The world is highly superstitious and does have a noticeable problem with the supernatural and the undead are very common. Technology is unnaturally varied in a way that they have access to electricity and use it for light and industry but nothing else. The method of how electricity is generated is unknown as well, electricity was common 50 years before Garret was born but the steam boiler was only invented shortly before the events of Thief 2. ''Thief'' takes place hundreds of years after the original games, possibly with a heavier emphasis on the identity of "The City".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamingbolt.com/thief-4-storyboard-concept-images-leaked-set-in-london |title=Thief 4 Storyboard Concept Images Leaked; Set in London? « GamingBolt.com: Video Game News, Reviews, Previews and Blog |publisher=Gamingbolt.com |access-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref> Garrett works with the underground economy of the City, making a lucrative living for himself. Occasionally Garrett would leave the confines of the City and rob mansions, prisons, or graveyards.

==Characters==

In ''Thief II'', a group of Hammerite [[schism|schismatics]] under the leadership of the charismatic (but insane) Karras, gives birth to the '''Mechanist''' sect. Even more fervent about technology than their Hammerite cousins, the Mechanists invent steam-powered robots to act as servants, and rumor has it those robots might be intended for more than just subservience. The plotline of ''Thief II: The Metal Age'' revolves entirely around this sect, and they receive a few brief mentions in the third game in the series.

The following are recurring characters. Information on non-recurring characters may be found in ''[[Thief: The Dark Project]]'', ''[[Thief II]]'' and ''[[Thief: Deadly Shadows]]''.

===Garrett===

Finally, the '''Pagans''' represent the forces of nature and chaos in the ''Thief'' world. Nature worshippers who live in the deep forests away from the City, the Pagans shun technology and live in harmony with wild, supernatural creatures. They despise the ordinary people of the City, and are completely inimical to Hammerites and Mechanists. Pagans are for the most part unskilled at combat, and rely on stealth and subterfuge in their ongoing campaign to undermine and subvert the City. Their demonic god, the Woodsie Lord or Trickster, and the facts surrounding their resurgence are central to the plot of ''Thief: The Dark Project''. Owing to a twist of fate, they side with Garrett against the Mechanists in ''Thief II''.

Garrett is the [[protagonist]] of the series. Introduced in ''[[Thief: The Dark Project]]'', he was trained by the Keepers in secret so that he could join them; instead, Garrett used those skills to become a master thief. The 2014 [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] ''[[Thief (2014 video game)|Thief]]'' introduced an reimagining of Garrett, with motivations and a personality that differ from those of the original. Garrett is played by voice actor [[Stephen Russell]] in the first three games and is played by [[Romano Orzari]] in the 2014 reboot.

===Language=Development====

[[Ken Levine (game developer)|Ken Levine]], when working on ''The Dark Project''{{'}}s story, wanted the game's world to feel familiar to fantasy fans, but also to have a [[film noir]] aesthetic. In keeping with this, Levine came up with a character named "Palmer": a [[private detective]] hired to do a job by a beautiful woman. Feeling that there was a lack of anti-heroes in gaming at the time, Levine took inspiration from films from the 1970's such as ''[[Blade Runner]]'' and ''[[Chinatown (1974 film)|Chinatown]]'', keeping the protagonist a character with a failed past "living on the outs of society". As the character evolved into Garrett, he wanted to see how "dark" the character could be, taking whatever job was offered to him, including [[assassination]]. However, this was toned down after objections from other developers, which frustrated Levine, though he later admitted he felt it was the right direction to take the character.<ref name="podcast5">{{cite web |url=http://gambit.mit.edu/updates/2011/06/looking_glass_studios_intervie_4.php |website=Singapore-MIT Gambit Game Lab |title=Looking Glass Studios Interview Series - Audio Podcast 5 - Ken Levine |date=2011-06-29 |first=Matthew |last=Weise |accessdate=2024-01-14 |archive-date=April 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401065258/http://gambit.mit.edu/updates/2011/06/looking_glass_studios_intervie_4.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Garrett's character design itself was carried over from a previous Looking Glass Studios project, ''Dark Camelot''. Developed by Marc Lizotte and Rob Waters, it was originally more "armory and [[Excalibur]]-looking", but as development progressed they changed his look to fit the fantasy setting and "into something meaner and leaner".<ref>{{cite web |website=Through the Looking Glass |date=2009-11-25 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203120250/http://dominus.ttlg.com/?p=65 |archivedate=December 3, 2009 |url=http://dominus.ttlg.com/?p=65 |accessdate=2024-01-14 |title=Out of the Shadows – interview with Daniel Thron &#124; Dominus |url-status=live }}</ref>

A reimagining of the character appears in the 2014 reboot. [[Randy Smith (game designer)|Randy Smith]], a designer on the original trilogy, suggested to the studio of creating a new character instead of using Garrett:<ref>{{Cite journal |date=November 2023 |title=Richard Rush to Jeremy Bentham, Wednesday, 30 January 1822 [bentjeOU0110025a1c] |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.13051/ee:doc/bentjeou0110025a1c |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=Electronic Enlightenment Scholarly Edition of Correspondence|doi=10.13051/ee:doc/bentjeou0110025a1c |url-access=subscription }}</ref><blockquote>I was like, "Why don't you guys just make your own character? If you really want to expand this franchise, show us a different person who's similar to Garrett in this world, but has their own characteristics. Just give him a different name." That would have been interesting to me, to explore more of the world.</blockquote>

The game uses the expletive "taffer" and variations in place of [[English language|English]] [[profanity|profanities]]. This also has a special in-game connotation as a corruption of the name of the evil nature god, the Trickster Spirit. As such, to curse someone as a "taffer" is to insinuate that that person shares some of the spirit's dubious qualities. It is a fairly broad oath that can mean "scoundrel", "joker", "fool", or simply indicate a contemptible person whom the speaker both scorns and derides. Curiously, the Pagans, worshippers of the Trickster, also use the epithet, sometimes in the pidgin form of "Tricksie." "Taffing" (or "taffing around") is also a nebulous term that generally involves an activity that lacks proper forthrightness or diligence, such as lying or exaggerating to someone or shirking important responsibilities in favor of play or frivolous pursuits.

====Reception====

The developers have more than once remarked that all such words in the game are made up.

The character was well received by critics. In 1999, [[GameSpot]] included him on the list of top ten heroes in gaming, stating how "over the course of his adventures, Garrett emerges from under the [[Misanthropy|misanthropic]] facade as a character with a noble heart, whose immoral ways are reluctantly justified by an immoral talent that's well suited to his immoral world". {{Citation needed|date=December 2023}} GameSpot also chose him as one of the 64 contenders in the 2009 user poll "All Time Greatest Video Game Hero".<ref name="GameSpot2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/storied/index.html?battler_id=37 |title=All Time Greatest Video Game Hero contest |publisher=GameSpot |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105025230/http://www.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/storied/index.html?battler_id=37 |archivedate=January 5, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, ''[[GamesTM]]'' listed him among the greatest ever game characters, commenting that "few main characters are as cynical and mysterious as Garrett" and adding that "it's Garrett's unique skills and upbringing that make him such a fascinating character".<ref name="Cohen2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/895042/the_greatest_ever_game_characters.html |title=The Greatest Ever Game Characters |publisher=NOWGamer |first=Sander |last=Cohen |date=March 17, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205041016/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/895042/the_greatest_ever_game_characters.html |archivedate=February 5, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' ranked him as the 29th greatest video-game character, calling him to "a medieval [[Han Solo]] type" and adding that it is "his [[Sardonicism|sardonic]] amorality that shines through most of all, ensuring Garrett a place as one of gaming's most appealing anti-heroes".<ref name="Empire2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-video-game-characters/default.asp?film=29 |title=The 50 Greatest Video Game Characters <nowiki>|</nowiki> 29. Garrett |publisher=Empire |first1=James |last1=Dyer |first2=David |last2=McComb |first3=Alastair |last3=Plumb |first4=David |last4=Scarborough |date=May 26, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114010332/http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-video-game-characters/default.asp?film=29 |archivedate=November 14, 2012}}</ref> In 2008, ''[[PC Zone]]'' ranked him as PC gaming's ninth best character for his "wonderful" situational sarcasm, calling him a "medieval [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] of sorts" and contrasting him with [[Marcus Fenix]] (who was ranked as ninth worst).<ref name="PCZone2008">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/183044/features/pc-gamings-best-and-worst-characters/ |title=PC Gaming's Best, And Worst, Characters |publisher=CVG |author=PC Zone Staff |date=February 23, 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813163742/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/183044/features/pc-gamings-best-and-worst-characters/ |archivedate=August 13, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, Garrett got an honorable mention on the list of the best [[Xbox]] Heroes by ''[[360 (magazine)|360&nbsp;Magazine]]'' along with a comment that Garrett "was highly unfortunate not to make the final 50" in the user poll.<ref name="360-2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.360magazine.co.uk/features/360-heroes-honorable-mentions-2/ |title=360 Heroes – Honorable Mentions |publisher=360 Magazine |first=Jonathan |last=Gordon |date=October 2009 |accessdate=March 6, 2013| archivedate=November 30, 2010 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130161858/http://www.360magazine.co.uk/features/360-heroes-honorable-mentions-2/}}</ref>

In 2012, [[IGN]] featured him among gaming's most notorious anti-heroes, calling him "a true badass and [[anti-hero]], combining a ruthless exterior with an unshakeable sense of honor".<ref name="IGN2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/03/05/gamings-most-notorious-anti-heroes?page=2 |title=Gaming's Most Notorious Anti-Heroes |publisher=IGN |author=IGN Staff |date=March 5, 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307231516/http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/121/1219982p2.html |archivedate=March 7, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> [[GameSpy|GameSpy's]] Mike Sharkey called Garrett a noticeable omission from the 2011 ''[[Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition]]''{{'}}s top 50 video-game characters.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://uk.gamespy.com/articles/115/1150483p1.html | title=Guinness Ranks Your 50 Favorite Video Game Characters of All Time | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221072349/http://uk.gamespy.com/articles/115/1150483p1.html|archivedate=February 21, 2011 | author=Sharkey, Mike | date=February 16, 2011 | publisher=[[GameSpy]] | accessdate=May 18, 2014}}</ref> Also in 2012, [[GamesRadar]] ranked this "not exactly [[Robin Hood]]" as 35th "most memorable, influential, and badass" protagonist in games, also calling him "a pioneer of sorts, paving the way for the myriad other thieves and assassins of our time". {{Citation needed|date=November 2023}} In a 2021 list published by ''[[PC Gamer]]'' staff, Garrett is ranked among the most iconic characters in PC gaming.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-50-most-iconic-characters-in-pc-gaming/|author=Rick Lane|title=The 50 most iconic characters in PC gaming|date=November 12, 2021|website=PC Gamer|access-date=December 10, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126052026/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-50-most-iconic-characters-in-pc-gaming/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Also, the Hammerite and Pagan factions both have their own dialects. The Hammerites speak a dialect of English that uses many archaic-sounding constructions and words, although grammar and usage do not necessarily correspond to the older dialect it is presumably based on. The Pagans speak in a euphonic [[pidgin]] dialect with even more grammatical irregularities, at least when compared to American English.

==The Games=Viktoria===

Viktoria (voiced by [[Terri Brosius]]) is a [[Dryad|wood nymph]] in the series. She was a primary antagonist during the events of ''The Dark Project'', being the one to remove Garrett's eye. However, she and her followers become allies for Garrett's war on the Mechanists during ''Metal Age''. Initially there is little trust on Garrett's part, but over time she is able to gain Garrett's respect, loyalty and, uncharacteristically of the cynical thief, care. The two gradually grow closer over the course of working together, even to the point of Garrett being willing to defend her directly by rushing to her aid upon her ill-fated assault on Soulforge, and being noticeably upset when he is unable to save her. It seems that this degree of respect and general sentiment on Garrett's part is only seen in his relationships with Viktoria and the Keeper Artemus.

The character was well received. In 2000, Viktoria was included in [[GameSpot]]'s list of the ten best female characters according to readers' choice, with the staff commenting: "Viktoria didn't make our TenSpot, which was a shame. We editors apologize to those of you who lamented our oversight". It was also accompanied by a poll asking who should play Viktoria in the movie adaptation of the ''Thief'' games ([[Catherine Zeta-Jones]], [[Elizabeth Hurley]], [[Salma Hayek]] or [[Jennifer Lopez]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_females/page5.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20000818030215/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_females/page5.html|url-status=dead|title=GameSpot's Readers' Choice TenSpot: Best Female Characters|date=August 18, 2000|archive-date=August 18, 2000}}</ref> In 2007, [[Tom's Hardware|Tom's Games]] included this "bad girl with charisma and style" on the list of the 50 greatest female characters in video game history, noting how she "evolves from a deceptive villain in the first game to a more benevolent companion to Garrett in the sequel, which ends her heroic, sacrificial death" and applauding her "hypnotic voice" provided by Brosius. Tom's Games stated she should be played in the live-action adaptation by "[[Naomi Watts]], who's got the sexy voice, beauty and charisma for the part".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2007/02/20/the_50_greatest_female_characters_in_the_history_of_video_games/page16.html|title=The 50 Greatest Female Characters in Video Game History - Tom's Games|date=October 14, 2008|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014074653/http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2007/02/20/the_50_greatest_female_characters_in_the_history_of_video_games/page16.html|archive-date=October 14, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2013, [[Complex (magazine)|Gameranx]] ranked her as the third-sexiest female game villain in history.<ref>Gameranx Staff, [http://www.gameranx.com/features/id/17380/article/top-11-hottest-female-villains/#p10 Top 11 Hottest Female Villains: #3 Viktoria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217012214/http://www.gameranx.com/features/id/17380/article/top-11-hottest-female-villains/#p10 |date=December 17, 2013 }}, Gameranx, September 13, 2013.</ref>

===Thief: The Dark Project===

===Other characters===

Released by Looking Glass Studios in 1998, and powered by their own in-house developed DARK engine, ''Thief: The Dark Project'' was in many ways a revolutionary title. Although it utilized a first person perspective, it was not an action-oriented shooter like almost all other first person games. Instead, the emphasis was on stealth: The character was not particularly agile nor a skilled fighter, and much of the gameplay involved using shadows to avoid enemies. However, for those who desire action, there are weapons available that allow direct confrontation. A skilled player can often break cover and go head-to-head with the enemies.

* Keeper Artemus – The Keeper and mentor who took Young Garrett in and taught him in ''Thief: The Dark Project''. Artemus is the main point of contact between Garrett and the Keepers throughout the series and attempts to enlist his help with the various Keeper prophecies, much to Garrett's reluctance. He holds genuine affection for Garrett, in spite of Garrett's rejection of the Keeper ways, and carries a strong independent and rebellious streak of his own. Artemus also appears to be the only Keeper whose stealth skills rival Garrett's and occasionally manages to sneak up on him. Artemus is believed to have been killed towards the end of ''Thief: Deadly Shadows''.

* Keeper Orland – A member of the Keeper organization with a strong dislike of Garrett. Orland eventually becomes the leader of the Keepers in ''Thief: Deadly Shadows''. His leadership quickly proves officious, [[Bureaucracy|bureaucratic]], and secretive, and Garrett quickly learns to dislike him. He first appeared in ''Thief II: The Metal Age'', albeit voiced by a different actor.

The game's original gameplay quickly developed a cult following. However, many players complained that the game's "Thief" theme was underutilized. Although the first few missions were typical "rob a rich guy's mansion" levels, the latter 2/3s of the game took part largely in monster-infested ruins where you were pitted against various zombies, beasts, and Trickster creatures.

* Interpreter Caduca – An old woman in the Keeper organization in charge of reading and interpreting the Glyph Prophecies. Prophecies are central to the Keepers' work, so Caduca plays a very important role in the organization, and even the Keeper leader listens to her advice. In reality, Caduca is relatively young. Prolonged exposure to the Glyphs causes accelerated aging, an effect which limits the amount of knowledge and power any single Keeper can obtain from studying the Glyphs. ''Caduca'' is the Spanish feminine word for "decrepit, obsolete"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lema.rae.es/drae/ |title=Diccionario de la lengua española - Vigésima segunda edición |publisher=Lema.rae.es |access-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref> or the Portuguese word for "old, obsolete".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.priberam.pt/dlpo/ |title=Dicionário Priberam da LÃngua Portuguesa |publisher=Priberam.pt |access-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref> She is murdered by The Hag in ''Thief: Deadly Shadows''.

* Translator Gamall – Caduca's assistant, an eerie pale and emotionless girl who translates Caduca's interpretations into English. As the Translator, Gamall will succeed Caduca as interpreter when Caduca is no longer able to fulfill her duties. Gamall turns out to be a guise of The Hag.

===Thief Gold===

* "Benny" – A recurring drunkard guard whose mood swings and amusing ramblings endeared him to many fans of the series. The name is informal, but comes from a specific drunken guard in the Sheriff's mansion during the Metal Age. The character's voice is used for a number of different guards throughout the series. In ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' he is at one point called "Sinclair". Several "episodes" of a series of conversations called "Benny's Ailment" can also be listened to in ''Deadly Shadows.''

* Basso the Boxman – An acquaintance of Garrett's whom he rescued from a Hammerite prison, although this uncharacteristic act of kindness was merely performed because Garrett had his eye on Basso's sister, who he hoped would be "grateful". Garrett also helps to rescue Basso's betrothed Jeneviere from [[indentured servitude]] in the first mission of ''Thief II: The Metal Age''.

Thief Gold is a 1999 re-release of Looking Glass Studios' Thief: The Dark Project computer game.

In addition to various bug fixes, Thief Gold added three new levels which contributed significantly to the existing plot. The package also contained the DromEd Thief editor as well as a behind-the-scenes "making of" video.

Looking Glass were working on a similar re-release of Thief II: The Metal Age, provisionally entitled Thief II Gold, at the time they went out of business in 2000.

===Thief II: The Metal Age===

Looking Glass Studios released the sequel to Thief in 2000. Utilizing the same DARK engine that powered the original Thief, ''Thief II'' had an almost identical look and feel, with only minor graphical and programming improvements. The basic gameplay was also fundamentally similar to the original Thief, but many new elements had been added, including technological gadgets such as a remote eye camera. Other changes include an increase in the number of A.I. behaviors, and the addition of female guards and soldiers.

Responding to criticisms of the original ''Thief'', the missions in ''Thief II'' were designed much more around typical thief-like behavior, and much of the game is spent robbing the rich denizens of the City rather than battling monsters.

===Thief: Deadly Shadows===

A major departure from the first two games in the series, ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' was developed by Ion Storm rather than Looking Glass Studios (albeit with many of the same people). The game was powered by the highly problematic and buggy ''Unreal-based Deus Ex: Invisible War'' engine. Unlike the original two titles, the third ''Thief'' game was developed simultaneously for the [[Personal computer|PC]] and the [[Xbox]].

Because of all these factors, ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' (Ion Storm decided not to name the game "Thief III" for fear that it would alienate console gamers who had never played the previous 2 titles) was different from the first two games in the series in both appearance and gameplay.

One of the game's major new features was the ability to explore the City. While previous games sent Garrett straight from mission to mission, ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' allows him to walk the City streets between missions where he can steal from passersby, spy on the townspeople's daily lives, and search for sidequests in addition to major story missions. Unlike games such as ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'', the city is not one large continuous map, but rather several small neighborhood maps connected by load zones (similar to ''[[Postal²]]'').

The game was unanimously considered as the worst of the series mainly due to "selling out" to the console market, resulting in very "dumbed downed" gameplay (like Ion Storm's critically panned Deus Ex: Invisible War). It include the fact that the maps are much smaller compared to those from the original two games (to compensate for the hardware limitations of the Xbox), annoyance at the level designs (much more inferior than the previous games) that require players to repeatedly switch between 1st and 3rd person perspectives, and that the gameplay has been greatly simplified for the console market (such as the removal of the swordfighting system, and using "wall-crawling gloves" rather than climbing grappling hook-like "rope arrows" to higher areas).

====The Shalebridge Cradle====

One of the most notable parts of ''Thief 3: Deadly Shadows'' was the mission "The Shalebridge Cradle", carrying on the tradition of

creating atmospheric levels in the Thief series. "The Shalebridge Cradle" quickly became a fan favourite due to what fans felt was an impressive use of ambience and atmosphere to create a chilling environment of fear rarely explored in many [[video games]], with the notable exceptions of games such as ''[[Silent Hill]]''. For example, the first part of the mission created what many fans found to be an unnerving environment through ambient sound and lighting effects, despite containing no enemies whatsoever. The level itself is widely assumed to be the largest part of ''Thief 3: Deadly Shadows''.

The "Cradle" itself was designed in a traditional format of using an abandoned [[haunted house]] as a backdrop but contained a developed backstory for the ___location, which started out being an orphanage, later was turned into an insane asylum, and then finally was abandoned after a fire. It also has many other backstory strands containing in-game information (through the medium of old books and notes) about the inmates in the lower levels of the "Cradle".

==Game editing==

With the release of ''[[DromEd]]'', a map editor for the first two games, an active community of fans began providing a wealth of home-grown missions for the first two games. Thousands of fan missions for these games have been created, some equally or more complex than the original game missions. These fan missions can be played by other fans using a loader. ''T3Ed'', a map editor for the third game ''Deadly Shadows'', was released in February 2005 after a letter-writing campaign by fans. This allows fans to design their level with all the interactive objects seen in original missions, as well as place stealable loot and lighting, factors which drastically affect gameplay. Human [[Non-player character|NPC]]s and creatures from all the various factions can be added into missions, and their behaviors (such as patrol routes) configured. Missions may be packaged and distributed to other players, who need a loader to play them.

A mission editor, Dromed, was available for ''Thief'', ''Thief Gold'' and ''Thief II''. Hundreds of fan missions for these games have been created, some equally or more complex than the original game missions. After a letter-writing campaign by fans, an editor was released for ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' in February 2005.

==Film==

===''Thief 2X: Shadows of the Metal Age''===

In 2016, Straight Up Films acquired the film rights to ''Thief'' with plans to develop a movie, Adam Mason and Simon Boyes to write the screenplay, Straight Up Films' President of Production Sandra Condito serving as executive producer along with Khalid Jones of Source Rock and Square Enix while Straight Up principals [[Marisa Polvino]] and Kate Cohen to produce alongside [[Roy Lee]] and Adrian Askarieh.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/videogame-thief-movie-roy-lee-1201723099/|title='Thief' Videogame Being Adapted Into Movie With Roy Lee|publisher=Variety|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=March 4, 2016}}</ref>

In 2015, Adrian Askarieh, producer of the ''[[Hitman (franchise)#Films|Hitman]]'' films, stated that he hoped to oversee a [[shared universe]] of [[Square Enix]] films with ''[[Just Cause (video game series)#Film adaptation|Just Cause]]'', ''Hitman'', ''[[List of Tomb Raider media#Films|Tomb Raider]]'', ''[[Deus Ex#Related media|Deus Ex]]'', and ''Thief'', but admitted that he does not have the rights to ''Tomb Raider''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/09/hitman-producer-dreams-of-shared-square-enix-movie-universe|title=Hitman producer dreams of shared Square Enix movie universe|work=[[IGN]]|last=Krupa|first=Daniel|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=June 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720151342/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/09/hitman-producer-dreams-of-shared-square-enix-movie-universe|archive-date=July 20, 2017}}</ref> In May 2017, the Game Central reporters at [[Metro UK]] suggested that the shared universe was unlikely, pointing out that no progress had been made on any ''Just Cause'', ''Deus Ex'' nor ''Thief'' films.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/05/12/thief-5-and-movie-adaptation-in-development-claims-film-company-6632761/ |title=Thief 5 and movie adaptation in development claims film company |author=Game Central staff |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|MetroUK]] |date=2017-05-12 |access-date=2018-12-09}}</ref>

Some time after Looking Glass went down, a small group of enthusiastic developers took the opportunity to extend the Thief universe using DromEd. The result was an unofficial ''Thief II'' expansion pack titled ''Thief 2X: Shadows of the Metal Age'' [http://www.thief2x.com/]. The game &mdash; though an expansion pack for ''Thief II'' &mdash; presents a new protagonist, a young girl named Zaya. The game has features similar to those in retail Looking Glass games: complex level design, lengthy campaigning (consisting of thirteen long missions), pre-rendered introduction and ending sequences, redesigned voice-over sound effects, original artwork, and animated mission briefings.

==See also==

This expansion is [[freeware]] and can be downloaded from the developer's site [http://www.thief2x.com/t2xmirrors.asp], although it requires the original ''Thief II'' in order to be played.

* {{annotated link|The Dark Mod}}

==The CityReferences==

{{Reflist|30em}}

The universe of Thief is centered mostly on a dense, sprawling metropolitan complex known only as "The City." Garrett works with the underground economy of the City, making a lucrative living for himself. The City is comprised of a mosaic of districts that are visited by Garrett over the course of the series.

===Districts of The City===

The gamer sees most of the districts as the series unwinds. Some still are uncharted, however, and have only been heard of through documental or vocal references.

*'''Auldale''': One of the wealthiest districts in the City (if not the wealthiest), situated on the east side of the River. Hammer Inspector Drept, and the Citywatch make the area seemingly safe to walk the streets at night there. The well-to-do residents spend their leisure time shopping at pricy goldsmiths, strolling the parks, or gazing at art in the renowned Wieldstrom Museum. In spite of the perceived safety in this high-end district, rumors of Pagans dwelling in Auldale Park have been growing. Some of the most recent murders and sightings of the Old Grey Lady have also been spotted around the Auldale Canal.

*'''Dayport''': An upscale seaside area, as opposed to the run-down Docks. In Thief 2, Garrett referred to the area with the densely packed high rise apartments and business buildings as the "Thieves' Highway." In Deadly Shadows, he also referred to the Old Quarter as the Thieves' Highway. The Mechanist Tower, Angelwatch, was constructed in Dayport.

*'''The Docks''': One of the roughest neighborhoods in the City.

*'''Eastport'''

*'''North Quarter''': the site of Ramirez' castle and the City's First Bank and Trust.

*'''New Market''': ___location of Fargus' shop. Not far from where Garrett lived in the first Thief.

*'''The New Quarter'''

*'''Old Quarter''': A diverse middle-class neighborhood in the heart of the City. In the first ''Thief'' game, the Old Quarter is a walled-off section of the City. A generation or so ago, a mystical artifact known as the Eye caused a horrendous cataclysm, causing the dead to rise in the area around the Hammerite Cathedral, and somehow in the ensuing chaos (the fire may have been a defensive measure) the Old Quarter caught fire and began burning out of control. The Old Quarter was sealed behind stone walls, to keep the zombies in and everyone else out. What remains in ''Thief: The Dark Project'' is an abandoned mess of ruined buildings, debris and wandering undead (as well as wild animals).

*'''Shalebridge''': neighborhood between the Old Quarter and the Docks. Close to where Garrett lived in the Metal Age.

*'''South Quarter''': One the largest and busiest residential areas in the City. Where Garret resides in Deadly Shadows. After the demise of Sheriff Truart, South Quarter's corruption has been burgeoning. Black Alley is one of the most notorious spots here. Pavelock Prison, one of the Citywatch's largest penitentiaries, is also located here.

*'''Stone Market''': Commercial nexus of the City. Many merchants dwell in guild homes here. Many of the businessmen make crooked deals with City thugs as well. The district is divided into the Stonemarket Plaza, and the Stonemarket Proper. The Plaza is home to the Clocktower, the tallest skyscraper in the City. The Proper cradles St. Edgars church, and is a center for Blackmarket activity.

*'''The Warehouse District''': Adjacent to the dock. A popular hangout spot for smugglers and the like.

*'''Westport'''

==Characters==

Here is a list of specific characters who either play a major part in one game, or have recurring roles throughout the series.

*'''Garrett''': The protagonist of the series. A cynical, highly disciplined master thief who only wishes to be left alone to steal in peace, but who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a series of epic events. As a child, Garrett was recruited into the Keepers but later rebelled against their secretive, hierarchical ways. He left the organization, went into business for himself as a thief, and now uses his Keeper skills to steal from the rich and give to himself. Garrett comes across as cold and ruthless, but also seems to have a professional pride and will only kill when absolutely necessary. A large scar runs down one side of his face, the result of his enemy plucking out one of his eyes in Thief: The Dark Project. Garrett now sees with a mechanical eye, a piece of Mechanist technology given to him by the Hammerites at the end of The Dark Project.

*'''Keeper Artemus''': Garrett's one-time mentor, who took in the young Garrett and taught him all his skills. Artemus frequently contacts Garrett in attempts to enlist his help with the various Keeper Prophecies. He still holds genuine affection for Garrett, in spite of Garrett's rejection of the Keeper ways. Artemus appears to be the only Keeper whose stealth skills rival Garrett's own, and once or twice Artemus has even managed to sneak up on Garrett.

*'''Viktoria''': A cunning and beautiful woman who works for Constantine. Like her employer, she has a hidden nature.

*'''Constantine''': A strange and eccentric wealthy man who hires Garrett to perform a series of jobs for him in ''Thief: The Dark Project''. The consequences of these jobs and Constantine's true nature form the crux of ''Dark Project''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s story.

*'''Sheriff Gorman Truart''': A corrupt medieval lawman who becomes the leader of the City Watch and the apparent main antagonist in ''Thief II''. Truart oppresses the people, collects bribes, implements outrageous taxes, brutally suppresses the criminal element, and seems to have a particular personal grudge against Garrett. Truart regards the law not as an end in itself, but rather as a means for those with power (specifically, himself) to control those without.

*'''Father Karras''': A brilliant inventor, genius, and prophet who split from the Hammerite organization to found his own faction, the Mechanists. He and his organization play a major role in ''Thief II''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s story. While still a Hammerite, Karras invented the mechanical eye and gave it to Garrett as a gift. Karras suffers from an extreme speech impediment, yet somehow is highly charismatic and able to command the loyalties of numerous followers.

*'''Lieutenant Mosley''': A member of the City Watch under Sheriff Truart, and one of his two lieutenants. Unlike Truart, Mosley is a solid, honest officer, and her conscience eventually causes her to question Truart's brutal methods. Mosley eventually forms an alliance with the Pagans to bring down Truart.

*'''Keeper Orland''': A member of the Keeper organization with a strong dislike of Garrett. Orland eventually becomes the leader of the Keepers in ''Thief: Deadly Shadows''. His leadership quickly proves officious, bureaucratic, and secretive, and Garrett quickly learns to dislike him.

*'''Interpreter Caduca''': An old woman in the Keeper organization in charge of reading and interpreting the Glyph Prophecies. The Prophecies are central to the Keepers' work, so Caduca plays a very important role in the organization, and even the Keeper leader listens to her advice. In reality, Caduca is actually relatively young. Prolonged exposure to the Glyphs causes accelerated aging, an effect which limits the amount of knowledge and power any single Keeper can obtain from studying the Glyphs.

*'''Translator Gamall''': Caduca's assistant, an eerie pale and emotionless child who translates Caduca's interpretations into English. As the Translator, Gamall will succeed Caduca as Interpreter when Caduca is no longer able to fulfill her duties.

*'''The Hag''': A mythical serial killer who purportedly stalks the night, slaying victims and stealing their skin. Even the Pagans, who deal regularly with monstrous creatures, regard her as an abomination. The Hag appears to be the Boogeyman of the Thief world, and features in a variety of children's rhymes and night-time tales. Few believe she actually exists, however.

*'''"Benny"''': A recurring drunkard guard whose mood swings and amusing ramblings made him endearing to fans of the game. The name is informal, as the character's voice is used for a number of different guards. In ''Thief: Deadly Shadows'' he is at one point called "Sinclair".

==External links==

{{wikiquoteparWikiquote|Thief}}

*{{MobyGames|-group/thief-series/|''Thief'' series}}

===Official sites===

* ''[http://www.eidosinteractive.com/gss/legacy/thief/ Thief: The Dark Project]''

* ''[http://www.eidosinteractive.com/gss/legacy/thiefgold/ Thief Gold]''

* ''[http://www.eidosinteractive.com/gss/legacy/thief_metalage/ Thief II: The Metal Age]''

* ''[http://www.eidosinteractive.com/games/embed.html?gmid=141 Thief: Deadly Shadows]''

===Fan sites===

* [http://www.thief-thecircle.com/ Thief: The Circle]

* [http://www.ttlg.com/forums/index.php Through The Looking Glass forums]

* [http://www.ttlg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=HomePage Fleshworks, the Thief 3 editing wiki]

===Fan missions===

* [[Mod (computer gaming)]] Wiki article containing information on Thief FM's

* [http://thiefmissions.com/ Cheap Thief Missions]

* [http://www.bjoernhenke.de/darkloader/index.en.htm Dark Loader], a [[freeware]] application to quickly and easily play fan missions

* [http://www.keepofmetalandgold.com/ The Keep of Metal and Gold]

* [http://www.thief-thecircle.com/missions/ Thief: The Circle]

* ''[http://cosas.ttlg.com/ The Circle of Stone and Shadow]'', an unofficial ''Thief'' expansion

* ''[http://www.thief2x.com/ T2X: Shadows of the Metal Age]'', an unofficial ''Thief II'' expansion

===Miscellaneous===

* [http://gillen.cream.org/wordpress_html/?page_id=618 Journey into the Cradle] Analysis of one level of ''Thief: Deadly Shadows''

* [http://www.digital-eel.com/zdim/stuff/TDPdesign.htm Thief & Thief 2 level design credits]

{{Thief series}}

[[Category:Computer and video game franchises]]

{{Looking Glass Studios}}

[[Category:First-person shooters]]

{{Ion Storm}}

[[Category:Looking Glass Studios games]]

{{Embracer Group}}

[[Category:Eidos Interactive games]]

[[Category:1998 computer and video games]]

[[Category:2000 computer and video games]]

[[Category:2004 computer and video games]]

[[Category:Steampunk]]

[[Category:Stealth computer games]]

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[[Category:Embracer Group franchises]]

[[Category:Stealth video games]]

[[Category:Steampunk video games]]

[[Category:Fiction about theft]]

[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1998]]

[[Category:Fiction set in the Late Middle Ages]]