Eidos Montreal — the people that brought you Deus Ex: Human Revolution — have announced their next game, and it’s the long-awaited return of a classic: Thief. What’s more, it’s being made for next-gen consoles like the PS4.
Square Enix will publish Thief, which serves as a reboot of the classic video stealth franchise, a la Square Enix’s new Tomb Raider. You still play as the shadowy thief Garrett, and all the stealthy action takes place in a place known only as “the City.” The new Thief will carry on the spirit of the old, but the differences in the technology of then vs. now make for a drastically new game.
The visuals look pretty stunning, but a cursory first glance — which is just about all we have to go on at this point — reminds me of Dishonored. That game also incorporated stealth (though didn’t rely on it), was set in a steampunkish Victorian city ruled over by a wicked despot, where a disease is ravaging the land, and stars a protagonist who starts as one type of character but is pressed into becoming his city’s hero. That’s right, Garrett has a lot more resting on his shoulders this go ’round than just burglary.
Game Informer, as they’re wont to do, has an exclusive cover story on the new Thief in their upcoming issue. They’re already showcasing a teaser trailer mostly filled with Eidos Montreal peeps talking up the classic Thief (above), as well as the cover artwork from issue in question (below). Here’s how Eidos and Square Enix describe the new game:
There is a rising tide of fear in The City. Hatred saturates every stone and whilst the rich prosper, the less fortunate face misery and repression. Ravaged with sickness and famine, they wait for something to change.
Into this shadowy world steps Garrett, THE master thief in a first-person adventure featuring intelligent design that allows players to take full control, with freedom to choose their path through the game’s levels and how they approach and overcome each challenge.
Square Enix has also released this little monologue transcript in the words of Garrett himself.
Time has moved on. Power has shifted. New greed replaces the old.
But to remain free in the city of chains – that is still the greatest prize.
First I stole to survive… then I survived to steal.
I am one man; I hear your secrets, see your hidden truths.
I am the shadows, the dark and deadly, the velvet night. You will not see me coming.
I am Garrett….What’s yours is mine.
Visit thiefgame.com to learn more about Thief, which is expected sometime next year.
