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Episode 223:

First Person Sneaker

Runtime: 54 Minutes

History Topics (At-A Glance):

Thief: The Dark Project (1998)

Episode Summary:

Today, we’re delving into the shadows to explore Thief: The Dark Project, a groundbreaking stealth game first released on December 1, 1998. We’ll start by uncovering the game’s origins at Looking Glass Studios, tracing its evolution from Cold War zombie concepts to Arthurian legends before settling into its unique identity as a stealth-based masterpiece. Then, we’ll examine its innovative mechanics, like light and shadow as stealth tools and AI that could detect missing objects and open doors. Finally, we’ll reflect on Thief’s legacy, from inspiring iconic franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Hitman to establishing new benchmarks in immersive gameplay. So, grab your blackjack and join us as we sneak through the corridors of gaming history on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.


Video Games and Consoles Discussed in this Episode:
Thief: The Dark Project (1998)

IGDB

Thief II (2000)

IGDB

Thief: Deadly Shadows (2004)

Wikipedia

Thief (2014)

Wikipedia

Deus Ex (2000)

IGDB

Additional Sources:

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, August 27). Thief (series). Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thief_(series)

Bauman, Steve. he Tracks of His Games. CDMag.com. Archived.

https://web.archive.org/web/20030908171031/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/025/191/dougc_interview.html

Denby, Lewis. BioShock Infinite Interview. The Telegraph.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8865074/BioShock-Infinite-interview-Ken-Levine.html

Pearson, C. (2013, May 17). Pre-Thief: Dark Camelot footage. Rock Paper Shotgun..

https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/pre-thief-dark-camelot-footage

Looking Glass Studios - Thief: The Dark Project (Project Diary). (n.d.).

https://web.archive.org/web/20141108052032/http://www.thief-thecircle.com/darkproj/darkdiary.html

Audio Sources:
Cold Open Music

Bleeping Demo by Kevin MacLeod

Link: Free Download

Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Podcast Intro Music

Open Those Bright Eyes by Kevin MacLeod

Link: Free Download

Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license