89
One of the most exciting first-person games to come out in years.
90
A completely original, utterly captivating riff on the first-person action game. [Apr 1999, p.114]
100
It's hard to find any fault when you have a fantastic story, unique gameplay, and good graphics and sound to back it up. It's difficult to even categorize it in any known genre.
10
Thief the dark project is nothing short of perfection. These games define what stealth should be: tense, atmospheric, and deeply rewarding. Garrett isn’t just a character, he’s an experience—every shadow, every creak, every careful step makes you feel alive in a world that’s brilliantly detailed and haunting. The level design is genius, the storytelling subtle but gripping, and the freedom to approach challenges your own way is unmatched. Even decades later, these games remain unmatched in stealth gaming. 10/10, without question.
10
the biggest levels ever,real labyrinths, very easy to get lost.Real classics.
9
The absolute godfather of stealth games. Still better than most even after 25 years. Love the dark and serious tone fantasy aspect. Loved the missions and fantastic audio. Some of the levels can be quite chaotic to navigate tho, so you might end up running around, hopelessly lost in the dark. Maybe that was the point? 9/10
Thief: The Dark Project
Released On:
Nov 30, 1998
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
92
User score
Generally Favorable
8.7
My Score
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Metascore
Universal Acclaim
100% Positive
18 Reviews
18 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
Not only is Thief an anti-shooter, it's also like an RPG without the trappings of levels, skills, and experience points. That's how it feels-again, as though I'm actually doing something.
100
If you’re ready for a different kind of first-person shoo--, er, "sneaker," want to be thoroughly challenged, and don’t mind Eidos’ wacky trapezoidal boxes, pick up Thief: The Dark Project.
User score
Generally Favorable
86% Positive
446 Ratings
446 Ratings
9% Mixed
47 Ratings
47 Ratings
4% Negative
23 Ratings
23 Ratings
Jan 3, 2026
10
Thief the dark project is nothing short of perfection. These games define what stealth should be: tense, atmospheric, and deeply rewarding. Garrett isn’t just a character, he’s an experience—every shadow, every creak, every careful step makes you feel alive in a world that’s brilliantly detailed and haunting. The level design is genius, the storytelling subtle but gripping, and the freedom to approach challenges your own way is unmatched. Even decades later, these games remain unmatched in stealth gaming. 10/10, without question.
Feb 14, 2025
10
the biggest levels ever,real labyrinths, very easy to get lost.Real classics.
96
Many games claim to be the next generation of first person shooters. "Unreal" didn't do it, "Half-Life" didn't either. This is the Promised Land.
90
The audio is extremely well done because it is a major component of gameplay, not just presentation. I don't think I've ever spent as much time listening to a game as I did with this one.
90
If your favorite RPG character was the rogue, your favorite hero a thief, or your favorite game as a child hide-n-go-seek, without a moment's hesitation go buy this game.
90
A completely original, utterly captivating riff on the first-person action game. [Apr 1999, p.114]
80
You’ll find the gameplay tight, intense, suspenseful, and unique. It has already stolen my heart, take a risk and don’t overlook it, it may steal yours as well.
Jun 4, 2022
10
The first thiefs were the best. This game series is basically 10/10 sneaking and thieving. The factions and characters are more well thought than you'd imagine.
Jan 21, 2025
7
Прошел оригинальный thief 1998 года. Легендарная игра, легендарная серия, жаль что погибла - не выдержала сурового накала капитализма. В современном мире людям нужно кушать кино и онлайн мусор, а не супер иммерсивный стелс в сеттинге дарк фентези и мрачного средневековья. Для 1998 года текстурки и технологичность ебейшая, ни одна консоль того времени бы с thief не справилась, огромные локации, иммерсивность нереальная. Сюжет и заставки по тем временам тоже дико топовые, иногда видно, что тупо снимали актеров, чтобы удешевить производство, но только лучше стало, меньше устаревает и очень атмосферно даже получилось. Однако, в этой игре худшая карта в истории видеоигр, ей можно только подтереть жопу, а это накладывается на гигантские локации, порой ты просто бродишь взад вперед по огромной зачищенной локе недоумевая куда идти. Управление тоже очень неудобное по современным меркам, игра нормально работает и со временем привыкаешь, но в те времена просто не умели делать в соответствии с нынешними нормами. Порой слишком душно + игра нереально пугает местами, хотя я уверен что ее вообще не хотели сделать как хоррор, просто так получилось. Но в целом качественный контент, по крайней мере я смог ее пройти без особых проблем, в отличие от thief 2013 года, которую я начинал 3 раза и просто не мог в это уныние играть. В 1998 году мне бы наверное сорвало крышу от thief, но сейчас игра не настолько впечатляет конечно - поставлю 7/10 со скидкой на время, но в 1998 году после прохождения я бы наверное визжал просто и оценка была бы выше.
Oct 11, 2024
7
I was obsessed with this game back in the day. However, replaying it again after 25+ years there are some things I completely forgot about. Issue 1: A lot of levels are built like big confusing mazes with no rhyme or reason to the layout. The real reason was, at the time, levels were small and were often built to be confusing on purpose to make longer gameplay. Issue 2: I forgot about all of the annoying non-human enemies you can go up against. By level 2 you start seeing zombies that are very hard to kill and annoying to sneak past and level 3 gives you weird lizards that spit clouds of acid that are everywhere in packs. I so wish they stuck to the human enemies with the fun dialog and voice overs to listen to. I was in love with the first level but after slogging through the next 2 I quickly lost interest. In the 3rd level if you make an easy fall into a watery cavern it can take you MINUTES to get back to the same spot, after battling through more enemies and that's only if you know the map layout. Lots of poor map design in some levels.
The game is a classic that started a whole genre that games like Assassin's Creed owe their existence to, but some things just don't hold up today.
Jun 27, 2020
7
Thief didnt age well in my opinion: The AI is very bad, sometimes it is even unrealistic and disturbs the immersion. The graphics engine is outdated, even with HD mods. The levels are big and complex, so you get lost often, what is frustrating. The map is not very helpful. The controlling is uncomfortable,if you search for an item in your inventory. **** beginning of the game is great: perfect atmosphere and great setting. It is a great idea to play a thief exceptionally and not a hero again. in addition stealth games are interesting instead of the 38237rz32th shooter. Anyway I prefer Splinter Cell.
SummarySneak through the shadows of 12 treacherous missions including haunted cathedrals, subterranean ruins, and forbidding prisons, in a dark and sinister city. Stalk your prey on the quest for stolen goods with your blackjack, sword and an assortment of unique arrows. Steal for money and uncover the hidden agendas of your allies and enemies ... Read More
Rated Mfor Mature
Platforms:
- PC
Initial Release Date:Nov 30, 1998
Developer:
- Looking Glass Studios
Publisher:
