Thief Simulator 2 is a game that will play with your moral compass. The idea of breaking into innocent people’s homes and stealing their belongings didn’t feel right. However, there was a sense of excitement and suspense as you crept around and pocketed every valuable item. This rinse and repeat gameplay never gets old and the fear of getting caught keeps you on your toes. Yet, bugs and some terrible acting hold this back from truly excelling.
Ultimate Games published this crime simulation experience. Moreover, it is a single-player title mainly from a first-person perspective. Furthermore, there are cars to steal and drive, houses to break into, and a character progression element that adds depth. Consequently, there is plenty to work towards as you venture into the seedy life of a low-life burglar.
Thief Simulator 2 takes you on a rapid journey.
Pressure and mistakes can set you on the wrong path. Sadly, this is exactly what happens in Thief Simulator 2! The protagonist has stolen thousands from a criminal organisation, and now they must pay the consequences. However, a stranger extends an olive branch and your road to redemption begins. The path isn’t always smooth and overcoming every obstacle will test you in more ways than one. But if you can succeed, you’ll learn new skills while appeasing the criminals who are hell-bent on revenge.
The plot may be sinister and uncomfortable, but it plays second fiddle to the unfolding action. As you explore 2 unique streets and undertake challenging heists, you must remain undetected or pay the consequences. Yet, remaining undetected is not easy as dogs and their owners are never too far away. Moreover, every neighbour is a busybody, and they love to shop you to the Po-Po! As such, you must learn the habits of each mark and plan your break-ins accordingly.
Loads to do, but not much variety.
Thief Simulator 2 offers plenty of scope for naughty law-breaking ways. However, the simple gameplay loop lacks variety. Effectively, you are tasked with hiding in the shadows whilst stealing an array of objects. The hero can carry a limited number of items and this makes each trip somewhat arduous. Furthermore, some items are more desirable than others. Yet, it isn’t always clear which one is worth your time and effort. Subsequently, you steal everything in sight and worry about the finer details afterwards.
When things go well, you’ll freely open cupboards, drawers, and safes. Additionally, you’ll pick locks, climb vines, and clamber through windows. Yet, whenever the police are called, you have to run like a demented chicken. If you are seen, there is no point hiding in a bin or under a bed. Unfortunately, they have a keen sense of smell and find you immediately. However, if you give them the slip, the police are ridiculously short-sighted. Accordingly, the action feels unbalanced and occasionally ridiculous.
Thief Simulator 2 lacks polish.
The first-person perspective works exceptionally well. I loved the sense of immersion and I genuinely felt tension when hiding in the shadows. Disappointingly, the rough textures, awful character models, and repetitive assets undermine the finish. This lack of polish wasn’t unexpected and the varied bugs and glitches didn’t prevent me from progressing. Yet, I wish it was more refined and the developer had focused more on the environment and the finer details.
The audio does a great job of enhancing the atmosphere. The use of sombre and quiet moments builds suspense. Moreover, the realistic sound effects work well with each lock-picking task. But it was the awful sound bites that held it back. The repetition of stupid one-liners was mind-numbing. With so much scope and plenty of different characters, I expected much more.
Occasionally clumsy controls.
Though Thief Simulator 2 is perfectly serviceable, it could have been much better. The gamepad accuracy is pretty rough and accessing each drawer or cupboard was occasionally challenging. Matters are made worse when you are under pressure. If you are being chased, or you wish to avoid detection, you want responsive inputs. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case and clipping furniture or running into doors was a common occurrence. As such, you will become frustrated and curse repeatedly.
If you can overlook the handful of issues, there is plenty of replay value and longevity. There are loads of unique items to steal, quests to complete, and heists to plan. Additionally, there are cars to steal, and you can upgrade your hideout if you want. Alongside this, you may pickpocket people and break into vans and containers. Consequently, there is plenty to do if you love to break the law.
Thief Simulator 2 has its shortcomings, but it is fun, nonetheless.
Breaking the law isn’t my go-to route. However, Thief Simulator 2 lets you experience that naughty and seedy path. The action is captivating and I loved the sense of tension. Furthermore, the freedom to explore each small area or plan an elaborate heist was impressive. Yes, there are shortcomings, but this rarely matters. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Redemption and money are too hard to resist. Choose a house, steal everything in sight, and buy your freedom.
