„Nothing is what it seems” Thick As Thieves is a PvPvE heist game full of sabotage and illusions

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Prior to Summer Game Fest, suggesting a heist game might have been challenging for me. However, after the Day of the Devs showcase, I now have three exceptional choices to propose. One of these games is developed by renowned game creator Warren Spector (Deus Ex) and his studio OtherSide Entertainment. Known as Thick As Thieves, this PvPvE heist game allows players to embark on jobs, navigating the city nightscape of the early 1900s, stealthily evading guards, collecting loot, and sabotaging other players. During Summer Game Fest, I was granted a sneak peek at an alpha version of Thick As Thieves by some members of the development team. Based on this early look, it seems that this game could potentially be the next big multiplayer hit.

Thick As Thieves turns stealth gameplay into a competitive multiplayer sandbox

In a criminal organization, you’re tasked with completing various assignments, and this often involves the typical heist scenario: infiltrate a grand mansion, evade security guards, and exit undetected with your loot. However, as the team hints in their Day of the Devs trailer, things don’t always go according to plan because other players can introduce unexpected complications. The guards are routine-bound, following specific paths, but you never know how another individual might act.

During my SGF demo, there were initially three main character choices, each boasting a distinct skillset. One character wielded a grappling hook, enhancing the gameplay by offering more vertical movement opportunities, while another could generate a temporary illusion to mimic guards or other NPCs. The third character, it seemed, wasn’t yet fully prepared for alpha gameplay, and was given the ability to respawn once if they were knocked out. The development team emphasized that their aim was to ensure each character’s unique ability had the potential to disrupt the game in some way, so as to avoid making the grappling hook character an overly preferred choice due to its perceived value.

It’s fortunate that these characters don’t have fixed skill sets. Instead, players can customize their skills according to the situation or personal choice. I believe this is a smart move because it adds an element of unpredictability to each encounter. This could potentially prevent repetitive rock-paper-scissors scenarios and keep players guessing. As in any multiplayer game, a dominant strategy (or “meta”) may emerge, but the versatility among characters ensures there’s always some degree of variety.

As you move along, each step you take marks a temporary path, distinctively colored according to the player. Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious and tactical about the trail you create. An engaging feature is called ‘call cards’. Every time you claim some loot, you also leave behind a small, personalized card to notify other players who took the item. This gives plenty of room for creativity, and I can already envision the amusement I’d have in crafting annoying call cards when playing with friends.

Here’s another way to phrase it:

In addition to the annoyance, it’s amusing to note that once opened, chests can be relocked. This means other players have to go through the hassle of picking the lock, only to discover that their efforts were fruitless. However, this feature comes with a catch; now other players know who they should keep an eye on. You could opt to make a run for it with your loot or hide it somewhere in the map. If they find the stash, though, if they find you instead, at least your treasure remains secure.

I’d also like to delve into the audio aspects of the game “Thick As Thieves”. In a stealth title such as this, every sound you hear has significance and every sound you produce could expose your position. This aspect isn’t something to be ignored. Fortunately, the audio director, Matthew Pablo, was present to provide insights on it. He shared that each background noise serves a purpose – if you hear a train horn in the backdrop, for instance, following it can lead you to the train tracks and the train passing by. Although I haven’t played the game or listened to it with headphones yet, this attention to sound design gives me faith that it will be executed effectively.

In the heat of the demo, I stumbled upon an unforgettable moment when I found myself face-to-face with another player, though we didn’t initially recognize each other. We entered a room, and a guard was there, ready to pounce. Yet, instead of giving chase, this guard retreated at our approach – an instant hint that something wasn’t quite as it seemed.

In the blink of an eye, I whipped out a smoke bomb, aimed a poison dart, and before I knew it, we were in the midst of a whirlwind escape. The “guard” turned out to be another player cleverly using their appearance to blend into the crowd of NPCs. It was these spontaneous, unpredictable scenarios like that one which showcase the exciting, surprising moments that will organically unfold in Thick As Thieves.

I’m thrilled to share that thanks to OtherSide Entertainment and Megabit Publishing, I got an early peek at the intriguing multiplayer stealth game, Thick As Thieves, during Summer Game Fest. If you find this game as captivating as I do, why not give it a try? The development team is actively seeking playtesters, and you can sign up on Megabit’s website to be a part of the fun. Fingers crossed, if I’m chosen, you might just spot me pulling off some sneaky moves! When Thick As Thieves officially launches, it will be ready for action on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

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2025-06-19 22:32