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Game Thief: Deadly Shadows - Category Action
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Controls

The first mission of Deadly Shadows is a tutorial that introduces you to the controls for maneuvering Garrett and familiarizes you with the basics of stealth gameplay. Players can also customize their key and mouse bindings in the game options. Deadly Shadows includes a few new controls and interface adjustments, including the ability to switch between first and third person at will. Generally, the game controls like a first person shooter, and doesn't take long to figure out.

Basics

The third installment in the critically acclaimed Thief series, Deadly Shadows is a stealth game that puts you in the shoes of Garrett, a master thief. Your objective (aside from robbing rich people blind) is to help the Keepers -- the City's historians and prophets -- unravel an ancient prophecy, a creed that points to an impending dark age and a symbol of unthinkable destructive power. Though it builds on prequels, it's not necessary to have played the earlier Thief games to enjoy this one.

Missions

Deadly Shadows is a mission-based game set in the open-world environment of the City, Garrett's home. Each mission has specific objectives that change based on the difficulty level you choose (adjustable before each mission). In addition to a loot minimum, Garrett is generally looking for some unique treasure or piece of information. Most valuable items gleam in the darkness, so it's easy to distinguish valuable loot from worthless knickknacks. Grab everything you can!

Stealth

Secrecy and subtlety are the watchwords of the Thief series. Garrett is armed, but he's no bruiser. Guards and monsters can usually overmatch him, so sneaking is the best strategy. The gem at the bottom of the screen glows brighter the more light you're in; Garrett is able to vanish completely in shadows when the gem is totally dark. Use water arrows and other tools to enhance your stealthiness, and blackjack foes to knock them out. Remember to hide bodies so no one gets suspicious.

The City

Between missions you'll have access to the City, a huge urban spread that's part black magic, part steam-powered nightmare. You can enter (and rob) most buildings, pick most pockets, and even visit fences to sell your loot and buy equipment for future missions. Beware; the City Guard will try to arrest Garrett if they see him, so you'll need to be as stealthy when running your errands as you are when you're conducting a mission. New City neighborhoods open up as you progress through the game.

Equipment

Purchase a wide variety of weapons and equipment using proceeds from the loot you sell. Black market dealers throughout the City are indicated by a red handprint on their door. Buy multifunctional arrows to use with Garrett's bow; distractions such as flash grenades; even tools for healing and clues from informants. Watch for special deals at certain shops -- unique items that only appear occasionally. Unlike previous Thief games, your money and equipment carry over from mission to mission.

Tip: Too Many Doughnuts

Guarding a rich guy's house is actually a pretty cushy job, so a lot of the guards you encounter aren't exactly in the best shape. Sprint long enough during a chase and they'll run out of breath -- though they may also call in fresh reinforcements to continue the pursuit.

Tip: You Noticed

The guards are a lot more intelligent in this installment, especially at high difficulty levels. They'll notice extinguished lights, unexpectedly open doors, furniture out of place and -- of course -- missing valuables, and they'll investigate.

Tip: Don't Mind Me

Garrett can flatten himself against most walls, and even creep along them in this mode. It's harder for guards to see you when you're attached to the wall. You also take up less space.

Tip: Blue Fog

The various city districts (and most missions) are broken up into zones with short loading times between. Look for doorways filled with this oozing blue fog -- that indicates a zone transition.

Tip: Climbing Gloves

Deadly Shadows ditches the beloved Rope Arrows in favor of Climbing Gloves, which become available for purchase fairly early in the game. With these, Garrett can ascend sheer surfaces made of brick or stone.