The world of virtual reality video games is about to experience a significant innovation with the announcement of Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow. Although the idea of immersive simulators has been limited in the realm of VR, this new game aims to fill that gap by offering classic experiences from the Thief series, such as stealth and exploration, in a completely immersive environment.
A technology that favors unique approaches
According to Eugenio Aguilar Oriani, publication producer at Vertigo Games, “VR is a natural fit for an immersive simulator, as it allows players to physically interact with the world.” Players will be able to crouch, hide, and move in the shadows to avoid detection, as well as use their own hands to steal objects and solve puzzles in a richly detailed environment.
One of the highlights is the mechanics of lockpicking, specifically designed for VR controls. Players will use both hands to manipulate the pins of a lock with haptic feedback, adding an extra level of immersion. However, some critics have expressed their dissatisfaction with elements like the string arrows, which appear with specific anchor points, limiting players’ creativity.
The story of Thief VR is set approximately 200 years after Thief: Deadly Shadows and before the 2014 reboot, creating a bridge between different periods of the series. The new protagonist, Magpie, will start as a common thief, but his journey will lead him to become a master thief, a trajectory that reflects the growth of characters in previous installments.
Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow will be released this year and will be available on Steam, promising to maintain the essence of the series while introducing new dynamics for players, both veterans and newcomers to the Thief universe.
