Metascore
82 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 61 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 61
  2. Negative: 0 out of 61
  1. What really impressed me about Thief: Deadly Shadows was its exquisite attention to detail in all regards. From the graphics to the sound to the level design, every aspect of Thief: Deadly Shadows seems lovingly crafted by those who genuinely cared about what they were doing.
  2. The Xbox version is not a port, it was developed alongside the PC title and while the graphics and sound aren't quite as solid, it is still a remarkable gaming experience.
  3. The voice acting on this game was top notch, and trust me, there is a lot of voice acting in this game. Great, gritty voices really helped you believe in each of the characters.
  4. Stands as a stark contrast to this normal guns-a-blazin' attitude, due to its meticulous stealth-based gameplay that demands patience, strategy and more than a little ingenuity on the gamer's part. This uniqueness of gameplay combined with great presentation and engrossing story makes Deadly Shadows a true gem.
  5. It's a surprisingly long game, with plenty to do away from the main story; Thief will consume you for months on end.
  6. Though far from flawless, Thief: Deadly Shadows is a magnificent game that breathes a bit of fresh air into the stealth action genre. It's got impressive graphics, ambient sound, immersive gameplay, and an intriguing story that is truly deserving of praise.
  7. Thief: Deadly Shadows creates a super-realistic environment and weaves a sinister storyline full of plot twists and plenty of suspense to create a game like no other.
  8. 90
    Carry out your finest work in shadowy places and dole out dagger lobotomies with little chance of being penalized. It's almost as good as being a U.S. president or Hall of Fame running back!
  9. A breath of fresh air when it comes to stealth games.
  10. Casual gamers may not be bothered by the difficulty bug or AI glitches, but diehard Thief fans would be better off with the PC version, both for definitely available patches and the offhand possibility of future mod missions.
  11. The idea of stealing loot which you then need to sell at certain fences to buy equipment is good fun and the way you are free to explore is very nice.
  12. 90
    While this kind of slow, patient "stealth" gameplay has obviously been done before, it's never been done this well or been so throughly entrenched into every nuance and layer of design. [Aug 2004, p.64]
  13. The game mechanics might seem simple but the freedom and depth is astonishing - a dark and engrossing return for the Godfather of Stealth.
  14. It doesn't stray too far from the conventions of today, but there is no doubt, at least in this reviewer's opinion, that this is the best Thief game to date.
  15. Delivers on its promises and is a worthy addition to the legacy of Looking Glass, we can only hope that more innovation and interaction is present in what all Thief fans are hoping for; "Thief 4."
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. StephanK.
    10
    All I can say is...holy crap...this game blew me away. From it's great graphics and lighting system to the wonderful sound, Thief is one heluva game. And many people will disagree with me, but Thief leaves Splinter Cell (even though it is a great game) in the dust. Full Review »
  2. RobinH.
    9
    Thief 3 is a stealth game that differs from Splinter Cell in many aspects. You are Garrett, a master thief and must steal from the guys in The City. You've got a lot more freedom, can buy your own gear and have a city like in GTA. Bad point vs. Splinter Cell: PT is that it doesn't have (XBL) multiplayer. Excellent Game! Full Review »
  3. [Anonymous]
    10
    Thief just got both better and more addicting!!!