Thief Ii: The Metal Age

Thief was the grandmaster of the stealth genre, the first to introduce concepts like light-based snaking and emergent gameplay. However, as is often the case with sequels, Thief II takes those early concepts and develops them into true mastery. It continues in the steampunk world that's home to master thief Garrett, following him as he tries to unravel a religious conspiracy. In his arsenal are various magics and technologies, from a scouting orb to gas-tipped arrows. Don't let the weapons fool you, though, because this game is more of a careful skulk through the shadows than a sword frenzy. And that's part of what makes it so damn good. When the game dropped, the market was full of first person shooters and action. Even today, most games have fighting built into their core. This title draws its excitement from the fear of discovery, the twists in its expertly written missions, and near-perfect level design. There's a feeling of authenticity to the City, present in sprinkles of overheard conversations and humor. Contrasting it are stoic cathedrals and religious zealots, mechanical creatures and expertly tense sound design. All exist as a playground for our thief, a challenge that will leave your heart beating without a single person killed.