Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow’s trailer ends on a dramatic note. In the introduction of the new character named Magpie, we see her come across a mechanical eye that attaches itself to her face. “As the scene gets a little surreal, a gruff voice says– ‘I thought I was dead. And who are you?’ This voice has caused much speculation online.”
If you have been playing Thief for a long time, you would identify that voice without any doubt. The original Garrett actor from first three Thief games Stephen Russell owns it. Some people speculated it was an AI lookalike, but Russell himself confirmed it in a video message. He is back.
Stephen Russell Confirms His Return as Garrett
It was a joy to be Garrett once again, Russell said in the video announcement. Over the years, he has created a wonderful bond with the character and said that he has missed the character his sincerely. He says the next VR title continued Garrett’s dry wit and personality very well.
A Sequel Bridging Two Eras of Thief
Legacy of Shadow may have its roots in the original Thief trilogy, but there are clear references to the 2014 reboot as well. The visual identity links both timelines even down to the reused logo. The new game will also build on hints found in the reboot that suggested the events of the original trilogy existed long before the reboot story on a more mythic era with gods worshipped.
Richard Bunn, Maze Theory’s lead designer, said that Thief VR is set in the time between the classic trilogy and the reboot — several hundred years before that. In this time, The City is broken and oppressed, under authoritarian control and observation at all times. Without the august Keepers around, only traces of such knowledge remain. These traces appear in the form of glyphs and artifacts that inhabit the world. Bunn characterized it as a land where Baron Northcrest’s dark obsession with forbidden lore creates a heavy shadow over all.
Embracing VR for Stealth Immersion
Even though the news of a VR exclusive didn’t warm the hearts of everyone, others believe in the format. Fans of immersive simulation may have a new way to experience stealth mechanics; the potential of Thief VR. While it may not be the flat-screen sequel that longtime fans desired, it certainly is an important evolution.
The first-person stealth genre is struggling right now so it’s also unlikely that a full-blown sequel would’ve happened. Legacy of Shadow backs a creative way forward, especially one that brings Stephen Russell’s iconic voice back in a humorous way. One line from the trailer says it all: ”A throne room! How pretentious can you get?” Garrett might be older, but his sarcasm is solid as ever.