Thief as Noir

             It’s not rocket science to observe that Thief is akin to a noir film. The game almost always takes place at night; shadows hang over just about every scene; the design of the City gives it an abstract feel; and Garrett, both in demeanor and voice, comes off as a seedy private eye.        

            Thief: The Dark Project’s story could be portrayed as noir. Ken Levine, who contributed to the game’s story, said as much in an Irrational Behavior podcast. Garrett is the private eye, lured into a lucrative job by a sultry woman (here, Victoria), gets embroiled in this job hoping for a big payoff, only to be betrayed in the end, and not only gain nothing but lose something as well (here, his eye).

            Thief’s moodiness is certainly noir. While I wouldn’t describe the game first as being noir, that comparison can understandably be made. This is just a recognition of one of the many influences behind the brilliance of Thief. Add 'noir' to the list of medieval fantasy, D&D, Ultima Underworld, and so on.