Scout, loot, and get out in Spirited Thief, a tactical turn-based heist simulator with a twist. Search ahead as spirit, Trin, and grab the goods as thief, Elaj. Just make sure you have the loot before the guards come looking!
The game splits its gameplay into two distinct phases. First, players control the ghostly companion Trin to scout ahead and explore the level. Trin can move undetected, locate secret passages and treasures, and mark the positions of guards. This scouting phase allows players to carefully plan their heist before executing it. In the second looting phase, players control the thief Elaj and any other unlocked characters. Their goal is to infiltrate the level, avoid detection, and steal as much loot as possible before the alarm is raised and more guards arrive. The separation of scouting and looting adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must balance the information gathered during scouting with the need for speed and efficiency during the heist.
Reviews praise the game's well-balanced, challenging difficulty curve. The early levels start relatively straightforward, but new mechanics and enemy types gradually increase the complexity. However, the game provides extensive difficulty customization options. Players can adjust factors like the alarm timer, number of guard patrols, and even the ability to rewind turns. This customizability helps avoid frustration for both experienced stealth fans and newcomers to the genre. Many reviewers highlight how this allows them to fine-tune the experience to their skill level, while still providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment when completing a level flawlessly.
Unlike some stealth games that use procedural generation, this title features carefully crafted, intricate levels for players to navigate. Reviewers applaud the level design, noting how each map presents new puzzles and challenges that require strategic planning and execution to overcome. The levels are described as "wonderfully crafted intricate puzzles," with hidden secrets and alternate paths for players to discover. This encourages repeated attempts to achieve the perfect run, where players complete all objectives without any detection.
As players progress, they can unlock new abilities and upgrades for Trin, Elaj, and the other thieves. These range from passive boosts to active skills that provide more options for completing objectives stealthily, such as invisibility, distractions, and crowd control abilities. Reviewers appreciate the depth and variety of these upgrades, as they allow for different playstyles and encourage experimentation to find the optimal combinations for each level. Upgrading and customizing the thief team is a satisfying and meaningful part of the gameplay loop.
While the core gameplay loop of scouting and looting is the main draw, reviewers also highlight the engaging story and characters. The narrative, which follows the unlucky thief Elaj and his ghostly partner Trin, is praised for its humor, relatability, and ability to drive the player forward. The character interactions and dialogue are noted as a particular strength, with reviewers enjoying the banter and character development throughout the game. The story is said to complement the gameplay well, providing a compelling context for the heists and adding to the overall sense of immersion.