Thinking Robot on 13/3/2024 at 23:44
We all know authors amaze us with countless fan missions. From legendary bank heists to exploration of dark forests, caverns, lost civilisations, city missions and even some on top of the roofs.
I personally love Cardia´s unique arena missions like Mechanist Facility, Playground of Doom, John Dosios Compound or Temple of Death.
However they got poor ratings despite beautiful maps and a very straightforward combat-oriented gameplay. The only good mission of this type was Captain of the Guard, which plays out like a tower-defense lookalike minigame.
Why do Cardia´s arena missions or arena missions in general get poor results? These are arenas, which is pretty clear in their description and they are not even bad by design.
I get the point Thief was made as a stealth game, but the arenas have the highest replay value for me. Sometimes I want a cozy hour, then I play Mechanist Facilty, mow some Mechanists down and see how long I can survive. Arena missions are typically rather short and therefore perfect for half an hour action, if the player likes this playstyle. I probably replayed Mechanist Facility more often than Lord Baffords Manor by now.
I really wish Cardia would release some other arena missions. GORT has implemented mechanists with guns and it would be really cool to defend yourself with the powerful explosive rocket bow against neverending hordes of incoming armed mechanists. :cool:
Azaran on 14/3/2024 at 15:05
Personally I'm more of a Thief traditionalist, I like classic-type missions, exploring crypts, cities (Lost or not), etc. I prefer arena gameplay in non-sneak FPS games (eg Quake)
marbleman on 14/3/2024 at 18:23
Thief's combat sucks. If I want a cozy hour as you put it, I play a shooter.
Captain of the Guard is special in that regard because you don't have to engage in combat. You can, but you can just focus on managing the units at your disposal and collecting coins.
Aemanyl on 14/3/2024 at 19:21
As Marbleman said, combat system in Thief is not particularly user-friendly or enjoyable. Therefore, missions that emphasise fighting over stealth or exploration are not going to be universally liked. Personally, I don't mind such levels, but I am not likely to replay them for relaxation purposes. I cannot unwind when I am constantly in danger. Anyway, have you played Hammerite Deathmatch FM?
ZylonBane on 14/3/2024 at 19:23
The same reason heist missions aren't popular in Doom. Because the engine sucks at it.
Thinking Robot on 14/3/2024 at 22:45
Quote Posted by Aemanyl
As Marbleman said, combat system in Thief is not particularly user-friendly or enjoyable. Therefore, missions that emphasise fighting over stealth or exploration are not going to be universally liked. Personally, I don't mind such levels, but I am not likely to replay them for relaxation purposes. I cannot unwind when I am constantly in danger. Anyway, have you played Hammerite Deathmatch FM?
Yes, Hammerite Deathmatch is a notable mission too. I really enjoyed it, also Kill Factory 2 - Escape from the Planet of Robots.
Cardia's arena series are the most recognizable ones.
