Project Shadowglass channels Thief, Deus Ex and System Shock while dunking on generative AI
Get ready to dive into the shadows with Project Shadowglass, a new immersive sim that's giving serious Thief vibes. Think dark fantasy, first-person stealth, and a whole lot of sneaking around. I'm talking light and shadow mechanics, lockpicking, pickpocketing, and even planning elaborate heists. It's like the good old days of immersive sims, but with a fresh coat of pixelated paint.
Dominick John, the lead developer, is also part of the musical parody duo Space Bards, which is kind of hilarious. But don't expect any singing in Project Shadowglass, unless you want to get caught, of course. Although, a game that allows you to distract guards with ventriloquism sounds kinda awesome. Someone should definitely make that.
What's really cool about Project Shadowglass is that it's a big ol' middle finger to generative AI. If you missed it, some AI enthusiasts posted a generated image of a generic fantasy game a while back, and it got a lot of attention. The Project Shadowglass teaser cleverly references that image, making it clear that everything in their game is 100% real and made by humans.
I gotta say, while I'm not the biggest fan of the whole AI art thing, I can appreciate the humor in this. Plus, the devs are giving credit where it's due, acknowledging the open-source assets they used. That's how it should be done.
It sounds like Project Shadowglass is going back to the basics, taking inspiration from classics like Thief, Deus Ex, and System Shock. You'll be able to do all the sneaky things you'd expect, like extinguishing torches, hiding bodies, and learning enemy patrol patterns. There's even a persistent city where your actions have consequences. Become a notorious killer, and people will run away from you in terror. It's all about planning, skill, and using your wits to outsmart your enemies.
Don't expect to be some overpowered hero in this game. The Steam page says it best: "You are no hero with powers. Instead, you must rely solely on improving your own planning and skill." Combat is a no-go, and falling from high places is definitely not recommended. This game is all about stealth, strategy, and thinking on your feet.
The story sets the stage for some serious social commentary, which I always appreciate in a game. A kingdom divided by wealth, where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The city is building walls to keep the "undesirables" out, but they didn't count on you. Sounds like the perfect setup for a good old-fashioned rebellion.
As for when you can actually play Project Shadowglass, well, that's still a mystery. The release date is "to be announced." But based on what I've seen so far, it looks like it'll be worth the wait. I'm definitely keeping my eye on this one.
1 Image of Project Shadowglass:
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun