Platforms PC, Mac (Steam)
Developer Wonderstruck Publisher Rising Star Games
Genre Action Platform Played On PC
Video games based on using stealth to bypass enemies are nothing new. Games which combine stealth and focusing solely on stealing things have also been done, although they aren’t so common. But what about titles which take away the ability of subduing/killing anyone, instead forcing you to constantly be on the move as you snatch just one more item? Well, in-comes The Marvellous Miss Take – a tale about a London thief whom uses her kleptomaniac skills to build her own art gallery.
The Marvellous Miss Take is all about reacquiring – i.e. stealing – certain pieces of art which were wrongfully taken from protagonist Sophia’s aunt after she passed away, and thus redecorating her granddaughter’s own museum for the public to enjoy. Sophia is not alone in her endeavour, however, as she is accompanied by Harry – a master-thief acting like a mentor – in addition to Daisy – a small-time dabbler in the art of pickpocketing. Across the game’s 25 missions, players will assume the role of these three characters, each possessing their own skills. Overall, while the game is light on story, you will appreciate every small chit-chat here and there in-between levels, as well as the local newspaper talking about your previous exploits and how pissed the villain is for emptying his galleries.
Each gallery features two stories to steal through, in addition to including special pieces of art which act as secondary objectives. Adding to the dynamic nature of Miss Take is the fact that near each said special piece, there is a visitor whom will alert nearby guards, once you have stolen the secondary objective. Finally, each stage also includes a specific time during which to steal everything and get out, this being mostly for those looking for an extra challenge.
Like any other respectable thief, clearing an upcoming path can be done either by whistling to get the guards’ attention, or by simply walking in their line-of-sight for a few seconds, just until the brutes decide to start investigating. Besides guards, our thieves must also face cameras posted throughout the game’s art galleries. In this case, going into their line-of-sight triggers an all-out alarm, putting everyone on high-alert and considerably raising the chances of being discovered. If guards get a hold of Sophia or her accomplices, you are required to restart said level, simply because the game takes a totally non-lethal approach to its gameplay. In addition to guards and cameras, Miss Take also features dogs. Naturally, it’s not enough to avoid their line-of-sight, but stay away from them entirely, as they can sniff our thieves out and alert nearby guards. Later levels are further complicated by the addition of lasers.
Miss Sophia can use several gadgets throughout her kleptomaniac adventures. She can distract everyone’s attention using radios, teleport, disable the guards’ and cameras’ lines-of-sight using smoke bombs, or even use glue to slow guards and dogs down. What’s also great about Miss Take is the fact that the guards’ and dogs’ patrols change on-the-fly. There’s nothing pre-determined here, which makes each escape that more rewarding.
As mentioned above, besides Sophia, players can also complete each level by taking control of either Harry or Daisy. Contrary to Sophia or Daisy, Harry isn’t able to run, although he always caries around a ball which distracts guards. On the flip-side – just like Sophia’s hat – players are required to pick it up in case they dropped it, in order to complete a mission. Another difference when playing with the master-thief is the fact that missions take place during the night, at a time when a few previously accessible paths are blocked, forcing the player to change his/her strategy. On the flip-side, going in as Daisy requires you to steal a few keys from the guards, in order to unlock safes found throughout galleries. Daisy’s missions take place in the evening, just after visiting hours.
The game’s colourful art style and animations coupled with its soundtrack – which is a combination of Jazz and Classical – make Miss Take seem like it has been ripped straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon. In short, its presentation creates a wonderful atmosphere.
Overlooking The Marvellous Miss Take would be a… well, mistake. From its colourful presentation and wonderful soundtrack, challenging levels, to its diversity of gadgets and characters, developer Wonderstruck has managed to turn art-thievery into something remarkable. Let me add one more pun before I let myself out – for its price, The Marvellous Miss Take is a downright… steal. Stop thinking and start stealing.
The Good
- Three Thieves, Each Possessing Their Own Skills
- Challenging Levels
- Mostly Diverse Gameplay
- Gorgeous Visuals
The Bad
- Playing as Harry or Daisy Can Sometimes be Too Easy
