Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Indie, Platform, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Xbox One
- Developers: Size Five Games
- Publishers: Curve Digital
The Swindle: A Steampunk Cybercrime Caper
Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure in the world of The Swindle, a steampunk cybercrime caper that will put your stealth and hacking skills to the test. Released in 2015, this unique indie game combines fast-paced action with strategic planning, creating an exhilarating experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Story and Setting
The Swindle takes place in a Victorian-era London steeped in steampunk aesthetics. You play as a master thief known as The Swindler, who has a knack for breaking into buildings, hacking their systems, and stealing their hard-earned cash. However, the police are hot on your heels, and time is of the essence as you must escape before they catch you red-handed.
Gameplay
The gameplay in The Swindle is a blend of stealth and strategy. Each level presents you with a procedurally generated building, complete with guards, security systems, and valuable loot. Your objective is to infiltrate the building, hack into its systems, and steal as much money as you can before the police arrive.
To achieve this, you must use a variety of tools and gadgets at your disposal. These include lockpicks for opening doors, hacking devices for disabling alarms, and grappling hooks for scaling walls. You must also be aware of the guards’ patrol patterns and avoid detection at all costs.
Stealth and Hacking
Stealth is paramount in The Swindle. You must move quietly, stay out of sight, and use the environment to your advantage. Guards have limited vision and hearing, so you can often sneak past them by crouching or hiding behind objects.
Hacking is another essential aspect of the game. You can use hacking devices to disable security systems, open doors remotely, and even steal money directly from safes. Hacking minigames require quick reflexes and a keen eye, as you must match symbols or solve puzzles to succeed.
Time Pressure
One of the unique elements of The Swindle is the constant time pressure. The police are always on their way, and you have a limited amount of time to complete each heist. This forces you to make quick decisions and adapt your strategy on the fly.
Upgrades and Customization
As you progress through The Swindle, you will earn money that can be used to purchase upgrades and customize your character. Upgrades include improved lockpicks, faster hacking devices, and new gadgets that can give you an edge in your heists.
You can also customize your character’s appearance and choose from a variety of different outfits and accessories. This adds an element of personalization to the game and allows you to create a unique thief that suits your playstyle.
Replayability and Challenge
The Swindle offers immense replayability thanks to its procedurally generated levels and challenging gameplay. Each heist is different, and you must constantly adapt your strategy to succeed. The game also features multiple difficulty levels, providing a challenge for both new and experienced players alike.
Critical Reception
The Swindle received critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its unique blend of stealth, hacking, and time pressure gameplay. The game’s procedurally generated levels, challenging difficulty, and charming steampunk aesthetics were all highly praised.
The Swindle was nominated for several awards, including “Best British Game” at the 2015 Golden Joystick Awards. It has also been featured in numerous “best of” lists, solidifying its place as one of the most innovative and entertaining indie games of its time.
Conclusion
The Swindle is a masterfully crafted cybercrime caper that will test your skills, wits, and reflexes. With its procedurally generated levels, challenging gameplay, and charming steampunk setting, The Swindle offers an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a fan of stealth games, hacking puzzles, or simply thrilling action, The Swindle is a game that you won’t want to miss.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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