American Theft 80s review

If you have the patience to put up with a bit of janky gameplay, American Theft 80s may appeal to you. This thief simulation experience is brought to you by the team of Thief Simulator. Accordingly, it has many tried and tested mechanics and some familiar elements. However, it has a brilliant retro edge, 2 game modes, and an array of corny and despicable characters to interact with. After all, a life of crime is a little dangerous and seedy.

Developed by Noble Muffins and Console Labs, this single-player game is all about stealth, theft, and making relationships. Furthermore, there is a fine skill tree that unlocks new skills and better equipment to unlock. Therefore, there are plenty of chances to improve your stealing ways as you explore a picture-perfect version of America in the 80s.

American Theft 80s highlights the darker side of society.

We all know that robbery, violence, and other crimes take place under our noses. However, it rarely happens unless we see it or hear about it on the news. American Theft 80s allows you the opportunity to get into the action. You step into the shoes of an experienced burglar who must get on the baddies’ good side and climb up the crime syndicate ladder.

The story is pretty well trodden, but it works well. I liked the almost obvious moments and the flow of each quest. Additionally, the horrible nature of breaking into innocent people’s homes was uncomfortable, but fun. It is this line between bad and good that makes American Theft 80s great to play. Whether it involves picking locks, climbing walls, impersonating a businessman, or a smash-and-grab, the array of tasks is impressive.

Dirty money makes the world go around.

American Theft 80s is all about dirty money and the new tools you can buy. First, you are a simple criminal who drives your car from house to house, looking for simple opportunities. However, as things evolve, you’ll use your new tools to break windows, pick locks, open safes, and trick the public. A disguise can only last you a short period of time, so speed is of the essence.

You can make things easier if you pay to remove the heat or you purchase some intel. If you commit crimes and you are observed, the police will chase you. You can wait for things to quieten down, but time is money. Therefore, offering a bribe to the local bent cop works wonders. Alongside this, you can search for intel or purchase some tips from your dirty cop. This helps you understand what valuable goods are on offer and when you can access the property. However, if you like to take a risk, you may go it alone and see how you get along.

American Theft 80s is a little ropey.

I loved the gameplay and the stealth elements. Moreover, wearing different costumes to trick people was amusing. However, the ropey visuals were not that much fun. There are texture problems, bugs, and some frame rate issues. Additionally, it lacks detail, and that was annoying. Yet, you get used to the problems, and they fall by the wayside. The audio is a little repetitive, and the acting was somewhat wooden. This didn’t matter as American Theft 80s focuses on the corny nature of the 80s era. Therefore, it works well with the theme and the grim characters involved.

The controls aren’t perfect, but the use of radial menus and a clear tutorial helps to clear things up. This would probably be better with a mouse and keyboard, as it would be easier to select items and adjust your gear. Despite the problems, I mastered the controls in no time. If you fall for its crime-riddled ways, you can play either the free mode or the story mode. This creates an almost never-ending thief simulation that varies during every playthrough.

American Theft 80s is fun despite its issues.

If you want a highly polished experience, American Theft 80s won’t be your thing. It is janky and riddled with annoying elements. However, it is fun, sneaky, and a great twist on the developer’s original title. I loved the 80s theme, the filthy characters, and the learning curve. Therefore, I think it’s good, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!