Project: Steal is an arcade platformer for Android that harkens back to the golden days of gaming, focused around stealing all the jewels, cash and valuables you can from vaults all over the world. It’s packed full of obstacles and enemies to combat as you try to take as much loot as possible in the shortest time possible. With decent 3D graphics and simple controls to get used to, Project: Steal is a nice game that features retro sensibilities without feeling too dated and it’s quite a tricky game as well. You can take a look at a gameplay video below, and read on to see what I thought of it.
You can play Project: Steal on either your tablet or smartphone, here I’m testing it on my Nexus 9 and you can download it for free from the Play Store. Once you’ve done that, you can just go ahead and open it.
I like the retro scanlines that are used throughout, and the whole game almost feels like you’re looking in through a CCTV recording. For those new to the game, it’s a good idea to start with the tutorial.
Project: Steal’s tutorial is refreshingly simple, it’s one short level that neatly introduces you to what the game is all about and then let’s you find out more as you actually get playing. There are three locations to choose from when you get started; Hong Kong, New York and London. Seeing as I’m here in the UK I’m going to try and rob some London vaults.
When playing the main levels, it’s pretty clear that the retro gameplay influence is strong here. With obstacles to avoid that should remind you of a classic Mario Bros title, this is definitely a throwback to how games used to be.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that, I really enjoyed the retro feel here, and while it plays like an older game, it’s certainly not dated. The 3D graphics look good, and the enemies are tricky to get around. The main aim of the game is to collect as much loot as possible, and in each level you’ll reach an area at the end filled with loot and of course enemies to get past.
Fans of Super Meatboy will appreciate the generous helping of rotating sawblades that prove difficult to get past.
As you progress through the levels, there are some seriously tricky levels waiting for you, especially as you reach the end of each level.
I might be a gamer that spends a good deal of time on the PS4, but when it comes to mobile games, I prefer something more manageable, something easier to play frankly. I’m a big fan of retro games overall, and Project: Steal is an excellent throwback. The gameplay is fun, challenging and a great option for big platformer fans. I wish that the vaults changed their appearance more when you choose something from Hong Kong or London, still some of the contents do change to reflect their locations. All-in-all, I had a good amount of fun playing Project: Steal, it was a tough challenge for even me and I can see myself playing more of this on my Nexus 9 over the Holidays and beyond. Controls are simple to get to grips with, it looks good and it’s great for casual and hardcore gamers alike.
Ratings
- Speed (4/5) – Project: Steal ran fine on my Nexus 9, and the pacing was nice as well.
- Features (4/5) – With some challenging platforming action and easy to use controls, Project: Steal is good fun and the premise of stealing as much as you can handle is a nice touch, too.
- Theme (4/5) – The 3D graphics, scanlines and sound effects are all pretty good here, but I do wish the overall look of the vaults changed more as you get through them.
- Overall (4/5) – A solid game that will appeal to older gamers as well as casual games, Project: Steal is well worth giving a go.
Pros
- Works well on Android tablets, which is a nice touch considering a lot of games look blown up and blocky tablets.
- Project: Steal is difficult, without being frustratingly so, it’s a fair challenge and is fun to overcome difficult levels.
- Control scheme is straightforward and simple to get to grips with.
- 3D graphics and cool retro looks help make the game feel modern and current.
Cons
- Vaults don’t change too much in appearance from one to another.
- While the controls are simple, jumping can be a little tricky to get used to.
- There are a lot of levels on offer, but more locations would be nice to see.
Project: Steal is a fun throwback that manages to relive classic gameplay without feeling dated. Give this game to a younger player and I don’t think they’d feel it was oldfashioned, rather I think they’d find it fun, easy to play and challenging. Being able to clear out vaults without any consequences does not get old and it’s a lot of fun every time. The enemies and obstacles make this a good challenge and there are plenty of levels to sink your teeth into.