Sketch of the Day

Another Dumb Thief

Maybe this is why I like stories about master thieves--you know, the old folktale about the thief that steals the manor lord's wedding ring and sheets out from under him, the Robin Hood variations, Arsene Lupin, Sherlock Holmes, Reynard the Fox, colorful Wild West outlaws, the Thief computer game... I've always loved the clever-thief archetype (which is why I often have stories about them here on Bonzuko's blog).

Could my love for clever thieves be because they are so very rare in real life?

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jTRxIwXbHJGUIojO6Y_Z-Jx22VPwD987HMBO1

BTW, Boing Boing is a stellar blog that is self-named "The directory of wonderful things." I concur. I would like to have a pint of homebrew with all those guys. ~Jenn

Thief 4!?!

The engrossing, well-written Thief games have been a favorite in the Bonzuko household since Thief: The Dark Project first came out in 1997. Now the game is up to three (anyone know how we can play 1 & 2 on Jenn's laptop w/Vista, please let us know!), and unfortunately Team Bonzuko was convinced it was the end of the franchise.

Not so! Read this article that stellar blog Boing Boing linked. It's an overview of the games, the studios that made them, and some delicious confirmed news about the new one! Highlighted quote: "[Thief's] influence on modern gaming remains enormous, effectively introducing the idea of stealth and non-violent first-person action. It also remains a singular experience: none of its imitators have come close. For many people, there is only Thief."

There is "only Thief" for us. We don't know whether to say "hurry up" or "take your sweet time and make it amazing" to Eidos Montreal. Some of both? Thanks to Ragdoll Metaphysics for the article, and Boing Boing for paying attention! Image was yoinked off the Thief website.

Giving Ninja a Bad Name

Check this article out: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=115593&catid=188

Calling this guy a "ninja" perpetuates a lame stereotype. But I guess a real ninja would appreciate the maintenance of mystique and distraction what from what they really do. It makes me sigh anyway. ~Jenn