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American Theft 80s

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2022

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Quick resume

From the THIEF SIMULATOR developers. It's the 80s. Steal VCRs, tapes, classic cars, and if you get caught, outrun the police!

Global score

74/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Simulator

Pros

  • Addictive stealth gameplay with planning and tool use
  • 80s aesthetic and immersive atmosphere
  • Open world with multiple neighborhoods
  • Skill progression and heist missions
  • Good value for price, especially on sale

Cons

  • Some bugs and jank reported
  • Repetitive gameplay after story completion
  • Limited social or cooperative features
  • Small map size and limited exploration
  • Police ai and npc behavior can be frustrating

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose how and when to rob houses, scout NPC schedules, and select tools and disguises, allowing personal planning and decision-making."

  • Competence
    3

    "Lockpicking and other tool minigames provide skill challenges; progression and skill points reward effective play, though some tasks can become repetitive."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal stealth and planning rather than competing against others; no mention of leaderboards or PvP."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report addictive gameplay loops with desire to keep robbing houses and progressing, though some find it repetitive after story completion."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay centers on solo stealth and burglary activities with limited or no multiplayer or cooperative elements."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players can choose different approaches to break-ins, use disguises, and plan heists, offering creative problem solving within set scenarios."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions with NPCs and police are reactive but balanced; no evidence of players exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "The 80s setting, stealth gameplay, and immersive burglary missions provide a strong escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and personal interest; no indication of obligation or external pressure to play."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with different tools, disguises, and routes to complete heists and robberies."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Open world with multiple neighborhoods and houses to discover, though map size is moderate and some areas feel limited."

  • Expression
    2

    "Players can customize character outfits and decorate purchased houses, allowing some self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    -1

    "While set in the 80s with some stylized elements, the game focuses on realistic burglary mechanics rather than high fantasy or improbable fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Minimal social or community features; gameplay is primarily single-player and individual."

  • Growth
    3

    "Skill trees and progression systems encourage learning and improving burglary skills over time."

  • Health
    -4

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; some reports of motion sickness or headaches from long sessions."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during stealth and tool minigames; not designed for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited social interaction; NPCs are scripted and player relationships are minimal and superficial."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; gameplay is individual and self-directed."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate tools, cars, houses, and skills to unlock new burglary opportunities and improve effectiveness."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find the stealth and planning relaxing, but others note tension from police chases and detection risk."

  • Sensation
    2

    "The 80s aesthetic, music, and immersive sound design provide moderate sensory stimulation and enjoyment."

  • Status
    -3

    "No social recognition or ranking systems; achievements exist but are personal rather than public."

  • Story
    2

    "Story mode with missions and narrative elements exists but is considered simple and secondary to gameplay."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players plan heists, study NPC schedules, and select tools and routes requiring logical thinking and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Stealth gameplay and risk of detection create suspense and excitement during burglaries."

  • Value
    3

    "Players report good value for money especially on sale, with several hours of engaging gameplay."

  • Violence
    -4

    "Minimal violence; combat is limited and non-lethal, focusing on stealth and avoidance rather than destruction."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players must avoid detection and police capture, managing risk and timing to survive heists."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026