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Of Guards And Thieves

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2014

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Quick resume

Of Guards and Thieves is a multiplayer stealth game in which high-powered guards face off against fast and elusive thieves in a contest of wits. Outsmarting the enemy and shooting your way through to the goal are equally valid strategies. Simple rules, emergent gameplay and high replayability.

Global score

85/100

Genres

Action, Casual, Free To Play, Indie, Massively Multiplayer, Racing, Strategy, Early Access

Similar games

    Pros

    • Unique stealth multiplayer gameplay
    • Multiple game modes and maps
    • Active developer support and updates
    • Fun and addictive with friends
    • Good balance of classes and tactics

    Cons

    • Small player base limits matchmaking
    • Lack of dedicated servers
    • Some imbalance in classes and modes
    • Early access with incomplete features
    • Connection and lag issues on some servers

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Domination, Status. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Cooperation. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Story, Domination.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players can choose classes, tactics, and interact with environment (lights, vents), allowing personal decision-making and strategic freedom."

    • Competence
      4

      "Skill-based stealth and shooting mechanics with tactical gameplay and class differences require mastery and provide feedback."

    • Competition
      5

      "Strong focus on multiplayer competitive modes with teams competing to steal or defend objectives, plus leaderboards and ranked matches implied."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players report addictive gameplay and long sessions, but small player base and early access status limit habitual play for some."

    • Cooperation
      5

      "Team-based gameplay requiring coordination between guards or thieves to achieve objectives and use tactics effectively."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Includes map editor and multiple game modes allowing player creativity, though sharing custom maps is not yet implemented."

    • Domination
      -2

      "While competitive, community is described as friendly and cooperative; some reports of admin abuse but generally balanced interactions."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game as a fun distraction and stress relief with immersive stealth and tactical gameplay."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no evidence of obligation or pressure to play."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Players experiment with different classes, tactics, and game modes; map editor encourages further experimentation."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Maps have multiple objectives and interactive elements; some exploration but mostly known environments."

    • Expression
      2

      "Character classes and skins provide some customization; DLC adds cosmetic options but limited."

    • Fantasy
      1

      "Game has a stylized, cartoony aesthetic with some imaginative elements but grounded in tactical shooter mechanics."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Community and multiplayer focus create a sense of belonging and shared experience among players."

    • Growth
      3

      "Leveling system and skill acquisition through gameplay support player development and mastery."

    • Health
      -5

      "Typical sedentary multiplayer game with no physical activity or health-related features."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires active attention and focus during matches; not suited for background or casual idle play."

    • Intimacy
      2

      "Some social interaction and teamwork but limited evidence of close emotional relationships forming."

    • Leadership
      2

      "Some players take leadership roles in team coordination, but generally balanced team participation."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players level up to unlock classes and content; progression is meaningful but not overly complex."

    • Relaxation
      1

      "Gameplay can be tense and thrilling but also enjoyable and rewarding, providing some relaxation."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Visual lighting effects and sound design provide sensory stimulation, though not extreme."

    • Status
      2

      "Some recognition through leveling and multiplayer status, but limited social status emphasis."

    • Story
      -3

      "No narrative or plot focus; gameplay is context-free multiplayer matches."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Strong emphasis on tactical planning, stealth, and team coordination to outsmart opponents."

    • Thrill
      4

      "Stealth and surprise elements create suspense and excitement during matches."

    • Value
      4

      "Players perceive good value due to free-to-play option, frequent updates, and enjoyable gameplay."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat and shooting are core mechanics, with emphasis on stealth kills and gunplay."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must avoid death and complete objectives under threat, requiring resource and risk management."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026