Arsène Lupin: Once a Thief, developed by Blazing Griffin and published by Microids, brings the iconic gentleman thief to the PlayStation 5. Featuring narrative-driven gameplay, Once a Thief immerses players in a world of intrigue, heists, and puzzles, all set against the stylish backdrop of 19th-century France. The game captures the unique tone of Maurice Leblanc’s classic stories, blending a light-hearted but suspenseful vibe that characterizes Lupin’s famous escapades.
The game’s plot follows Lupin as he attempts to unravel a mystery involving high-stakes thefts while remaining a few steps ahead of Inspector Ganimard, his perpetual adversary. The narrative incorporates a mix of wit, tension, and twists, which feels authentic to the original literary atmosphere. But while the story does succeed in keeping players invested and entertained, certain moments lack the depth that could have elevated character development, particularly with supporting cast members who often feel underutilized.
On the gameplay front, Once a Thief offers puzzle-based mechanics interwoven with exploration. The puzzles themselves are engaging, with varying degrees of difficulty, yet they sometimes feel disconnected from the story, which may break immersion for players expecting seamless integration. And while the puzzles are creative, they occasionally follow a pattern that becomes predictable over time. However, for fans of mystery and classic detective work, the game presents enough mental tests to remain entertaining across its playthrough – which unfortunately is a bit shorter than we were expecting.
The visuals and design enhance the game’s overall appeal, capturing a Parisian aesthetic that gives players a sense of place and history. The attention to detail in architecture and period design is evident, contributing to a cohesive and atmospheric setting. However, while environments are well-rendered, some animations appear stiff, and minor graphical hiccups like those can detract from the otherwise polished look.
Audio plays a supporting role in Once a Thief, with a soundtrack that effectively enhances tension and a voice cast that delivers their lines with charm. Lupin’s character, in particular, shines through in his vocal performance, adding a layer of wit and sophistication that’s vital to his persona.
In the end, Arsène Lupin: Once a Thief balances an engaging story with classic puzzle mechanics, though certain areas leave room for improvement. Fans of the Lupin lore and those drawn to narrative mysteries will likely find plenty to enjoy, even if a few rough edges hold it back from its full potential.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 