Heist

Heist is a cancelled action-adventure video game that was developed by inXile Entertainment and was set to be published by Codemasters for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The game was to be set in San Francisco, California, around 1969, following a group of criminals as they performed various thefts.

What is Heist?

Heist is a stealth game set squarely in the era of smooth jazz and organized crime. You take on the role of a lone cat-burglar, navigating through the gritty streets of 1969 San Francisco. The game’s atmosphere is rich with the tension and style of the time, emphasizing a mix of stealth and cunning. Players were to experience the thrill of being a criminal mastermind, planning and executing heists with the finesse of a true rogue.

How to Play

• Stealth-Based Gameplay: Engage in thrilling, stealth-based, top-down gameplay that rewards careful planning and execution.
• Customizable Loadout: Choose from a range of non-lethal gadgets, allowing you to tailor your approach to each heist.
• Diverse Playstyles:
  • Stealthy Rogue: Navigate through shadowy corridors, using stealth to avoid detection.
  • Cunning Subterfuge: Set traps and distractions to confuse and incapacitate guards silently.
  • Hit-and-Run Professional: Cause chaos with a more aggressive, chaotic approach.
• Non-Linear Levels: Decide your own path through a series of open-ended levels, with multiple ways to complete each objective.

Features

• Thrilling Stealth Gameplay: Experience the tension of top-down stealth mechanics.
• Customizable Gadgets: Equip a loadout of three non-lethal gadgets to aid in your heist.
• Multiple Approaches: Complete main objectives in various ways, offering replayability and strategic depth.
• Non-Linear Exploration: Navigate through non-linear levels, allowing for diverse playstyles and strategies.
• Visual Style: A beautifully balanced combination of classic film noir aesthetics with a graphic novel style.
• Jazz Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in a rich, original jazz soundtrack that complements the game’s mood and setting.

Tips

• Plan Your Route: Always plan your route in advance to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
• Utilize Gadgets: Make the most of your gadgets to distract guards and create openings for your escape.
• Stay in the Shadows: Use the environment to your advantage, staying out of sight to avoid detection.
• Experiment with Strategies: Don’t be afraid to try different approaches to see what works best for each level.
• Listen to the Music: Let the jazz soundtrack guide your rhythm and enhance your immersion in the game’s atmosphere.

Heist promised to offer a unique blend of strategy, stealth, and style, making it a standout title for fans of the genre. Though it was ultimately cancelled, its concept remains a fascinating glimpse into what could have been a captivating adventure in the world of crime and jazz.