In Volume's future, Robin Hood makes Lets Plays

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In Volume, the new game from Thomas Was Alone designer Mike Bithell, Rob Locksley wants to teach people how to steal from Rich Evil Bastards, so he creates a VR simulation of their homes and workplaces and broadcasts himself sneaking in and looting the joints. He gains followers, inspires internet memes, and energizes his fans to emulate his adventures - with mixed results. His simulations aren’t entirely accurate, but while “close enough” won't keep his band of merry men (and women) from getting into trouble, it is enough to attract the attention of a particularly rich, particularly evil bastard, Guy Gisborne.

What stood out in my short time with Volume is the sharpness of the writing and the perfection of the voice acting. Bithell’s style is intelligent, witty, and genuinely funny, and the voice work supports it beautifully. (I mean come on, people, Andy Serkis.) The stealth is more like Metal Gear VR Missions than Thief, nailing the balance of complexity and simplicity that make you think a solution doesn’t exist, only for it to seem blindingly obvious once you've discovered it.

Susan Arendt
Susan Arendt

Susan was once Managing Editor US at GamesRadar, but has since gone on to become a skilled freelance journalist, editor, producer, and content manager. She is now 1/3 of @Continuepod, 1/2 of @BeastiesLl, co-founder of @TakeThisOrg, and Apex Editor, Fluid Group.