Trilby: The Art of Theft

Trilby: The Art of Theft is a 2D platformer entirely focused on stealth. The player assumes the role of the British cat burglar Trilby, known from the The Chzo Mythos adventure series by the same developer. The events take place in 1991, two years before 5 Days a Stranger.

Trilby travels to Chapow City in the United States, known for its riches. He only had small time business in England and now wants to be challenged in the city of stolen dreams. Through 7 heists, with gameplay somewhat similar to Bonanza Bros. combined with Elevator Action, Trilby has to earn reputation points, collect loot and complete the main mission. Levels consist of single screens with different platforms. To get past guards and cameras, Trilby can use a limited amount of tazer shots, hug walls, disable electric circuits, sneak past lasers, pick locks and collect information about the environment and the guards. An eye icon in the top right corner of the screen shows how well Trilby is hidden and a lamp shows the amount of light in the area. The amount of exposure (light, medium or full light) determines the efficiency of Trilby's moves and whether he will be spotted or not. Other basic moves include climbing ladders, using an umbrella to climb up platforms and moving down again.

After the initial tutorial, the heists are unlocked progressively, and after each mission the performance is awarded based on completion time, the amount of alarms triggered, loot collected and tazers used. Different rankings yield different rewards, and players can return to earlier missions at any time to improve their performance. Trilby's confidence grows by having him read about his exploits in newspapers. The collected reputation points can be exchanged for new skills in the workhouse. There are 14 in total and they open up new ways to complete missions. The available skills are Roll, Gecko Hold, Sugar Rush, Lower Standards, Level 2 Locksmith, Reasonable Doubt, Into Shadow, Flit, Sidle, Bargain Hunter, Sadist, Cracksman, Electrician and Forgetfulness. There are also 6 different costumes to unlock.