Crime Simulator
Crime Simulator Review
Crime Simulator is a multiplayer-focused heist game inspired by the Thief Simulator series but diverges significantly in gameplay style. Players face timed nighttime heists with strict quotas, limited inventory slots, and tool durability, which contrasts with the open-ended, strategic gameplay of its predecessors. This shift introduces a more arcade-like, high-pressure experience akin to games like Lethal Company and REPO, emphasizing fast-paced stealth and cooperation over methodical planning.
While the game offers a solid core loop with meta progression, base upgrades, and skill systems, many players find the restrictive time limits, aggressive AI, and quota mechanics frustrating. The developer is praised for active community engagement and frequent updates, aiming to address bugs and balance issues. However, some feel the game lacks the depth and freedom that made earlier Thief Simulator titles unique, leading to mixed reception among fans of the genre. Overall, Crime Simulator is enjoyable especially with friends but may not satisfy those seeking a traditional stealth simulator experience.
Highlights
Players appreciate the solid core gameplay loop combining stealth, heists, and meta progression with skill upgrades and base building.
The cooperative multiplayer mode is highlighted as fun and engaging, providing memorable moments with friends.
Graphics and maps are considered decent, with a nice variety of properties and environments to burgle.
The developer's responsiveness and frequent patches are praised, showing commitment to improving the game.
Lockpicking minigames and tool mechanics add satisfying layers to gameplay.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the restrictive timed gameplay and quota system that pressure players to rush, reducing strategic planning.
Limited inventory slots and tool durability force tedious back-and-forth trips, hampering flow.
AI is often described as unfair, with NPCs spotting players through walls and instantly calling police.
The absence of daytime play and occupant routines removes depth and immersion present in earlier titles.
Some players find the progression grind steep due to low payouts and high tool costs.
Repetitive gameplay and lack of map variety also reduce long-term engagement.
Pros
- • Engaging core loop with stealth, heists, and meta progression systems.
- • Cooperative multiplayer enhances fun and replayability with friends.
- • Developer actively listens and updates the game regularly.
- • Lockpicking minigames add satisfying gameplay depth.
- • Decent graphics and a variety of burglary locations.
- • Base upgrades and skill trees provide meaningful progression.
- • Addictive gameplay that keeps players hooked for hours.
Cons
- • Timed quotas and night-only gameplay reduce strategic freedom.
- • Limited inventory forces tedious trips back to stash.
- • Tool durability and costs make early progression difficult.
- • AI can be unfair, spotting players through walls instantly.
- • Lack of occupant schedules removes depth and planning.
- • Repetitive gameplay and limited map variety.
- • Some mechanics feel janky or clunky (e.g., mantling).
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Crime Simulator IS NOT a stealth-focused simulation like Thief Simulator. Instead, it's a fast-paced, roguelite grind character game, designed around risk, reward, and replayability.
You landed in jail, but a mysterious benefactor bailed you out. Now they want their money back - and fast. Your only chance is to do what you do best: commit crimes. Break into houses, steal valuables, and complete dangerous jobs alone or with up to three friends. Can you pay off your debt before the deadline passes?
Locations & Missions
Explore three distinct areas - each filled with unique targets, security setups, and plenty of loot. Whether you’re sneaking through high-tech mansions or brawling in shady neighborhoods, every location offers new challenges and hidden rewards.
Solo or 4-Player Co-op
Go it alone or team up with friends in 4-player co-op. Coordinate break-ins, split the loot, and watch each other’s backs - or pull a double-cross if you’re feeling bold. The choice is yours.
Tools of the Trade
Every great heist starts with the right gear. Lockpicks let you slip through locked doors like a ghost, while a crossbow silently takes out guards or disables cameras. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, pump sleeping gas through air vents and watch an entire building go down without a sound. But sometimes, subtlety isn’t an option - when things get messy, a trusty baseball bat can solve a lot of problems.
And that’s just the beginning. The full game takes your toolkit to the next level with high-tech gadgets like drones for scouting, zip ties to keep troublemakers out of the way, and scanners to track down the most valuable loot. Adapt, improvise, and own every job your way.
Race Against Time
The clock is always ticking, and your debt isn’t getting any smaller. Every job brings you closer to paying it off, but fail to meet your quota in time, you’ll lose everything. Plan your heists carefully, use your tools wisely, and take advantage of every opportunity. Need an edge? Buy insider tips online to uncover the best targets, scout security weaknesses, or find high-value loot.
The job seems too risky to play alone? Call in a backup - team up with friends in co-op and make sure you get the payout before it’s too late.
Master Your Craft
A true criminal gets better with every job. As you play, you’ll discover over 15 skills that can completely change how you operate. Expand your inventory to carry more tools and loot, sharpen your perception to spot threats from a distance, or master stealth to move undetected. Every skill unlocks a new way to outsmart security, take bigger risks, and pull off even bolder heists. The smarter you play, the more unstoppable you become.
Abilities – Your Secret Weapon
Once you gain access to the voucher machine, you’ll unlock four powerful abilities that can turn the tide in your favor. Call off the cops when things get too hot - but only once per game, so use it wisely. Instantly repair all your loot and tools, ensuring you’re always ready for action. These rare perks can save your heist or help your team pull off the impossible. Choose carefully, because the right ability at the right moment can mean the difference between a perfect job and total failure.
Improve Your Hideout
Your hideout isn’t just a place to lay low - it’s the key to getting stronger. Furnish it with items that grant powerful bonuses:
A bed increases your health,
Training equipment increases your inventory capacity,
and a treadmill? You will be sprinting like a pro.
Every upgrade makes you faster, tougher, and better prepared for the next big job. Customize your space and turn your hideout into the ultimate criminal HQ.
You’re out of jail, but the debt isn’t gone. Sneak, steal, and break into houses solo or in 4-player co-op. Use lockpicks, sleeping gas, and brute force to complete jobs, outsmart security, and make enough money before time runs out. Will you pay back what you owe, or lose everything?