I first came across Kieron Gillen’s insightful and brilliant five-page analysis of the atmospheric Robbing the Cradle level from Thief: Deadly Shadows. Since then, it has enabled me to play more games and pay deep attention (as well as appreciation) to the aesthetics and details of level design. Robbing the Cradle is considered one of the scariest levels in video games. In a game where stealth and steampunk is king, this level comes out of nowhere and completely catches the player off-guard, with what its survival horror feel, jump-scares and tense atmosphere. The level quickly became a fine example of excellent level design and as of 2015, it is one of the only two to have its own Wikipedia page (the other being Green Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog). One of the primary designers of the level, Jordan Thomas, went on to create the equally unforgettable Fort Frolic chapter from Bioshock.
