A rebooted 'Thief' set for next-gen in 2014

The foundational "Thief" series reboots itself for a fourth outing with an anticipated release on PC, PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's next console in 2014.

The foundational 'Thief' series reboots itself for a fourth outing with an anticipated release on PC, PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's next console in 2014.

Three previous games in the 'Thief' series had emerged between 1998 and 2004, set in a fantasy medieval era in which main character Garrett is tasked with obtaining various trinkets for an ancient order.

The stage was set for a 'Thief' comeback by last year's award-winning 'Dishonored' and 2011's 'Deus Ex: Human Revolution,' which were met with critical and consumer acclaim, both lavishly produced action games in which the use of force is not necessary.

That bodes well for the new 'Thief,' and whose Square Enix Montreal studio was responsible for deftly updating another fan favorite series in 'Deus Ex: Human Revolution.'

During the absence of Square Enix's 'Thief' and 'Hitman' series, Ubisoft's own Montreal studio established the 'Assassin's Creed' franchise with five core games since 2007 and 'Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag' due October 29, 2013.