The great thing about video games, especially those where players can be who they want and behave however they want, is that they are free of consequences. In an ideal world, gamers would be able to immerse themselves in a world that is different from their reality, find ancient loot and go free with their rightful treasure.
Unfortunately, some games have serious consequences for those who want to dabble in theft. These seven games all treat thieving players with varying levels of disdain, from publicly shaming and embarrassing their petty crimes to launching a sudden, intensely difficult boss fight where their doom is almost assured. These games certainly make the punishment out of line with the crime and actively serve to deter players from stealing.
7 Spelunky
All over the world from Spelunky, several retailers have some much-needed items for players on their adventures. If the shopkeepers feel threatened by the player’s actions, they get a little nervous with their trigger fingers.
If players steal from them, use their whip, or if environmental damage occurs near the NPC merchant, the merchant will retaliate with brute force. Even if the player is not necessarily at fault! All other retailers at the same Spelunky run will react the same way, so it’s best not to make it an enemy.
6 BioShock
Fort Frolic in the original BioShock is Rapture’s premier entertainment and shopping area; every thief’s dream! Players may be used to picking up any item that crosses their path without worry, but they should be careful when exploring this BioShock environment.
Storefronts are scattered throughout Fort Frolic, often with valuable items like Medkits close enough to grab. If these windows are broken, even accidentally, an alarm from the security system is triggered, sending machine gun-equipped drones after them. Sometimes the temptation just isn’t worth it.
5 NieR: Vending Machines
Emil in NieR: Vending Machines seems pleasant and innocent enough in his shop, eager to sell the player new weapons. If the player steals from him once, this theft is noticed by Emil and he gets upset. When the player visits him again, he will mention that there has been a break-in and that he has increased his security measures.
These safety measures are not to be trifled with. If another theft occurs on another occasion, Emil will launch the player into an instant boss fight; one of the hardest in NieR: Vending Machines. This is almost guaranteed instant death unless the player has prepared extensively for this scenario.
4 Mail 2
Mail 2 shows how trigger-happy the in-game residents can be and how even in-game crimes have consequences. At the start of the game, players must pick up a carton of goat’s milk from the Lucky Ganesh store. Seems innocent enough, right?
The player can then decide whether he wants to be a lawful citizen, stand in line, pay the five dollars for the milk, or try to steal it and use his five finger discount. If they decide to steal the milk, the store’s shutters will immediately close and the store owner will open fire on the player with his automatic rifle!
3 Fallout 4
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Stealing is an ability that can be improved in Bethesda’s most recent addition to the precipitation franchise, Dropout 4. But strangely enough, theft is still frowned upon. Another character’s items are shown in red, which can be stolen and hidden in the player’s inventory. This has a better success rate when the player is crouching.
Players with loyal followers who accompany them on their journeys may find their opinion of them lowered after seeing them steal. If players are caught stealing in an inhabited city, local guards may open fire and clear rounds in them without a doubt. Who says life is precious anyway in a post-apocalyptic universe?
Like the previous Bethesda entry, precipitation 4, Skyrim also has penalties for criminals and petty theft. All major cities in having Skyrim guards are constantly patrolling and watching their surroundings. If the guards see the Dragonborn stealing and putting their hands in other people’s pockets, they will immediately address them and inform them that they will have to pay a fine or go to jail.
Either way, the stolen goods will be forfeited. The player can believe that they got away with their crime unscathed. But shopkeepers may eventually realize their wares have been stolen and send a band of bounty hunters after the player!
1 The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is excellent at teaching one of life’s most important lessons: not stealing, and it does so in the most embarrassing yet hilarious way possible. If players steal from the Tool Shop in Mabe Villager, a message will appear stating that the player got this item for free before asking, “Are you proud of yourself?” Way to question players’ moral compass!
The player’s character will then be branded by all NPCs and renamed “THIEF” as a permanent reminder of their crimes. There is no escaping public shame and embarrassment. Additionally, if players attempt to re-enter the Tool Shop, the shopkeeper will kill them without a break, resulting in an instant Game Over.
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