I think the Dark Mod’s lock picking system is one of the best systems in the game.
PC Gamer did a great job explaining why other developers should copy it.
Every developer with an interest in creating professional pilferers should look to The Dark Mod’s lockpicking system and, well, steal it. It’s not tied to a minigame, but it’s also not a canned animation you have to endure. Instead, you wait while your master thief does the job, and use sound cues to identify and mark the end of the sequence. The result makes you feel like part of the process, but also keeps you detached enough to listen out for approaching guards. It’s a perfect balance of interaction and situational awareness, creating tension and rewarding advanced planning.
Penny Dreadful part 2 is wonderful. The thieves’ highway is incredibly detailed and recalls earlier Thief classics like Life of the Party.