The Sly Cooper series is one of the most beloved stealth-platformer franchises to emerge from the PlayStation 2 era. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions and later by Sanzaru Games, the series follows the adventures of Sly, a charismatic raccoon thief, and his loyal crew of Bentley the turtle and Murray the hippo. Each game blends stealth, platforming, and storytelling in a way that captured the hearts of players. Among fans and on discussion platforms like Reddit, one question remains popular: what is the best Sly Cooper game? In this topic, we explore the standout titles, their gameplay features, and what makes one Sly Cooper game rise above the rest.
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
The first game in the series,Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, set the foundation for everything that followed. Released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2, it introduced players to the vibrant world of cartoon-style stealth gameplay and the lovable characters that would go on to define the franchise.
Strengths of the Original
- Smooth platforming mechanics and tight controls.
- Unique cel-shaded art style that stood out in its generation.
- Challenging level design with collectibles and secrets.
- Memorable villain lineup like Clockwerk and the Fiendish Five.
Many fans appreciate the pure stealth-focused gameplay and the simplicity of the missions. However, compared to later entries, the original Sly Cooper feels more linear and less expansive. It’s still one of the best stealth platformers on the PS2, but some mechanics were refined in later games.
Sly 2: Band of Thieves
Sly 2: Band of Thievesis widely considered by Reddit users and longtime fans to be the best Sly Cooper game. Released in 2004, it made a major leap in scope, gameplay variety, and character involvement. Instead of linear missions, players could explore open-ended hubs in various international locations, each filled with side objectives, secrets, and opportunities for stealth or action.
Why Sly 2 Is Often Ranked the Best
- Playable characters include Sly, Bentley, and Murray, each with distinct playstyles.
- Large, open environments that encourage exploration and strategic planning.
- Heist-style mission structures that build tension and narrative depth.
- A darker and more emotionally mature storyline involving betrayal and loss.
The ability to switch between characters added fresh gameplay dynamics and depth. Sly’s stealth skills, Bentley’s hacking and gadgets, and Murray’s brawler mechanics provided variety and replayability. The game’s pacing and story development are frequently praised for keeping players engaged from start to finish.
Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves
Following the success of Sly 2,Sly 3: Honor Among Thieveswas released in 2005. This installment built on the previous game’s formula but leaned more toward humor and introduced a wider cast of playable characters. It also added competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes, which were new to the series at the time.
Features That Define Sly 3
- Expanded roster with new characters like Penelope, the Guru, and Dimitri.
- Mini-games and missions with varied objectives, including pirate ship battles and biplane dogfights.
- Improved visuals and larger hubs with more freedom of movement.
- Optional 3D support on select levels for added immersion (when using 3D glasses).
While many fans love Sly 3 for its humor and creative level design, others feel it lacked the emotional impact and focused story of Sly 2. The game experimented with new mechanics, but not all were equally refined. Still, it’s a strong contender for the best Sly Cooper game for players who prefer variety and light-hearted fun.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
Developed by Sanzaru Games and released in 2013 for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita,Sly Cooper: Thieves in Timemarked the series’ return after nearly a decade. It continued the story directly after Sly 3 and introduced time travel, allowing players to meet Sly’s ancestors in different historical settings.
What Thieves in Time Brings to the Series
- New time-travel mechanic with unique eras like feudal Japan and medieval England.
- Playable Cooper ancestors with specialized abilities.
- More polished visuals with HD graphics and dynamic lighting.
- Cross-play support between PS3 and PS Vita.
While the game was well-received by many, some longtime fans and Reddit users felt that it didn’t fully capture the magic of the original trilogy. The humor and charm were still present, but some complained about repetitive missions and a slightly less compelling narrative. Despite that, Thieves in Time remains an enjoyable addition to the franchise with nostalgic value and a solid mix of stealth and platforming.
Community Consensus on Reddit
On Reddit, discussions about the best Sly Cooper game often come down to Sly 2 versus Sly 3. Sly 2 is typically favored for its strong story, emotional weight, and refined balance between stealth and action. It also helped develop Bentley and Murray into fully playable characters with their own arcs.
Popular Reddit Opinions
- Sly 2: Frequently voted as the best due to pacing, story, and open-world hubs.
- Sly 3: Praised for creativity and expanded character roster, though sometimes seen as less focused.
- Sly 1: Appreciated for its classic stealth platforming and charm but considered more linear.
- Thieves in Time: Mixed reactions some love the time-travel theme, others prefer the original trilogy’s tone.
Many threads rank Sly 2 highest in terms of narrative and overall gameplay, especially for players who enjoy immersive storytelling with varied mission design. Sly 3 receives love for its variety and humor, while the original holds nostalgic value for fans who played it first. Thieves in Time tends to be recommended for completionists or those looking to see how the story continues.
The Legacy of Sly Cooper
The Sly Cooper franchise remains one of the most iconic titles from the PlayStation 2 era. Its blend of stealth mechanics, heist themes, and animated storytelling made it unique among platformers. Even years after the last release, fans still hope for a new Sly Cooper game or a full reboot of the series on modern consoles.
Each game brought something different to the table, and the debate over the best Sly Cooper game continues in online communities. For many players,Sly 2: Band of Thievesstrikes the perfect balance between gameplay, story, and emotional depth, securing its place at the top of the series. However, every entry offers a memorable adventure with its own style and strengths, making the entire franchise worth revisiting.