In the early 2000s, a wave of innovative platformers swept through the gaming world, and among them stood a clever raccoon thief with a cane and a charming grin. The first Sly Cooper game, officially titledSly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, introduced players to a vibrant world of stealth, heists, and memorable characters. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released exclusively for the PlayStation 2 in 2002, this game blended platforming action with stealth mechanics in a way that was fresh and exciting. It wasn’t just another mascot-driven title it was a well-crafted experience that carved its own legacy in the platforming genre.
The Story Behind the Heist
Sly’s Legacy and the Thievius Raccoonus
The first Sly Cooper game follows the story of Sly, a young raccoon descended from a long line of master thieves. His family’s legacy is preserved in a treasured book known as theThievius Raccoonus, which contains the secrets of their legendary thieving techniques. However, when Sly is just a child, a gang known as the Fiendish Five breaks into his home, steals the book, and scatters its pages across the world.
Orphaned and determined, Sly grows up in an orphanage where he meets Bentley, a brilliant turtle with hacking skills, and Murray, a strong but kind hippopotamus. Together, they form a loyal trio dedicated to retrieving the stolen pages of the Thievius Raccoonus and reclaiming Sly’s heritage. The story unfolds across several missions, each involving one of the Fiendish Five and set in a unique, themed location.
Villains with Personality
The Fiendish Five are not generic enemies. Each has a distinct backstory, personality, and fighting style. From the swamp-dwelling voodoo priestess Mz. Ruby to the explosive-loving panda bear Panda King, the game introduces players to a rogues’ gallery of colorful villains. These bosses are more than just obstacles; they represent milestones in Sly’s journey to rediscover who he is and reclaim his family’s honor.
Gameplay Mechanics and Style
Stealth-Platforming Hybrid
One of the standout features of the first Sly Cooper game is its seamless integration of stealth elements with traditional platforming. Unlike other platformers at the time, Sly didn’t just jump and run he sneaked, tiptoed, and used shadows to his advantage. The game rewarded players for being clever and sneaky rather than brute-forcing their way through enemies.
Levels were designed with multiple paths and hidden routes, encouraging exploration. Blue sparkles on ledges, ropes, and railings indicated paths that Sly could traverse with agility. These stealth routes allowed players to bypass enemies or reach secret areas that contained valuable collectibles, including clue bottles and pages of the Thievius Raccoonus.
Gadgets and Skills
As players progressed and recovered stolen pages of the Thievius Raccoonus, Sly gained access to new abilities. These ranged from silent landings and dive attacks to speed boosts and temporary invisibility. Each new skill made it easier to complete later levels or revisit earlier ones for 100% completion. This sense of progression added depth and kept gameplay from becoming repetitive.
Bentley and Murray’s Support Roles
While Sly was the main playable character in the first game, Bentley and Murray played important roles in the story and missions. Bentley offered tactical advice and hacked into systems, while Murray handled the getaway vehicle and provided comic relief. Though they wouldn’t become playable until later titles, their presence helped flesh out the world and made the trio’s friendship feel authentic and charming.
Level Design and Artistic Direction
Stylized Visuals and Animation
The first Sly Cooper game stood out visually due to its cel-shaded art style, which gave it the appearance of a living comic book. This approach gave the game a timeless look that still holds up today. The bold outlines and vibrant colors made characters and environments pop, while the animations were fluid and expressive.
Cutscenes were also presented in a comic book format, with static panels and voiceover narration. This not only fit the theme of a cartoonish caper but also gave the game a distinct narrative style that helped it stand apart from other platformers of the era.
Memorable Worlds
The game is structured across five main locations, each corresponding to a member of the Fiendish Five. These include:
- Tide of Terror Home to Raleigh the Frog, featuring nautical-themed obstacles and stormy weather.
- Sunset Snake Eyes A wild west-style casino run by Mugshot the bulldog.
- Vicious Voodoo Swampy marshlands haunted by Mz. Ruby and her voodoo magic.
- Fire in the Sky A mountainous Asian environment controlled by the explosive Panda King.
- The Cold Heart of Hate The final confrontation with Clockwerk, the ancient, mechanical owl driven by hatred for the Cooper Clan.
Each area had its own music, enemies, and platforming challenges. The environments were not just backdrops they were part of the story and gameplay, filled with interactive elements and secrets.
Reception and Legacy
Critical Acclaim
Upon release,Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonusreceived positive reviews for its originality, humor, and style. Critics praised its tight controls, creative level design, and polished presentation. It was often compared to other major platformers of the time, likeJak and DaxterandRatchet & Clank, yet maintained a distinct identity due to its focus on stealth and storytelling.
The game was nominated for and won several awards in 2002 and 2003, solidifying Sly Cooper as one of PlayStation’s standout characters. It also helped establish Sucker Punch as a leading studio in action-adventure game development.
Start of a Franchise
The success of the first Sly Cooper game led to the creation of a full-fledged series. The sequelsSly 2: Band of Thieves,Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, andSly Cooper: Thieves in Timebuilt upon the foundation laid by the original. The series introduced new gameplay mechanics, playable characters, and larger, more open-ended missions.
Even years later, fans still regard the first Sly Cooper game as a classic. Its unique blend of stealth, storytelling, and art direction continues to influence games today. Rumors and hopes for a new installment or remake often resurface, showing how strong the fanbase remains.
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonuswas more than just the first game in a beloved franchise it was a bold entry into the world of platformers that mixed style with substance. Through a memorable cast of characters, inventive gameplay, and a heartfelt story about legacy and loyalty, the game left a lasting mark on PlayStation history. For gamers who love stealth-action, charming stories, and cartoon-inspired visuals, the first Sly Cooper game remains a must-play and a cornerstone of early 2000s gaming excellence.