The Sly Cooper series has remained a beloved classic in the world of action-adventure platformers, known for its clever stealth mechanics, charming cel-shaded art style, and memorable characters like Sly, Bentley, and Murray. For many players, the mix of cartoonish visuals with surprisingly deep storytelling and satisfying gameplay created a nostalgic bond that still holds strong. If you’re one of those fans looking for games like Sly Cooper, whether it’s for the stealth, platforming, or character-driven storytelling, there are several great alternatives worth exploring across various consoles and generations.
Best Games Like Sly Cooper
Ratchet & Clank Series
If you enjoyed the humor and character interaction in Sly Cooper, then the Ratchet & Clank series is a must-try. Developed by Insomniac Games, it combines action, platforming, and creative weapon-based combat. The games are set in a vibrant sci-fi universe filled with quirky characters, just like Sly’s colorful world. While stealth isn’t a key mechanic, the tight platforming and storytelling appeal to a similar audience.
- Rich, animated world design
- Strong narrative with comedic elements
- Platforming and action blend
Jak and Daxter Series
Naughty Dog’s Jak and Daxter franchise shares a lot of DNA with Sly Cooper. Both were PlayStation 2 era staples that offered platforming, exploration, and character-driven stories. The early entries focus more on light-hearted adventure, while later titles incorporate darker tones and vehicle mechanics. Fans of Sly will appreciate the world-building and fluid movement found throughout the Jak and Daxter games.
- Open world exploration
- Mix of humor and drama
- Similar platforming structure
Mark of the Ninja
For those who want more stealth-focused gameplay like in Sly Cooper, Mark of the Ninja offers a tight, 2D stealth experience. While it doesn’t have the same platforming scale or colorful setting, it delivers excellent sneaking mechanics, creative enemy encounters, and a compelling story. It rewards smart decision-making and silent movement, which fans of Sly’s stealthy missions will likely enjoy.
- Stealth-first design
- Stylized visuals
- Emphasis on player choice and tactics
Beyond Good & Evil
This cult classic mixes stealth, combat, photography, and exploration, all wrapped in a deeply emotional and story-rich game. Beyond Good & Evil follows journalist Jade as she uncovers government corruption in a sci-fi world. Its cartoonish art style and strong narrative themes mirror Sly Cooper’s blend of humor and seriousness. Though not a platformer in the strictest sense, it has enough overlap in tone and mechanics to appeal to fans.
- Story-driven gameplay
- Combination of stealth and exploration
- Unique character interactions
More Games With Sly Cooper Vibes
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles
If you’re drawn to the stealth and movement mechanics of Sly Cooper, especially sneaking across rooftops and avoiding detection, the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles spin-offs provide a 2.5D experience focused heavily on stealth and timing. While the tone is more serious, the platforming and stealth blend may satisfy players looking for a more mature version of Sly’s sneaky missions.
- Stealth-based side-scrolling gameplay
- Stylized visual presentation
- Puzzle elements through level design
LittleBigPlanet Series
The LittleBigPlanet games may not feature stealth, but they provide an excellent sense of charm, creativity, and platforming fun that Sly Cooper fans often enjoy. With user-generated content and a whimsical tone, these games emphasize imagination and level-based progression. Their lighthearted world is a good fit for younger audiences who grew up on Sly Cooper and want something similarly friendly and accessible.
- Creative platforming
- Custom level design and exploration
- Quirky characters and fun tone
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Though much darker in tone, the Batman: Arkham games especially Arkham Asylum offer stealth, combat, and detective gameplay that echoes some of the mechanics in Sly Cooper. You sneak through shadows, disable enemies silently, and use gadgets to outwit foes. The traversal system and environment interactions can also feel similar to Sly’s agile rooftop movement.
- Third-person stealth mechanics
- Environmental puzzle solving
- Story-rich action-adventure gameplay
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
The remastered Spyro trilogy captures a lot of what made early 3D platformers so lovable. With colorful worlds, jump-heavy gameplay, and a lighthearted story, Spyro’s adventures feel closely related to the Sly Cooper series in spirit. There’s no stealth element, but the exploration and collection mechanics make it a relaxing yet fun experience for Sly fans.
- Vibrant worlds and characters
- Smooth platforming mechanics
- Collect-a-thon style progression
Key Elements That Define Games Like Sly Cooper
1. Stylized Art and Charm
One of the defining characteristics of Sly Cooper is its distinct art style cel-shaded visuals that feel like a playable comic book. Many similar games feature stylized or cartoon-like graphics to create a unique identity. This design choice often helps make characters and worlds more memorable, especially in action-platformer titles.
2. Stealth Combined with Platforming
Unlike many platformers that focus purely on jumping and collecting, Sly Cooper introduces stealth mechanics that allow players to sneak past guards, avoid spotlights, and strike silently. Games like Mark of the Ninja, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and even Beyond Good & Evil incorporate stealth in creative ways, appealing to players who enjoy a more tactical approach.
3. Character-Driven Storytelling
Sly, Bentley, and Murray are central to what makes the Sly Cooper games so engaging. The banter, backstory, and character growth across each title create a sense of continuity and emotional investment. Games with strong protagonist development and supporting cast such as Jak and Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, or Beyond Good & Evil offer similar narrative depth.
4. Accessible Yet Deep Gameplay
Sly Cooper succeeds by being easy to pick up while offering deeper mechanics for players who want to master each level. Many of the best alternatives feature layered gameplay simple on the surface, but rewarding for those who explore thoroughly or perfect their runs.
Honorable Mentions
- Ty the Tasmanian Tiger A colorful platformer with boomerang combat and open-level design.
- A Hat in Time A whimsical 3D platformer with vibrant visuals and clever level design.
- Yooka-Laylee A spiritual successor to Banjo-Kazooie with modern platforming sensibilities.
- Psychonauts 2 A narrative-rich platformer filled with personality, great voice acting, and smart humor.
For fans of Sly Cooper, the search for similarly styled games doesn’t have to end with the last heist. Whether you’re looking for stealth mechanics, rich storytelling, or vibrant worlds filled with personality, there’s a wide range of games that deliver the same kind of excitement and emotional connection. From the buddy dynamic of Jak and Daxter to the intricate sneaking of Mark of the Ninja, these titles keep the spirit of Sly Cooper alive. While a new entry in the series has yet to arrive, exploring these alternatives will give you hours of familiar fun and memorable moments.