Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, a cherished classic that made its debut back in 2002, has been reintroduced on the PlayStation 5, providing fans and new players alike the chance to dive into the adventures of everyone's favorite raccoon thief. Although the game arrives as a port rather than a brand-new installment, it has still been received with enthusiasm as it rekindles old memories and brings a sense of nostalgia.
The story places us in the paws of Sly Cooper, a charismatic raccoon and the last in a lineage of skilled thieves. The plot kicks off with a tragic event where the Fiendish Five, a gang of villains, murders Sly's parents and steals the Thievius Raccoonus, a book of secret thieving techniques amassed by Sly's ancestors. Now, ten years later, Sly is on a quest not only to recover the precious book but also to seek revenge on the Fiendish Five. Assisted by his college buddies turned accomplices, he ventures across various locations pursuing his family's book and justice.
The game, accessible via the PlayStation Store or through the PS Plus Premium subscription, retains much of the simplistic yet genuinely fun gameplay that made the original a hit. The structure involves navigating through levels located in distinctive hub worlds. Each is themed around a member of the Fiendish Five, with the ultimate goal being to defeat the boss and retrieve a portion of the stolen book. The platforming mechanics are straightforward but rewarding, leaning more towards exploration and problem-solving rather than challenging jumps and obstacles typical of other platformers like Crash Bandicoot.
One of the main appeals of Sly Cooper is its accessibility. Enemies generally follow predictable patterns allowing them to be tackled with ease, and although Sly loses a life after just one hit, frequent checkpoints and the occasional magic horseshoe—which grants invulnerability to one hit—mitigate frustration. This setup ensures that the flow of gameplay remains brisk and enjoyable, never bogging players down with undue difficulty.
However, despite its many charms, the game isn't without its flaws, notably in the area of camera control. The default settings use an inverted horizontal camera which cannot be adjusted within the game. This issue has been a significant point of concern as it can lead to disorientation and unnecessary game deaths. Thankfully, the PS5 version of the game addresses this with its emulation software allowing players to remap controls through the system settings, an essential tool for those finding the default setup cumbersome.
Moreover, for those considering different versions of the game, it has previously been revived on the PlayStation 3 with improved resolution and control handling. Though it lacks the PS5’s handy rewind feature, which can alleviate some of the game’s more punishing aspects, it could still be a viable alternative for those with access to the older console.
Overall, whether you're revisiting Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus or experiencing it for the first time, the game holds up remarkably well with its engaging story, lovable characters, and straightforward yet satisfying gameplay. Both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 5 versions offer a fulfilling experience, with each having specific advantages depending on players’ preferences regarding graphics, control finesse, and accessibility features. Whichever platform you choose, Sly Cooper’s journey to reclaim his heritage and avenge his family is likely to steal your heart, just as he steals treasures.
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