Introduction
During the golden age of PlayStation 2 platformers, three iconic trios defined the console's legacy: Jak and Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, and Sly Cooper. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, the Sly Cooper franchise carved out a unique identity by blending cel-shaded stealth action, film noir aesthetics, and memorable heist mechanics centered around the master thief gentleman raccoon, Sly, and his trusty Cooper Gang composed of Bentley the brainy turtle and Murray the powerhouse hippo.
Over the years, the series spawned four mainline entries across two console generations. While every game brings charismatic charm and clever level design, certain titles elevated stealth platforming to absolute perfection. Here is our definitive ranking of every Sly Cooper game from worst to best.
4. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
Released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time was developed by Sanzaru Games rather than original series creator Sucker Punch. Taking over a beloved franchise after an eight-year hiatus is no easy task, and while Sanzaru clearly loved the source material, the entry lands at the bottom of our list.
The central premise involves the pages of the Thievius Raccoonus disappearing from history, forcing the Cooper Gang to build a time machine and travel across different historical eras. Playable ancestors such as Tennessee Kid Cooper and Sir Galleth Cooper provided fresh gameplay mechanics and unique abilities. The visual presentation was vibrant, and playing the game seamlessly on PS Vita via Cross-Save was a technological triumph at the time.
However, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time suffered from awkward story decisions, flippant characterization (particularly regarding Bentley's partner, Penelope), extremely long loading times on native hardware, and a frustrating unresolved cliffhanger ending that left fans hanging. It remains a good stealth platformer, but it falls slightly short of the original trilogy's high standard.
3. Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
The game that started it all in 2002, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus introduced gamers to the master thief as he sets out to reclaim his family's ancient book of thieving secrets from the Fiendish Five. Unlike its sequels, the original game plays much more like a traditional linear 3D platformer similar to Crash Bandicoot or Spyro the Dragon.
Features that made this debut memorable include its tight platforming, stylish comic-book presentation, and one-hit death mechanic that kept tension high during infiltration. Each world culminated in creative boss encounters against iconic villains like Muggshot, Mz. Ruby, and the immortal Clockwerk.
While Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus holds immense nostalgic value and laid a rock-solid foundation, its short length, strict linearity, and primitive mini-games keep it behind the expansive sandbox structures of the subsequent sequels.
2. Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves
Released in 2005, Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves aimed to build the ultimate master plan. Facing the impenetrable Cooper Vault guarded by the villainous Dr. M, Sly and his core team set out across the globe to recruit new specialists to pull off the biggest heist in history.
The expanded cast added impressive variety to mission structures. Players got to control new playable recruits including the Guru, Panda King, Dimitri, and Penelope. The game also introduced fun local multiplayer modes, pirate ship battles in the Caribbean, and eliminated the need to hunt down clue bottles in open levels to streamline pacing.
While removing clue bottles was a controversial choice among completionists, Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves delivered emotional character arcs, memorable cinematic moments, and a satisfying conclusion to the original PlayStation 2 trilogy.
1. Sly 2: Band of Thieves
Sly 2: Band of Thieves is not only the best entry in the series, but it is also widely considered one of the finest action-adventure games on the PlayStation 2. Released in 2004, Sucker Punch completely reinvented the franchise formula, shifting away from linear stage progression in favor of large, open-world hub locations set across Paris, Prague, Canada, and India.
The core gameplay loop was redesigned around multi-part heist preparations. Players had to gather intelligence, disable security systems, and steal key assets before executing an epic final operation in each chapter. For the first time, Bentley and Murray were fully playable characters with their own distinct mechanics, gadget loadouts, and playstyles.
By swapping out one-hit deaths for proper health meters, introducing stealth pickpocketing, and crafting a captivating narrative surrounding the restoration of Clockwerk's parts by the Klaww Gang, Sly 2: Band of Thieves perfected the balance of stealth, story, and platforming excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best order to play the Sly Cooper games?
The best way to play the series is in release order: starting with Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, followed by Sly 2: Band of Thieves, Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, and finishing with Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. Playing in order allows you to appreciate the evolution of the gameplay mechanics and follow the continuous narrative arc of the Cooper Gang.
Can you play Sly Cooper games on PS4 or PS5?
Yes, classical titles from the franchise have periodically been made available on PS4 and PS5 through the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog, as well as digital purchases on the PlayStation Store featuring upgraded rendering, rewind features, and quick saves.
Will there ever be a Sly 5?
As of now, neither Sucker Punch Productions nor Sony has announced a fifth mainline title. Sucker Punch has stated in interviews that they are currently focused on other projects, though they acknowledge the enduring fan love for the Cooper Gang.
Final Thoughts
The Sly Cooper series remains a standout highlight in platforming history. By combining clever stealth mechanics, unforgettable jazz soundtracks, and a charming roster of characters, Sucker Punch created a beloved franchise that stands the test of time. Whether you prefer the linear charm of the original or the high-stakes open-world planning of Sly 2: Band of Thieves, the Cooper Gang's legacy continues to captivate stealth fans worldwide.
