20 Years Later, Sly 2 Proves Good Stealth Games Don’t Need to Be Gritty

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20 Years Later, Sly 2 Proves Good Stealth Games Don't Need to Be Gritty

As a long-time gamer who grew up with the PS2, I can confidently say that Sly 2: Band of Thieves stands as one of my all-time favorite games from that era. It was a breath of fresh air in the 3D platformer scene, offering an engaging blend of stealth and platforming that set it apart from the competition.

3D platformer games experienced their creative and financial zenith during the sixth console generation, but subsequently lost popularity. The PlayStation 2 excelled in this genre, and the Sly Cooper series particularly shone among games like Jak & Daxter or Ratchet & Clank. Instead of sticking to the conventional exploration, platforming, light combat, and treasure-hunting gameplay found in similar titles, Sly Cooper drew inspiration from Ape Escape and infused stealth elements into its gameplay. One notable game in the series, Sly 2, is considered a high point in the franchise.

On September 14, 2004, Sly 2 was launched, building upon everything that made the initial Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racoonus a smash hit. The levels in this sequel were more expansive, incorporating multiple zones, shortcuts, hidden treasures, and numerous tasks to accomplish. While there were collectibles, they took a backseat to the stealth gameplay, where Sly had to move cautiously through environments, monitoring enemy patrol patterns, breaking line of sight, and avoiding confrontations when feasible. Sly 2 is not just an outstanding 3D platformer (and arguably one of the best on the PS2), but it also demonstrates that stealth games don’t have to be grim or violent to thrive.

Sly 2’s Approach to Stealth Laid the Groundwork for Future Sucker Punch Games

20 Years Later, Sly 2 Proves Good Stealth Games Don't Need to Be Gritty

Back in the day when I first played Sly 2, I was blown away by how it took the platformer genre and added a unique heist twist. What stood out most was the smooth incorporation of stealth mechanics, something that felt more evolved compared to what we saw in the initial game. Instead of making stealth segments a strict “pass/fail” ordeal with no room for error, Sly 2 made it more forgiving, avoiding the occasional frustration caused by having to replay mandatory stealth sections. Reflecting on it now with the benefit of hindsight, I can see that Sly 2 laid the groundwork for the masterful stealth mechanics we’d later witness in games like Ghost of Tsushima, created by the same brilliant minds at Sucker Punch.

In games like “Sly 2” and “Ghost of Tsushima“, stealth isn’t compulsory but it’s highly recommended. Players earn rewards when they move cautiously, stay alert, and try to remain unnoticed as much as possible. Being discovered doesn’t mean instant defeat; instead, it increases the challenge a bit. However, if players are caught, they can choose to back off and wait for enemy alerts to subside before attempting to sneak past again, like a ghost in the night. The well-designed stealth segments offer a gentle penalty for mistakes, which fosters perseverance rather than frustration.

The Humor and Charm of Sly 2 Broke a Stealth Game Mold in 2004

Before the release of Sly 2 in 2004, most stealth games were set in military environments or included violent takedowns. The genre gained popularity in 1998 with three games that exemplify this trend: Metal Gear Solid, Tenchu, and the PC sensation Thief: The Dark Project. Although Sly 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, another significant stealth game from 2004 for the PS2, were part of the same genre, they were quite different.

Fundamentally, the game Sly 2 (with some degree of applicability to its precursor) demonstrates that stealth games can maintain a lighter tone while still treating their mechanics with due regard. Unlike being overly violent, Sly 2 isn’t suitable for young audiences either; it offers a thoughtful narrative, engaging dialogue, and well-developed characters, culminating in a rewarding conclusion. Twenty years ago, Sly 2 broke the mold successfully, and it remains one of Sucker Punch’s finest creations while serving as a call for the PlayStation to bring back its suave thief once more.

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2024-09-14 20:23