Reviewed: February 1, 2011
Reviewed by: Mark Smith

Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment

Developer
Sucker Punch

Released: November 9, 2010
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1-4

9
9
9
10
9.2

Supported Features:

  • DualShock 3
  • 450 MB Required HD Space
  • HDTV 480p/720p (3D Enabled)
  • In-Game Dolby Digital
  • PlayStation Eye
  • PS Move Compatible
  • Trophies

    		•  Most PS3 gamers know Sucker Punch from their awesome action game, Infamous, and the upcoming sequel, but those who were playing games at the turn of the century on their PS2 might remember a mischievous raccoon and his unique support system; a hippo and a turtle. Of course I am referring to Sly Cooper, Murray, and Bentley, a band of thieves who actually work for the side of good.

    The Sly Collection is a remastered version of the three original games that delighted millions of gamers and are sure to do so again, this time in stunning HD graphics, while preserving all the quality gameplay concepts of the source material.

    The first game, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus introduced us to this delightful band of characters as well as putting a unique stealth spin on the platforming genre. I was amazed that after 8 years I was still recalling very specific elements of the game. It’s just that good that it makes such an impression. I reveled in the old-school concepts of actually having “lives” and when they ran out I had to start over from a save game. The original game was a visual masterpiece, a living cartoon and it only looks better in HD.

    Sly 2: Band of Thieves mixed things up with a more open-world environments and structured missions as well as introducing Bentley and Murray as playable characters. Again, I could recall many of my favorite moments and loved playing them again in gorgeous HD.

    Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves tweaked the platforming genre once again by creating more of an action and adventure game while packing in several arcade and mini-game elements and even tossing in a pair of 3D glasses to put a new perspective on these new game elements. Teamwork also became more of a focus in overall gameplay. Now those 3D modes can be played in true 3D if you have a 3D HDTV.

    Each of the three Sly games are surprisingly unique and while they share the same lovable cast of characters, the gameplay is diverse enough to make each game quite distinguishable. You can easily play all three of these games back to back and it will never get stale – a true testament to original and quality game design. Of course it doesn’t hurt that the graphics are brilliant in design and charmingly colorful and now fill a 16:9 screen, or that the voice work and witty banter is awesome - better than a lot of games we get today.

    Gamers looking for a bang for their buck will find 3 complete games that will take anywhere from 30-40 hours to finish, and with the addition of trophies, even those who completed the games previously will find reason to revisit their past. There are even four new mini-games that make use of the new PS Move. These are of moderate fun and minimal added value but it’s nice to see more than just a throwaway port.

    Sony is preparing to launch all sorts of remastered games in HD this year, many of which will be offered in similar collections, and while I cannot speak to their quality or value as of yet, The Sly Collection is one slice of history you don’t want to miss. It’s challenging gameplay and charming characters are timeless and suitable for gamers of all ages. Don’t miss this exception value.