Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus

Four Fat Chicks

This is an entertaining romp with just enough variation, humor and story to hold your attention right to the end.

GameNow

It's got some of the best visuals I've ever seen on the PS2. [Nov 2002, p.62]

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

The pacing and structure of the game means that the process of achieving goals and being rewarded is sufficiently frequent that you always feel like you're doing something new. [Nov 2002, p.182]

G4 TV

Exquisitely designed levels...Every moment seems fresh and new and deliberately designed to be fun.

Gamer's Pulse

Represents everything good about gaming. Hands down, the best platform game of 2002.

Gaming Maxx

While it is not long, it just is too much damn fun to put down or not play again.

TotalPlayStation

An unequivocal blast. The framerate chokes, I wish to God it was about twice as long (I unlocked everything in just over eight hours), but everything else about the game is quite literally perfect.

Game Informer

A game that borrows a page from the glory days of Crash Bandicoot and delivers a gameplay experience that sticks to its guns and keeps the action constant. [Nov 2002, p.108]

GamingTrend

For the rest of us, for those who just love playing good games with a great sense of style and high production values, Sly Cooper is not to be missed.

Game Over Online

Despite the game’s short life span, it is still one of the most entertaining platform games for any system, past or present.

Entertainment Weekly

Sure, Sly is indebted to a certain Mario, but the adventure genre is far from spent, and Sly's guaranteed to steal a few gaming hours, if not an entire weekend. [20 Sept 2002]

GameZone

Sly Cooper is the first video game to directly parody the "Metal Gear Solid" series, and it does it really, really well.

netjak

Enough fun to want to play through multiple times, and would be perfect if only there was more of it.

GameSpy

As polished a platformer as you'll find this year...Its sterling production values accentuate its smooth, sublime gameplay. Heck, even the mini-games are polished.

Cinescape

The gameplay is addictive; there are tons of items in the environment to destroy, tricky enemies to sneak by, and some puzzles to figure out.

GamerWeb Sony

What Sly Cooper lacks in length, it makes up for in gameplay variation, character design, as well as level design.

GameReviewer

The best platformer to come about in years, and you owe it to yourself to play it.

Electric Playground

The worlds and characters the designers have created here will charm your boots off.

Play Magazine

It's got style. In fact, presentation-wise, you'll not find a better action game...anywhere. [Nov 2002, p.58]

Media and Games Online Network

A great platformer, whose only flaw is that it is rather short in length. The visuals and animations on Sly are just jaw-dropping, and the levels are diverse and gorgeous to sneak around in.

Armchair Empire

Perhaps one of the coolest parts of this game is that after every level is completed, Sly learns a new stealth move, which helps him get by enemies and dodge traps and ambushes.

IGN

Truly something special...[but] the thirty-five missions are briefer than they sound and the game is just plain easy to beat.

Playboy

The somewhat lengthy adventure (20 hours or so), mini-games and special surprises for those who finish the game makes this game a superb mascot-based solo adventure you won't soon forget.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Easily the best platformer on the PS2. [Nov 2002, p.288, Chris]

Game Revolution

An outstanding platformer. It looks sharp, it's easy to pick up and it's a lot of fun.

PSM Magazine

From the impressive level designs to the brilliant cutscenes, this game delivers in all departments. I just wished that the experienced could have lasted a bit longer. [Dec 2002, p.36]

PSX Nation

It’s a bit on the short side, but “Sly Cooper” also looks good, controls great and sounds pleasant-enough to deserve its own BGM soundtrack.

Eurogamer

Taking into account the superbly judged playability, classy visuals, variety, welcome element of stealth and replayability, Sucker Punch has managed to ensure that Sly Raccoon is elevated from being Just Another Platform Game.

Yahoo! Games

Gorgeous productions values and sublime sneak-n-solve gameplay.

Adrenaline Vault

Hardcore platform players will find little that's new or challenging, but Sly Cooper's definitely good for some quick and easy pleasure.

Thunderbolt

While short, I really loved Sly Cooper. As soon as I finished it, I went out to the store and quickly bought the sequel.

GamePro

Finely crafted and fun.

eToychest

The responsivness of the controls, as well as the forgiving nature of the action button make this game very intuitive.

All Game Guide

An exciting game, it does have its shortcomings -- most notably the game being very short.

TotalGames.net

Cooper is without doubt the best character we’ve had the pleasure of meeting on the PS2 so far. If only the rascal would stay around for longer so we could get to grips with him better.

GMR Magazine

A solid platformer with a unique aesthetic and animations. Lacks a little in the challenge department; a little on the short side, too. [Feb 2003, p.93]

GameSpot

The game's relative ease combined with a very short length prevents Sly Cooper from becoming the next big platformer. But it's great while it lasts.

Gaming Age

The character has style, the game presents some unique gameplay concepts, and most importantly, it is fun to play.

Into Liquid Sky

If it weren't for both the slowdown issue, some minor glitches with the camera and the overall shortness and easiness of the game, this would be a must buy for most platforming fans.

Total Video Games

Unfortunately there is one major stumbling block; the game is too short and the average gamer will have it licked in no time at all.

GamerFeed

Sly Cooper's first adventure may be years old, but it still deserves to steal attention from you.