Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Sly 2: Band of Thieves builds on its predecessor’s stealth-platforming foundation by introducing a dynamic trio of playable characters, each with unique skills and playstyles. As Sly, players use agile moves, wall runs, and stealth takedowns to infiltrate heavily guarded areas. Missions often require a mix of silent takedowns, careful timing, and creative use of Sly’s cane to navigate rooftops and vent shafts. The pacing remains brisk, rewarding players who master the art of blending into shadows and dispatching guards undetected.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Bentley’s segments pivot the gameplay toward strategy and long-range combat. Armed with a sniper rifle and remote-detonated bombs, Bentley provides a welcome change of pace by encouraging players to survey environments from a distance, identify security blind spots, and set traps for roaming enemies. These sections often involve hacking terminals, planting explosives, and solving timed puzzles that feel fresh against the backdrop of Sly’s nimble infiltration.

Murray’s missions deliver pure muscle and comic relief—his brute strength allows him to toss foes, break through obstacles, and improvise weaponry from found objects. Whether he’s hurling barrels at sentries or smashing down locked doors, Murray’s gameplay offers a satisfying power fantasy that breaks up the more delicate stealth segments. Together, the trio’s interwoven abilities ensure that no two missions feel identical, keeping each heist engaging and unpredictable.

Graphics

Sly 2’s cel‐shaded art style remains one of its most distinctive features, blending cartoon-like character designs with richly detailed environments. The vibrant color palette highlights each mission locale—from sun-drenched Moroccan markets to dimly lit Parisian rooftops—with pop and clarity. Shadows and lighting effects are used intelligently to enhance mood, reinforcing the stealth mechanics by making darkened areas truly feel secretive and hidden.

Character animations are fluid and expressive, whether it’s Sly’s acrobatic flips, Bentley’s cautious crouch, or Murray’s exuberant victory poses. Cutscenes are lovingly crafted, conveying personality and humor without resorting to stiff or generic motions. Even minor NPCs react convincingly when startled or alerted, adding to the sense that Sly’s world is alive and reactive to the player’s actions.

The level design showcases Naughty Dog’s attention to detail, with sprawling rooftops, intricate museum interiors, and booby-trapped vaults that all look and feel unique. Environmental hazards—like patrolling guard dogs or security cameras—are well integrated into the visual presentation, making it clear what’s a navigable path versus what’s a potential trap. Overall, the graphics do more than just look good—they actively support the game’s stealth and exploration systems.

Story

Sly 2: Band of Thieves continues the saga of Master Thief Sly Cooper as he reunites with his childhood friends Bentley and Murray to recover the stolen pages of the Cooper family’s legendary Thievius Raccoonus. The clockwork parts scattered across the globe become the narrative thread that ties together exotic heist locations and escalating confrontations with a mysterious new crime syndicate called the Klaww Gang.

The interplay between Sly, Bentley, and Murray drives the story forward with humor and heart. Sly’s smooth-talking confidence contrasts with Bentley’s cautious intellect and Murray’s lovable enthusiasm, creating dialogue that’s both witty and sincere. Each character has moments to shine, and cutscenes are peppered with comic banter and lighthearted jabs, making you genuinely care about the trio’s bond.

Villains like the eccentric Dr. M and Carmichael add layers of intrigue, while the recurring theme of family legacy gives emotional weight to the heists. As the plot unfolds, loyalties are tested and unexpected alliances form, leading to satisfying payoffs in climactic missions. The narrative pacing strikes a good balance between story beats and gameplay, ensuring players remain invested without feeling pulled away from the action for too long.

Overall Experience

Sly 2: Band of Thieves offers a compelling blend of stealth, platforming, and character-driven storytelling that holds up remarkably well years after its initial release. The varied mission structure, switching seamlessly between three protagonists, keeps gameplay feeling fresh while encouraging players to master multiple skill sets. Whether you’re sneaking past guards as Sly, setting strategic traps as Bentley, or charging headfirst as Murray, each playstyle is rewarding in its own right.

The game’s world is both charming and immersive, with visually distinct locales that invite exploration and replay. Optional collectibles, time challenges, and hidden vaults add depth for completionists, while the main story can be enjoyed without needing to hunt down every clue. Controls remain tight and responsive, supporting both smooth traversal and precise combat interactions.

For fans of stealth-action and lighthearted capers, Sly 2 delivers a polished, memorable experience that strikes a perfect balance between challenge and accessibility. Its clever mission design, charismatic characters, and striking cel-shaded visuals combine to create an adventure that stands as one of the genre’s high points. Whether you’re a returning Cooper clan devotee or a newcomer seeking a delightful heist tale, Sly 2: Band of Thieves is a must-play journey into the art of thievery.

Retro Replay Score

8.5/10