Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus

"Short, and Sweet"

Ok, I'll get straight to the point.

Graphics 9/10

The graphics are impressive. Well done cel animation, superb backgrounds, and visually stunning rendering. On the down side, there is a bit of slowdown.

Story 9/10

Ok, now the story is a bit different. you're a thief from a long line of thieves. Every generation writes about their exploits in a book called ''The Thievius Raccoonus''. on the day Sly was to inherit the book, 5 criminals broke in, disposed of his parents. and took off with the book.

On the downside, I've heard a similar story before. However, I did like the fact it had an amusing background on each of the villains.

Gameplay 9/10

The stages are varied, and kinda straightforward - unless you're trying to find all the clues to open the safe. I loved the fact you have to use some of his moves to get the keys. It isn't always 'jump here, jump there, dodge enemy, climb here, etc'. The minigames are a great idea. They break up the mononaty a bit. However, I hated driving the van. (I'm a bad driver)

Downside is if your just getting the keys, the levels are short

Controls 9/10

Great control. I recommend using an analog controller. If you barely press the stick, he tiptoes, full press, and he runs. The controls are very simple - even using special moves just take one of 2 buttons. And if you miss a jump - it is your fault.

Downside is using the right stick in the minigames is a pain

Challenge 8/10

Ok, it's easy to get into, and gets a bit more challenging later on. But, overall, it's a rather easy game. If you just try to get through it, It's really short, but if you try to get all the clues, it's still short, but a bit more challenging. I've barely tried the master sprints.Every time you complete a level (get the key and open the vault) you can try a master thief sprint. They are the real challenge.

Downside is I beat it in a week, and unlocked all but 2 movies.

In summary, Well worth playing, buy give it a rent first. I never rent games, but I bought it, and I'm not sorry I did. It can be beat in a week, easily, but the sprints take a while. Even the clues can take awhile to find.I spent a couple hours just looking for one last clue on a couple stages.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/06/02, Updated 10/06/02