This is what a sequel should be; Sly 2 exceeds expectations.
What's stayed the same?
It's still a solid platformer with easy to get into controls. S2:BOT also carries on the feel of a slick and stylish 70's spy movie. The soundtrack and cut scenes in particular help carry this feeling along. Humour is still alive and well in this game to keep things spicy, which is highlighted by the good voice acting.
What's better?
I think this game looks better than the first. The colour, graphics, and character models look improved and refined.
The mini games that break up the platforming action are more enjoyable for me this time around. I get the feeling that the developers are definite retro-game-lovers, and their influence is well received by me.
The goals of the levels are more interesting. I actually feel like Sly is a thief this time around, due to the fact that I'm stealing something other then keys. The heist plans are also much more interesting and creative with added challenge.
They've done away with the 1 hit kills as well (expect for the surprise attacks). This means that while your average foes may be a little tougher, you are too. I welcome that Sly can take a bit more of a beating this time around.
What's simply different?
They changed the way the power-ups work. There's only 1 set of bottles to find per episode, as apposed to per level in each episode. Most of your power ups are accumulated by purchasing them with the coins you've collected, and profit from selling the loot you've stolen. It's not that I necessarily like this more or less, it's just different.
This time around, you also get to play as Sly, Bentley, and Murray. This does of course mix up the game-play, which is nice, but I find the split between the three is a little too even. I'm playing a Sly Cooper game to play as Sly Cooper. I think he's the coolest character of the 3, so naturally I would like to be playing as him most of the time.
An all around improvement, and a great platformer for a range of game-players. Sly 2 continues to build on the worthiness of investment into the series.