Sly 3 offers a lot of great things, with a few upsets I can't shake off.
What's new:
5 new playable characters
New game-play elements and styles
No more bottle hunting
Updated Pick-pocketing system
2 Player Missions
3D glasses for select missions
What's the same;
The effective humour
The move-purchasing system
The over-all style, look, and feel of the previous games
The tight controls
What didn't I like:
This is a fun game, and I did enjoy playing it. Let's make that clear. I would recommend this game, and the entire Sly series to anyone who asked. But that doesn't mean I wasn't put off by some items this time around.
My biggest issue is this: The main title of the game is Sly 3. I like to play as Sly. I think he is the coolest character in the game. But with a total of 8 playable characters, Sly's missions feel few and far between. In fact the game felt more like "Bentley 3", although this is somewhat fitting given one of the sub-plots of the game.
I understand that the attempt was to provide something new, and each character provides their own unique style of game-play, but to me a lot of it seemed like change for the sake of change. I wasn't impressed with the Guru's, Dimitri's, or the Panda King's levels. I found them a little gimmicky with each character being a one trick pony that took away from what the Sly Cooper games are all about; sneaky platforming action. They were okay, but again, I have more fun as Sly.
Something I found lacking with all of these levels was the actual stealing. The game does have the word "Thieves" in the title, but I didn't find myself feeling like one as much as I did in Sly 2. It's not absent in the game, just not as prevalent.
You'll also encounter some dialog mini games where you have to select one of three choices to make the conversation proceed the way you need to. But for the most part, it doesn't matter what you choose, because you'll eventually pick the right option, with no variable in the outcome. I found it nothing more than a cut scene with continue buttons.
Sucker Punch tried to prevent the "been there, done that" complaints which they should be commended for, but created some "didn't have to go there or do this" scenarios as well.
What did I like;
Let's end this review on a positive note, as that's what the game left me with. There's still lots to enjoy in this game, and despite my comments of the game-play that takes away from Sly, some of the new elements are very enjoyable. I enjoyed playing as Carmelita, and Bentley's grapple cam is fun. Of course the system hacking mini-games are still around, and have been upgraded.
The best new game-play element for me was the piloting a pirate ship. This is the most fun I had as a pirate since I was Guybrush Threepwood. I think all pirate action games should be using these level as their base for creation. They are fantastic! I was very impressed when I was picking fights with other sea-dogs. This was the happiest surprise for me in the game, and the most welcomed break from the platforming action. If a "Thieves on the Open Seas" spin-off game ever came out, I would definitely pick it up.
There's new combat moves to add to your arsenal in Sly 3, and I found the funds needed to purchase them easier to come by. In addition to Bentley being able to pick-pocket now, you can find more valuable items in those pockets that converts directly to cash without the redundant task of having to sell them on ThiefNet.
There's levels that have a 3D component to it where you put on a pair of 3D glasses. I like this idea, unfortunately my colourblindness impacted it's effect.
Two player levels are in this rendition of Sly, and they're welcome. They add to the longevity of the game in a big way. As you complete the levels in single player mode you'll be able to go back and complete trials, which also helps add to the re-playability.
There's the little things that Sucker Punch worked on to make the game more enjoyable as well. For example, when selecting which character to play as it will either say "Press X to play as _______" OR "______ has a job to do", so you know right away who you have to play as next. In addition to you mission markers there's also directional clues to let you know where your objectives are.
As usual, each of the cities you visit have a unique look and feel to them, and I found them even more diverse in this game then the previous ones. The graphic as slick, the sound is great, and the voice acting is commendable.
I must also mention that the final "gauntlet" that Sly treks through is some of the best platforming action the series has seen.
In this end, this is a good addition to the series with lots to keep you involved. This Raccoon manages to stay the sleekest character to appear on the PS2. The Sly Cooper trilogy should definitely find a way into your collection, if it hasn't already.