Sly 2 - Band of Thieves

Game Overview

Sly 2: Band of Thieves is an action-platformer developed by Sucker Punch Productions, with its PlayStation Vita port handled by Sanzaru Games. Picking up two years after the original game, the story follows Sly Cooper and his loyal crew as they discover that the museum pieces containing the dismantled mechanical body parts of their arch-nemesis, Clockwerk, have been stolen by a criminal syndicate known as the Klaww Gang. To prevent villains from utilizing Clockwerk's hateful legacy, the Cooper Gang sets out on a globe-trotting string of heists across Prague, India, and Canada.

The gameplay expands dramatically over the first title by introducing expansive open-world hub environments. Instead of linear levels, players plan and execute complex operations across multiple missions. Crucially, the game makes Bentley the turtle and Murray the hippo fully playable characters alongside Sly, each featuring distinct core mechanics: Sly handles stealth and rooftop navigation, Bentley utilizes remote-controlled gadgets and heavy explosive demolitions, and Murray specializes in brute-force brawling and vehicle transport.

Quick Specifications

• Platform: PlayStation Vita (PS Vita)

• Release Date: May 2014 (North America / Europe via Physical Compilation Cartridge & Digital PSN as part of The Sly Collection)

• Genre: Stealth, Platformer, Action, Adventure

• Developer: Sucker Punch Productions / Sanzaru Games

• Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

• Players: 1 Player (Single-Player)

• Play Length: Approximately 12 to 18 hours

• Region Format: Region Free (Physical Cartridge & Digital PSN)

Key Features

• Three Playable Characters: Switch dynamically between Sly Cooper, Bentley, and Murray, utilizing their specialized gadgets, combat styles, and hacking skills to conquer missions.

• Open-World Hubs: Explore sprawling, densely populated international environments freely, scouting security camera routes, tracking targets, and picking pockets.

• Elaborate Heist Structure: Every chapter builds toward a grand finale heist where you execute coordinated maneuvers across all three characters simultaneously.

• Gadget & Move Shop: Collect coins from guards and environmental objects to purchase custom pickpocket moves, binoculars, combat combos, and stealth upgrades at ThiefNet.

• Remastered Handheld Port: Optimized for the PS Vita with clean native resolution scaling, fluid performance, and an independent trophy list.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: How does the playable trio dynamic change the gameplay?

A: It transforms the game from a traditional linear platformer into a tactical caper. If a mission requires cracking a safe or disabling laser grids, you rely on Bentley's hacking tools; if you need to clear a path through hordes of heavy guards, Murray's muscle takes center stage.

Q: Is Sly 2 available as a standalone physical game on PS Vita?

A: In western physical retail markets, Sly 2: Band of Thieves was bundled alongside the first and third games on a single cartridge inside The Sly Collection. Digital buyers on the PlayStation Network, however, could acquire the titles separately.

Q: Does the PS Vita version include a Platinum trophy?

A: Yes, Sly 2 features its own distinct trophy list on the PS Vita, complete with an independent Platinum trophy awarded to completionists who find every clue bottle and vault.

Q: Do I need to play the first game before starting Band of Thieves?

A: While helpful for narrative continuity regarding the backstory with Inspector Carmelita Fox and Clockwerk, Sly 2 introduces an independent plotline focused on the Klaww Gang that welcomes newcomers easily.