Sly 2 isn't one of the best games I've ever played, but it may be one of the best sequels I've ever played.
Every single aspect of the first game was cranked up: the already-strong soundtrack was made even better, the story is much more unique and better told, the side characters are so much better established, the gameplay is so much more distinct and varied, and the progression is endlessly satisfying, because the objectives both within and between levels are so specific and well constructed. The first game is still enjoyable, but this one blew it out of the water!
Some consider Sly 2 one of the all-time greats of the platforming genre, but I can't go quite that far: the game is just a hair too long, the level themes needed more variety, the ending feels somewhat rushed and uncanny, and I take issue with some of the game's writing and characterization. If there is one thing I really give Sly 3 credit over Sly 2 for, it's in writing strong characters who leave impressions: most of the side characters of Sly 2 aren't very memorable, and the main characters can be unlikable and their interactions inconsistent. If you could put Sly 3's characters in Sly 2's story, maybe this would be one of the GOATs.
As it stands, Sly 2 is still terrific and easily my favorite of the trilogy. If there ever is a Sly 5, I hope it can do this game justice (but I'm not too optimistic on either account).
Every single aspect of the first game was cranked up: the already-strong soundtrack was made even better, the story is much more unique and better told, the side characters are so much better established, the gameplay is so much more distinct and varied, and the progression is endlessly satisfying, because the objectives both within and between levels are so specific and well constructed. The first game is still enjoyable, but this one blew it out of the water!
Some consider Sly 2 one of the all-time greats of the platforming genre, but I can't go quite that far: the game is just a hair too long, the level themes needed more variety, the ending feels somewhat rushed and uncanny, and I take issue with some of the game's writing and characterization. If there is one thing I really give Sly 3 credit over Sly 2 for, it's in writing strong characters who leave impressions: most of the side characters of Sly 2 aren't very memorable, and the main characters can be unlikable and their interactions inconsistent. If you could put Sly 3's characters in Sly 2's story, maybe this would be one of the GOATs.
As it stands, Sly 2 is still terrific and easily my favorite of the trilogy. If there ever is a Sly 5, I hope it can do this game justice (but I'm not too optimistic on either account).