Definitely a product of its time. The first Sly uses the level design of area+sub-areas, and given the fact that you're supposed to be a sneaky raccoon, the run-and-gun type playstyle of those sub areas takes away from the whole stealth factor. The writing is mediocre and the plot is kind of boring. The boss fight with the crocodile lady is obnoxious as hell. If you're looking to play the Sly games, get this one out of the way as quick as you can. Easily the weakest of the three.