Rounding out the final game of the Sly Cooper PS2 trilogy is Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves. I wouldn't exactly call it a 'swan song' game, since the fourth installment is coming on the PS3, Sly 4: Thieves in Time. However, this would end the series (temporarily) on a high note of sorts. Working off the last game are a big pair of shoes to fill, but the third installment manages to pull it off splendidly. How so, exactly? Lets jump right into Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves.
(They're putting the band back together)
The story actually begins with Sly and his gang (now composed of other, mysterious members aside from Bentley and Murray) are attempting to open a vault on an island owned by a deranged Dr. M, a mandrill scientist. During the heist, Sly gets attacked by Dr. M and a mutated creature controlled by the bad doc. From there, Sly gets grabbed and starts thinking back to where it all began. Yep, most of the game takes place in a flashback, so just sit back and try to enjoy.
The flashback begins when Sly meets with a walrus named McSweeney, who told the raccoon how he used to work with Sly's father in the past, kinda like Murray and Bentley. McSweeney talks about an island called Kaine Island, which is home to the Cooper Vault. The Cooper Vault is a treasure trove built up by past members of the Cooper Clan. In essence, it was Cooper's birthright. However, the island has been taken over by Dr. M, who has since built a fortress on it to try and penetrate the Cooper Vault and take the wealth for himself. Realizing how out-matched he is, Sly decides to reform the Cooper Gang since its dissolution after the Clock-La incident.
As of this point, its just Sly and Bentley, who is now confided to a suped-up wheelchair. Murray, feeling bad that what happened to Bentley was his own fault, has been on a spiritual journey for a while. Sly and Bentley manage to track their friend to Venice, Italy, but soon realize that their friend could have a nasty run-in with the local mafia boss, Octavio.
Octavio was once an opera singer, who could've been famous if not for the popularity of rock music. After his downward spiral, he joined the mafia since they actually did enjoy his singing. Eventually, he rose up to be the main 'don' of Venice, dumping black sludge into the water as a disposal method.
As of this point, its just Sly and Bentley, who is now confided to a suped-up wheelchair. Murray, feeling bad that what happened to Bentley was his own fault, has been on a spiritual journey for a while. Sly and Bentley manage to track their friend to Venice, Italy, but soon realize that their friend could have a nasty run-in with the local mafia boss, Octavio.
Octavio was once an opera singer, who could've been famous if not for the popularity of rock music. After his downward spiral, he joined the mafia since they actually did enjoy his singing. Eventually, he rose up to be the main 'don' of Venice, dumping black sludge into the water as a disposal method.
Sly manages to get some help from an unlikely source: Dmitri from the second game. In exchange for arranging a meeting with Murray, Sly freed Dmitri from his temporary prison cell. Once the gang reunites, Murray says that he cannot go back on his teacher's orders. He says that he needs to help 'the black water run clear' or something to the like. Putting two and two together, Sly and Bentley realizes that Murray was sent to bring Octavio to justice in order to get their friend back.
After a few successful missions, with some assistance from Murray, the group managed to corner Octavio. However, Carmelita interrupts their mission and tries to arrest them. Not willing to back down, Octavio tried to flee, knocking Bentley out of his wheelchair. Seeing his friend in so much pain, Murray decided to fight Octavio himself. With some help from Sly, Murray knocks out Ocatvio and rejoins the Cooper Gang. Finally, the gang is back together again.
However, Murray hasn't really gone back to his old self, feeling that he let down his friend and teacher, the Guru. Not wanting to see their friend so upset, Sly takes him back to the Guru, who is operating in Australia. Once they got there, the land was being dug up and destroyed by a digging company. The gang decided to take action against them, even managing to find the Guru, who was captured. Once they helped find his items (a staff and mystic ball), the Guru agreed to help the gang in order to stop a malicious entity: the Mask of Dark Earth.
After a few successful missions, with some assistance from Murray, the group managed to corner Octavio. However, Carmelita interrupts their mission and tries to arrest them. Not willing to back down, Octavio tried to flee, knocking Bentley out of his wheelchair. Seeing his friend in so much pain, Murray decided to fight Octavio himself. With some help from Sly, Murray knocks out Ocatvio and rejoins the Cooper Gang. Finally, the gang is back together again.
However, Murray hasn't really gone back to his old self, feeling that he let down his friend and teacher, the Guru. Not wanting to see their friend so upset, Sly takes him back to the Guru, who is operating in Australia. Once they got there, the land was being dug up and destroyed by a digging company. The gang decided to take action against them, even managing to find the Guru, who was captured. Once they helped find his items (a staff and mystic ball), the Guru agreed to help the gang in order to stop a malicious entity: the Mask of Dark Earth.
Utilizing the Guru's talents well, the gang decide to try and capture the Mask of Dark Earth through a trap. However, Carmelita is on the scene and the Mask of Dark Earth latches onto her face. The mask starts empowering her, making her much bigger and stronger. For awhile, nothing the gang has at their disposal sees to stop her (from Bentley's sleep darts to a massive demolitions truck). Realizing her current size (which would probably put her being twice the size of King Kong or more), Sly actually climbs up her bootlaces and to the mask,tricking her into knocking it down. The Mask of Darth Earth is soon destroyed and the Guru officially joins the Cooper Gang.
After a break from Australia, Bentley tries to go over plans to assault Dr. M's fortress and comes to the conclusion that the group needed a mechanical specialist. They manage to discover Penelope, a mechanic who works for a flyer named the Black Baron. The Black Baron is considered one of the most talented flyers in existence and even hosts a competition known as ACES. A bargain is struck: if Sly and his gang beat the Black Baron, then they can consider Penelope as part of their team.
The gang reaches Holland, where the ACES competition is held and even meet some familiar (if not friendly) faces. They find Dmitri, who is working as an announcer of sorts for the competition, and try to make him list the names and locations of the other teams. Dmitri, however, wanted a favor in return. Seeing no other way out of it, Sly agreed and Dmitri willingly gave the information to the Cooper Gang. Unfortunately, they hit another roadblock in the form of an old enemy: Muggshot.
The group needed a way to get Muggshot out of the picture. Luckily, Carmelita happened to be in town and the gang came up with a plan. With some disguises and a few insults, they managed to get Muggshot out in the open for a brawl, but found Carmelita instead. After a nasty scuffle, Carmelita was able to beat the bulldog, carting him off to jail once more. Unfortunately, the paperwork would keep her busy, leaving the Cooper Gang open to tackle the ACES competition.
The gang continues to use a few underhanded tactics that help them propel through the rest of the competition till they reach the Black Baron himself. Once Sly and the Baron square off, its revealed that the Black Baron isn't as much of an honest man as he makes himself out to be. Sure enough, Sly and his gang manage to out think the Black Baron and were able to claim victory. Surprisingly, the Black Baron turned out to be Penelope herself, having put on the disguise in the first place just to get around the age restrictions. Once she lost, she could finally ditch the disguise and work for the Cooper Gang.
A bit more research and planning into the heist on Dr. M's island revealed that Bentley's expertise in demolitions wouldn't be enough. In place, they would need a full-time demolitions expert. Unfortunately, the suggestion was a risky choice: the Panda King. Sly was adamantly against getting the Panda King for help, but reconsidered once told that his help is necessary. The gang manages to track the Panda King to a secluded section of China, where he is in deep mediation. Sly manages to wake the big guy out of his stupor and get him to help the team. Of course, there is a price that needs to be paid.
Apparently, his daughter was kidnapped by an evil general named Tsao. General Tsao plans for Jing King (Panda King's daughter) and himself to be married, thereby improving the bloodlines for both families. Overall, General Tsao is a complete bastard, doing things only to suit his own needs and puts down everyone he comes across. On top of that, he also has magical powers. Terrific.
After a break from Australia, Bentley tries to go over plans to assault Dr. M's fortress and comes to the conclusion that the group needed a mechanical specialist. They manage to discover Penelope, a mechanic who works for a flyer named the Black Baron. The Black Baron is considered one of the most talented flyers in existence and even hosts a competition known as ACES. A bargain is struck: if Sly and his gang beat the Black Baron, then they can consider Penelope as part of their team.
The gang reaches Holland, where the ACES competition is held and even meet some familiar (if not friendly) faces. They find Dmitri, who is working as an announcer of sorts for the competition, and try to make him list the names and locations of the other teams. Dmitri, however, wanted a favor in return. Seeing no other way out of it, Sly agreed and Dmitri willingly gave the information to the Cooper Gang. Unfortunately, they hit another roadblock in the form of an old enemy: Muggshot.
The group needed a way to get Muggshot out of the picture. Luckily, Carmelita happened to be in town and the gang came up with a plan. With some disguises and a few insults, they managed to get Muggshot out in the open for a brawl, but found Carmelita instead. After a nasty scuffle, Carmelita was able to beat the bulldog, carting him off to jail once more. Unfortunately, the paperwork would keep her busy, leaving the Cooper Gang open to tackle the ACES competition.
The gang continues to use a few underhanded tactics that help them propel through the rest of the competition till they reach the Black Baron himself. Once Sly and the Baron square off, its revealed that the Black Baron isn't as much of an honest man as he makes himself out to be. Sure enough, Sly and his gang manage to out think the Black Baron and were able to claim victory. Surprisingly, the Black Baron turned out to be Penelope herself, having put on the disguise in the first place just to get around the age restrictions. Once she lost, she could finally ditch the disguise and work for the Cooper Gang.
A bit more research and planning into the heist on Dr. M's island revealed that Bentley's expertise in demolitions wouldn't be enough. In place, they would need a full-time demolitions expert. Unfortunately, the suggestion was a risky choice: the Panda King. Sly was adamantly against getting the Panda King for help, but reconsidered once told that his help is necessary. The gang manages to track the Panda King to a secluded section of China, where he is in deep mediation. Sly manages to wake the big guy out of his stupor and get him to help the team. Of course, there is a price that needs to be paid.
Apparently, his daughter was kidnapped by an evil general named Tsao. General Tsao plans for Jing King (Panda King's daughter) and himself to be married, thereby improving the bloodlines for both families. Overall, General Tsao is a complete bastard, doing things only to suit his own needs and puts down everyone he comes across. On top of that, he also has magical powers. Terrific.
The Gang does their best to counter General Tsao and rescue Jing King, During this time, Murray manages to find the old Cooper Gang van (which was left behind near the end of Sly 2) and wants to get it back. Panda King gets inspired by Murray's actions and vows to do the same for Jing King. In another bit, Sly Cooper manages to trick Carmelita into thinking that he would disguise himself as General Tsao for the wedding. By planting the false information, Carmelita ends up taking the place of the rescued bride, while the rest of the gang fight off a dragon summoned by General Tsao. In the end, Jing King is saved, General Tsao is arrested, and the Panda King officially joins the Cooper Gang, albeit with some reasonable distrust thrown in.
Later, Dmitri sends out a message saying that Sly owes him a favor. Arranging for some transport, Dmitri tells the gang the story about his grandfather, who used to be a 'frogman' (undersea diver)in a town called Bloodbath Bay (a town with strong pirate roots). There, he would loot sunken ships for their treasure. At one point, Dmitri's grandfather had his gear and treasure stolen by another pirates and soon started a family. With the favor, Dmitri asks for Sly and his gang's help in retrieving the lost gear and treasure for his family.
They arrive in Bloodbath Bay and find the man who stole from Dmitri's grandfather, a parrot named Black Spot Pete. However, they learn that Pete had also been robbed, having lost his treasure and the suit to a pirate captain named LeFwee, the self-proclaimed "smartest man in all of the seven seas". Guy may dress up like a pirate and act like one, but he does have more intelligence than the average pirate (which is saying a lot).
Sly and his gang do their best to take out Captain LeFwee and get everything the pirate ever stole. During this time, they managed to find Dmitri's grandfather's old diving gear, bringing the iguana much joy and satisfaction. They also managed to coerce a giant kraken creature named Crusher to help them as well (thanks to the Guru). Of course,a bit of a snag occurs and Penelope gets kidnapped by LeFwee. Seriously, smart enough to fly and build planes, yet keeps getting kidnapped on every mission so far. Really need to place a tracker on her or something.
The Cooper Gang decide to take the fight to LeFwee, tricking him into revealing the location of Penelope. To LeFwee's credit, he does manage to trick the group right back by giving them the wrong location, but it doesn't last long. Crusher gets released onto LeFwee, but the mad pirate parrot won't back down just yet. After knocking down Bentley for just having a superior intelligence, LeFwee gets cornered by Penelope, who intends to stop LeFwee in Bentley's honor. In a surprise move, it comes down to a pirate sword fight, with Penelope knocked LeFwee overboard and into the ocean. So, LeFwee is defeated, Penelope and Bentley start dating, and Dmitri joins the Cooper Gang as their 'frogman'...despite not being asked in the first place. Still, his help could have its uses.
...and here is where the flashback ends, back to Sly getting ready to be some mutated monster's next meal. Fortunately, Carmelita arrives (more likely to capture everyone on the island) and helps free Sly from Dr. M's grasp. The bad doctor (calling him 'good' is an incredible understatement) tries to get Carmelita off his back by saying that the others were trespassing, but Carmelita doesn't budge from her goal. During the fight, Sly loses his family staff, with the rest of the gang doing their best to retrieve it.
...and that was Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves.
In a way, its a great cap-off for the original PS2 trilogy. The stakes have been raised to a new level and the heroes need more than just themselves to win the fight. The story is great, the characters (as usual) are great, and the level designs are great. Again, the trilogy has ended on a high note.
Lately, Sly 4 is already on the move and seems like it would live up to its predecessors. There are already videos of Sly's return as a thief, as well as playable sections of some of Sly's ancestors. Some rumors say that Clockwerk might make a return. One could hope...
Until next time...
Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves was produced by Sucker Punch Productions.
Thanks to ThoddeusCooper and 0xybelis for the videos.
Later, Dmitri sends out a message saying that Sly owes him a favor. Arranging for some transport, Dmitri tells the gang the story about his grandfather, who used to be a 'frogman' (undersea diver)in a town called Bloodbath Bay (a town with strong pirate roots). There, he would loot sunken ships for their treasure. At one point, Dmitri's grandfather had his gear and treasure stolen by another pirates and soon started a family. With the favor, Dmitri asks for Sly and his gang's help in retrieving the lost gear and treasure for his family.
They arrive in Bloodbath Bay and find the man who stole from Dmitri's grandfather, a parrot named Black Spot Pete. However, they learn that Pete had also been robbed, having lost his treasure and the suit to a pirate captain named LeFwee, the self-proclaimed "smartest man in all of the seven seas". Guy may dress up like a pirate and act like one, but he does have more intelligence than the average pirate (which is saying a lot).
Sly and his gang do their best to take out Captain LeFwee and get everything the pirate ever stole. During this time, they managed to find Dmitri's grandfather's old diving gear, bringing the iguana much joy and satisfaction. They also managed to coerce a giant kraken creature named Crusher to help them as well (thanks to the Guru). Of course,a bit of a snag occurs and Penelope gets kidnapped by LeFwee. Seriously, smart enough to fly and build planes, yet keeps getting kidnapped on every mission so far. Really need to place a tracker on her or something.
The Cooper Gang decide to take the fight to LeFwee, tricking him into revealing the location of Penelope. To LeFwee's credit, he does manage to trick the group right back by giving them the wrong location, but it doesn't last long. Crusher gets released onto LeFwee, but the mad pirate parrot won't back down just yet. After knocking down Bentley for just having a superior intelligence, LeFwee gets cornered by Penelope, who intends to stop LeFwee in Bentley's honor. In a surprise move, it comes down to a pirate sword fight, with Penelope knocked LeFwee overboard and into the ocean. So, LeFwee is defeated, Penelope and Bentley start dating, and Dmitri joins the Cooper Gang as their 'frogman'...despite not being asked in the first place. Still, his help could have its uses.
...and here is where the flashback ends, back to Sly getting ready to be some mutated monster's next meal. Fortunately, Carmelita arrives (more likely to capture everyone on the island) and helps free Sly from Dr. M's grasp. The bad doctor (calling him 'good' is an incredible understatement) tries to get Carmelita off his back by saying that the others were trespassing, but Carmelita doesn't budge from her goal. During the fight, Sly loses his family staff, with the rest of the gang doing their best to retrieve it.
Eventually, the cooper staff is retrieved and Sly manages to access the vault. He asks Bentley and Murray to come along too, since they are his closest friends and deserve a chance to see the treasure for themselves. The 3 managed to meet up (with Panda King putting his explosives to work by launching the gang van to sly. Yes, it is as awesome as it sounds), though it is shown that only Coopers could access the entire vault and Sly goes in alone. With Murray and Bentley waiting on the outside, Bentley wonders if he is only playing second fiddle to Sly. However, Murray doesn't believe that and thinks that Sly would do the same in Bentley's position. Dr. M also appears, trying to appeal to Bentley's intelligence, saying how he used to be the 'smart guy' in Sly's father's gang. He left cause he couldn't handle the 'mistreatment' and vowed to steal the Cooper Vault fortune for himself. A scuffle breaks out, with Bentley sent off to find Sly while Murray tries to stop Dr. M.
Meanwhile, in the Cooper Vault, Sly moves through different sections of the vault, seeing the relics of his ancestors in the form of traps and tests. The last test, set up by Sly's father, involves sliding on laser wires. At the end, Sly meets up with Dr. M once more, resulting in a fight that knocks Sly out. Carmelita quickly appears and manages to save Sly, though discovering that he has amnesia. Soon, the vault begins to collapse from the fighting, leading to...
...and that was Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves.
In a way, its a great cap-off for the original PS2 trilogy. The stakes have been raised to a new level and the heroes need more than just themselves to win the fight. The story is great, the characters (as usual) are great, and the level designs are great. Again, the trilogy has ended on a high note.
Lately, Sly 4 is already on the move and seems like it would live up to its predecessors. There are already videos of Sly's return as a thief, as well as playable sections of some of Sly's ancestors. Some rumors say that Clockwerk might make a return. One could hope...
Until next time...
Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves was produced by Sucker Punch Productions.
Thanks to ThoddeusCooper and 0xybelis for the videos.
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