Industry Perspective
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus PC port has been highly anticipated due to the beloved nature of the 2002 original. As a result, the PC port had the potential to introduce the series to a wider audience and reinvigorate the franchise. However, despite its positive reception, the port has also faced criticism. First, the graphics haven’t been updated since its original PS2 release, leaving it feeling outdated compared to modern titles. This issue is exacerbated by the lack of a traditional widescreen aspect ratio, which results in black bars on either side of the screen.
Strategic Implications
The decision not to update the graphics for the PC port was likely a strategic move to reduce development costs and preserve the original art style. However, it has also limited the game’s appeal to modern audiences. The lack of widescreen support is also a missed opportunity, as it could have significantly enhanced the gameplay experience. Additionally, the PC port has been plagued by technical issues, including crashes and performance problems, which have further dampened its reception.
These issues have hindered the PC port from fully capitalizing on the potential of Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus. Despite its nostalgic appeal, the outdated graphics and technical problems have prevented the PC port from becoming a definitive version of the game. As a result, the impact of the PC port on the overall Sly Cooper franchise remains uncertain.
