Rioichi Cooper

Lore & Background

Rioichi Cooper lived in feudal Japan, where he was renowned as both a master swordsman and a brilliant inventor. He crafted the Sword of the Cooper Clan, a legendary blade that became a symbol of the family's thieving prowess and honor. Rioichi's skills extended beyond combat; he was also a skilled engineer, creating various gadgets and traps that aided in his heists. His legacy is preserved in the Thievius Raccoonus, where his entries detail techniques like the 'Sword Spin' and 'Sword Charge.'

In Their Own Story

In the misty mountains of feudal Japan, Rioichi Cooper stood at his forge, the fire casting dancing shadows on the walls. He was perfecting a new lockpick, one that could open any chest in the shogun's castle. As he worked, he heard a rustle—a rival thief, drawn by the legend of the Cooper sword. Rioichi smiled, placing his hand on the blade. 'You seek my treasure,' he said, 'but you have forgotten the first rule of a thief: patience.' With a swift motion, he disarmed the intruder, leaving him tied to a tree, a lesson in humility. Later, Rioichi would use that same lockpick to swipe the shogun's prized tea set—not for its value, but to prove that a Cooper's greatest weapon is his wits.

Reader's Guide

Rioichi Cooper is a playable character in *Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time*, appearing in the 'Japan' time period. As an ancestor of Sly, he has unique abilities that reflect his samurai background. Rioichi's primary weapon is his sword, which he uses for both combat and puzzle-solving. He can perform a powerful sword slash to break objects and defeat enemies, and he has a special 'Sword Spin' move that damages nearby foes. His agility is slightly less than Sly's, but his combat prowess makes him a formidable ally. In the game, Rioichi's levels focus on stealth and swordplay, requiring players to use his abilities to navigate Japanese-themed environments, such as bamboo forests and ancient castles. He can also use his sword to deflect projectiles and perform a 'Sword Charge' attack that can break through reinforced doors. Rioichi's role in the story is to help Sly recover the missing page from the Thievius Raccoonus, which was stolen by the game's antagonist, Le Paradox. His sections are a blend of action and platforming, emphasizing timing and precision—particularly when using his sword to parry enemy attacks or slice through bamboo to reveal hidden paths.

Did You Know?

• He is a master swordsman and inventor from feudal Japan.
• He forged the Sword of the Cooper Clan, a legendary blade.
• His thieving techniques are recorded in the Thievius Raccoonus.
• He aids Sly in reclaiming a stolen page from the Thievius Raccoonus.