Sly’s Cane Melee

Lore & Background

Sly's cane is more than just a weapon; it is a family heirloom passed down through generations of Cooper thieves. Each Cooper has added their own techniques to the Thievius Raccoonus, the sacred book of thieving skills, and Sly's cane melee moves are a direct reflection of that legacy. The cane itself is a lightweight but sturdy metal rod with a curved hook, allowing Sly to both strike and parry with fluid precision. In the hands of a master, the cane becomes an extension of Sly's body, enabling him to chain attacks, dodge, and counter enemy moves with ease.

In Their Own Story

The moon hung low over Paris as Sly crept along the rain-slicked rooftops. Below, a patrol of Clockwerk's guards marched in perfect unison. Sly grinned, his cane spinning lazily in his hand. He dropped silently behind the last guard, and with a swift, practiced motion, he brought the cane around in a low arc, sweeping the guard's legs. Before the guard could shout, a quick jab to the chin silenced him. Sly twirled his cane once more, then vanished into the shadows, leaving only the soft clatter of metal on stone.

Reader's Guide

Sly's Cane Melee is the core combat mechanic in the Sly Cooper series. It is executed by pressing the attack button (typically Square on PlayStation controllers) while Sly is on the ground and near an enemy. The basic combo consists of a three-hit sequence: a quick horizontal swipe, a second swipe from the opposite direction, and a final overhead smash that knocks enemies back. This combo can be interrupted or extended by jumping, dodging, or using special moves. Special moves include the 'Cane Parry,' which allows Sly to deflect incoming projectiles or melee attacks when timed correctly, and the 'Spin Attack,' performed by holding the attack button, which hits all nearby enemies. In later games, Sly can also perform a 'Cane Slam' by pressing the attack button while in the air, slamming the cane downward to stun enemies on impact. These moves are essential for crowd control and for breaking the defenses of tougher enemies. Why it matters: The cane melee system is Sly's only direct offensive option in most situations, making it vital for progressing through levels, defeating bosses, and protecting his friends. Mastering the timing and combos allows players to conserve health, avoid damage, and maintain the fluid, acrobatic style that defines the franchise. Without it, Sly would be defenseless against the many threats that stalk the shadows.

Did You Know?

• Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time is the first game in the series to not be developed by Sucker Punch Productions; it was developed by Sanzaru Games.
• The game was teased in The Sly Collection, a remastered bundle of the original trilogy released for PlayStation 3.
• Thieves in Time was formally announced at the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo during Sony's presentation in June 2011.
• The PlayStation Vita version was not part of the cross-buy scheme, meaning it did not include a free copy of the PlayStation 3 version.
• The game's worlds are claimed to be three times the size of the original trilogy.