Introduction
Sucker Punch Productions has quietly become one of the most respected PlayStation studios of the last two decades. Known for their stylistic risks and technical evolution, they’ve transitioned from colourful platformers to gritty superhero sagas and now cinematic samurai epics.
Yet, no definitive tier list fully blends fan sentiment, critic reviews, sales data, and technical performance—until now. This 2024 ranking evaluates every Sucker Punch game from their 1999 debut to the modern classics, including insight on which title to start with and what might be coming next.
Sucker Punch Games
When you talk about Sucker Punch games, you’re talking about legacy. This studio’s portfolio may not be as massive as others, but its impact is undeniable. From the stealthy antics of Sly Cooper to the explosive morality of Infamous and the sprawling epic of Ghost of Tsushima, each game marks a major milestone in design philosophy and narrative depth.
This guide ranks their major releases based on gameplay innovation, critical acclaim, commercial success, and technical evolution on current-gen consoles.
S-Tier: Masterpieces That Define the Studio
Ghost of Tsushima leads this tier with confidence. Selling over 9.5 million copies and receiving a PS5 Director’s Cut with native 60 FPS, it’s more than just a successful game—it’s a landmark for cinematic storytelling in open-world design.
From its breathtaking art direction to its emotionally grounded narrative, Ghost set a new benchmark. What truly elevates it is the balance between accessibility and depth, something few action-adventure games manage so elegantly.
For years, Infamous held the studio’s crown, but Ghost dethroned it by expanding the emotional palette and reducing the gameplay repetition that haunted its predecessors. Jin Sakai isn’t just a character; he’s a philosophy embodied in gameplay.
The world feels alive, combat is fluid yet weighty, and the Kurosawa-inspired visuals give it a timeless, auteur vibe.
A-Tier: Cult Classics with Lasting Influence
This tier is dominated by Infamous 2 and Infamous: Second Son, two superhero action games that defined the PS3 and early PS4 eras. Infamous 2, with a Metascore of 83, refined the open-world formula, delivering a sharper morality system and tighter narrative pacing.
Meanwhile, Second Son introduced stunning particle effects and was an early visual showcase for the PS4, even though its 80 Metascore reflects its more polarising reception.
Second Son also introduced Paper Trail, a unique alternate reality game (ARG) that blurred the lines between digital storytelling and real-world scavenger hunts.
This ARG, accessible via web browser and console, was groundbreaking for its time, offering players cryptic clues and lore expansion through an interactive detective framework.
B-Tier: Niche But Noteworthy Beginnings
Before the world knew Jin Sakai or Cole MacGrath, Sucker Punch experimented with more whimsical fare. The Sly Cooper trilogy, particularly the remastered versions, stands out as a beloved, if slightly dated, mascot platformer series.
Its cel-shaded art style was ahead of its time and remains charming even in 2024. These games blended stealth, humour, and platforming in a way that felt fresh and creative.
Even deeper in their history lies Rocket: Robot on Wheels, released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64.
While largely forgotten by mainstream players, it was the first game to feature a full physics engine in a 3D platformer, preceding more well-known titles like Half-Life 2. Despite modest sales, it showed early signs of Sucker Punch’s experimental nature.
Cancelled Projects and Lost Potential
Among the most intriguing entries in Sucker Punch’s catalog are the cancelled titles, such as the mysterious “Prophecy” project from 2003, which combined stealth-action with fantasy elements.
Leaked footage suggests this could have been a transitional title between Sly and Infamous. Sadly, it was scrapped in favour of more commercially viable superhero narratives.
These projects, though never released, give insight into the studio’s internal experimentation. Fans are still unearthing concept art and developer notes, and their existence contributes to the mythos surrounding the studio’s willingness to pivot and evolve.
Performance on PS5: Frame Rate and Fidelity
Not all remasters are created equal. Ghost of Tsushima’s PS5 version sets the gold standard with native 60 FPS and reduced load times. Meanwhile, Infamous Second Son received minor enhancements through backwards compatibility but lacks a dedicated PS5 upgrade.
The Sly Trilogy has yet to be ported officially, making it increasingly difficult for new players to access without legacy hardware.
These gaps present both a preservation problem and a growth opportunity. Fans continue to request full remasters or native ports, especially as PS5 hardware becomes standard across the player base.
Which Sucker Punch Game Should You Play First?
If you’re new to the studio, Ghost of Tsushima is the most welcoming entry. It’s modern, polished, and narratively rich. However, those interested in story evolution and mechanics may benefit from starting with Infamous 2, which balances older design with strong storytelling.
Sly Cooper remains a solid choice for younger audiences or those seeking nostalgia-driven gameplay.
The starting point depends on your genre preference—stealth, action, or cinematic adventure—but the quality is consistent throughout the lineup.
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Conclusion
From Rocket’s early physics puzzles to the sweeping epic of Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch Productions has crafted a bold, diverse portfolio. Each game—whether mainstream success or niche gem—marks a distinct era of risk-taking and refinement.
This tier list not only celebrates what came before but hints at what lies ahead. As rumors swirl and expectations mount, one thing is clear: the journey of Sucker Punch games is far from over.
FAQs
What is the best Sucker Punch game to start with?
Ghost of Tsushima is the most modern and accessible title, making it an excellent entry point for new players unfamiliar with the studio.
Are the Sly Cooper games still worth playing?
Absolutely. Though they feel dated mechanically, their charm, style, and storytelling still hold up, especially in the remastered editions.
Why isn’t there a PS5 upgrade for Infamous?
While Second Son runs on PS5 via backwards compatibility, it hasn’t received a true next-gen upgrade, possibly due to limited current development resources.
Did Sucker Punch cancel any games?
Yes. One of the most discussed is “Prophecy,” a stealth-fantasy title that was abandoned mid-development in the early 2000s.
Is Ghost of Tsushima 2 confirmed?
No official confirmation yet, but multiple job listings and DLC cliffhangers suggest a sequel is likely in development.
