Spy vs Spy
Reviewed by Mariner
Most people have probably never heard of a Spy vs Spy game. Made by
Kemco in 1988, the game based off of the somewhat popular Mad
magazine characters. The game is, to put it simply, unique. I have
never played a game quite like this before. I suppose the only genre
one can place it under is strategy, even though there's puzzle and
action elements in it
Graphics: 7.5 out of 10
It's certainly not the best the NES has to offer, but also not the worst.
The spies themselves look like they do in Mad, so there's no problems
there. However, the rooms look kind of bland. The 'camera' is right over
the closest wall, and there isn't much detail on the various objects in the
room. If there's one thing that can be said for the graphics, it's the animation.
They are perfectly cheesy. Setting a booby trap makes your spy giggle
maniacally, and you turn into an angel and float away if you die. A rather
surprised look comes over your spy right before he the booby traps go off,
and then your spy is blown up, electrocuted, or catapulted backwards. They
are definitely worthy of the Mad moniker. However, the rest of the animations,
such as the fighting sequences, aren't all that great.
Music and Sound: 7 out of 10
The NES isn't known for its sound capabilities. However, Spy vs Spy
makes good use of what they have. The giggling sounds and explosions
are ok. It's nothing special, but it fits in with the odd imagery of the
game. Some of the other sounds, like punches or finding items aren't
as good. The music is ok. There are only two songs though, and one of
them is the title theme. The actual gameplay music may get tiring and
boring after a while, but it does fit the mood I think.
Game Challenge: 7 out of 10
The game can be a challenge sometimes. There are nine different levels,
getting more complex as you go along. As there is no set way of playing
through the levels, it is difficult to memorize the later levels. The computer
spy is pretty good, and you are pretty much equal with any other player.
Basically, the challenge depends on your power of observation and
memorization. If you can remember how to get through the maze like
levels and remember where the booby traps are, you should do fine.
Game Play-Fun: 7.5 out of 10
It's different. You have to search inside drawers, behind paintings, and
throughout the building for the four objects and a briefcase. However,
you or the other spy can plant booby traps behind them which must be
defused (there are two different traps with two different counters to
defuse them). You can also booby trap the doors or the room itself.
There are also two weapons, a knife and a club I believe, that can be
used to increase your attack power if you happen to meet up with the
other spy (then you beat each other up). There is a time limit, and dying
takes 30 seconds off of your time. This is one of the first games with
split level screens, and it works nicely. The depth of the game makes
the game more fun and allows for different ways of playing. You can just
search out the items without worrying about your opponent, you can plant
tons of booby traps to slow down your opponent, or you can attack your
opponent every chance you get. I named the genre strategy because I really
don't know what other genre to put it in. The gameplay is indeed different.
And different is good in this case.
Replayability: 7 out of 10
There's some replayability here. As mentioned above, you can have many
different strategies, so it may take a few games to adopt a style. Games
are quick, and players are relatively equal, so it won't get boring. There
are only 9 levels, but they're not easy to memorize or anything. It's fun
to play time and again.
Story: 4 out of 10
Generally, one does not worry about the elements of a story in this kind
of game. And, in truth, there isn't much of one. So, anyway, the black spy
and the white spy are looking for four major items inside a building: the
key to exit, a passport, money, and something else. Once they get those,
they must escape the building and fly away without the other spy getting
them. Why they need these objects and why they are stuck in this building
is not an issue. Not much motivation, unless you see the animation.
Overall: 7.4 out of 10
Quite simply, there are very few games quite like this. It is a refreshing
change from the endless sequels of Mario and Mega Man and whatnot.
Unfortunately, this type of game has seemingly disappeared. Kemco (or
anyone else) should try to revive this. The closest thing I've seen was
Picassio, which I believe is now canned. Too bad. The game may be hard
to find, but it's worth picking up if it's cheap.