Another classic game re-made for this generation of consoles. I remember the original way back in the days of the ZX Spectrum and commodore 64 and that was a simple 2D affair with the black and white protagonists of the game battling it out for spy supremacy. Well it is 2005 and the remade game has gone all 3D and this time features a few new tricks up its sleeves.

Gameplay:

There are a few modes to get your teeth into here which include single player and multiplayer. Then there are sub categories which include story mode, modern, classic for single player and then a whole heap of multiplayer options as well including death match modes and the like.

The single player part of the game, namely the story mode has your chosen spy undertaking various mission objectives across the maps that are unlocked as you complete them. These missions are pretty basic yet captivating all the same, they will also help you learn the intricacies of the weapons and traps available through out the game especially for use in the multiplayer modes against humans or bots. You will undertake things like placing traps to unlocking doors or even defeating boss characters.

Also as part of the single player game is the option to play against the computer in classic spy verses spy mode or modern. The aim in Classic mode is for you to outwit a single opponent as you hunt for special items on the maps which are usually locked away. The player who manages to get all the items first will then be able to escape and taste the victory. However it’s not as easy as its sounds with another spy aiming for the same objectives and laying traps or simply trying to kill you in any way possible.

The Modern mode is similar however this takes part in the same locations as the story mode and means that you’ll have to navigate the many areas to get those special items as well as avoid 3 other spies trying to get the same items for themselves.

The multiplayer portion of the game is similar to the modern mode in that its human verses human or CPU in split screen system link or over Xbox Live. In fact this mode allows for a lot more game types which includes last man standing, death match, classic and armed and dangerous modes. Players can also tweak various options here to make each of the game types that little more interesting.

Graphics:

The graphics on display are very cartoon but not really up to scratch for an Xbox title. Fine there is no pop up or slow down but then again things are kept so simple that it would be criminal if there was. Bold, bright, atmospheric yet dated best describes the graphics in this game.

Sound

Well the sound fits with the cartoon nature of the game, especially the music which is cheesy spy themed. Either way after prolonged play it might start driving you crazy and will have you diving for the TV mute button. Yep that’s right, I said TV mute button, because the other sound effects aren’t that great either and might drive you nuts as well.

Longevity:

Not the longest of games as such but the multiplayer aspects could last you an eternity if running around killing other spies appeals to you. The game lengths can last quite some time and the fact that the story mode has no saves between levels extends the life of the game further. For those willing to embark on playing others via Xbox Live, then you can which is neat, but still doesn’t make up for a rather basic game.

Overall:

It’s hard for me to really be enthusiastic about Spy Verses Spy, as there is really nothing wrong with the game per se, except its basic approach. Sure you’ll have fun for a while until you realise you could be doing better things with your time. Spies have a lot to live up to especially after the spies seen in the Splinter Cell games. Now the spies in this game are more comical (as displayed in various cut scenes) but really they aren’t spies at all and just coloured characters. Either way this is a budget release and does have some moments of fun for a little while especially against humans. However for the lone player then I suggest you think carefully before purchase and maybe opt for a rental.

Spy Verses Spy might appeal to the older gamer for nostalgic reasons more than the younger gamer. However after extended play the novelty may wear off and you are left thinking “hmmm there are simply better games being made these days”. Spy Vs Spy is Very basic, very average and a little fun in small doses.