Remember escaping reality of being a young teenager by reading the spoofs that Mad Magazine brought on a weekly basis? If you need that escape from your overwhelming video game lifestyle, then Spy vs. Spy might be the game you are looking for. Based upon the same series from the comic where the Black Spy was always fighting the White Spy, this game takes the gamer on multiple twists and turns and gruesome deaths. The cartoon style of the comic is displayed in Global Star's version of the comic classic. Spy vs. Spy offers the gamer a buffet of gaming opportunity. There are many game types to choose from, each offering a little different spin on gaming today. This game can be played by young and old alike, so sit back, relax and laugh at what these crazy characters have to offer.
The single player storyline is a beginning tutorial of the concept of the Black versus White spy universe. In this mode you learn about different types of weapons to destroy obstacles, as well as traps and counters to avoid different traps. The storyline is amusing, chasing General Spy through various scenarios to claim victory for the spy outfit you are currently employed for. In chasing General Spy, your employers continually send out secret telegrams explaining how to be victorious in your pursuits. Different hints along the way help you become successful in your life as a spy. The basic concept is to become better adjusted to the controls and how to use weapons, armor, traps and counter traps effectively throughout the game.
The Modern Mode of the game pits you against other spies. The object of this is to collect as many of the secret items hidden in different rooms throughout the map. By defeating other spies, you are able to gain money and supplies to accomplish these tasks. Though be careful, other spies are out to get you and many battles will ensue where you are playing a child first person shooter type game to stay alive. Staying alive is not easy as your opponents will be quickly able to dispose of you if you're not careful. It is a spy game; remember combat is usually the last alternative, though it is hard to sneak around to avoid it. The special items that you are looking for will help your character become a difficult foe to defeat. This is a challenging game mode that will take some adjustment to master all of the unique weapons.
The Classic Mode is an updated version of the previous game released about 15 years ago. By doing battle with up to four spies, you need to be cunning in how you will go about picking up the supplies needed hidden in each safe. As you run around the house, you will encounter other spies and their traps, as well as trying to protect your goods. It stays true to the original, and might be one of the better games of the different modes available.
The graphics on the game are good, but not overwhelming spectacular. Where some people might not prefer this, I think the graphics stay true to the cartoon form the game is trying to portray. Once again, this is where serious gamers might differ from parents and children just playing a game to have some fun. I found it fun to unlock different outfits and accessories that your spy can wear. The houses that the gamer competes in can be fun, but does not have the depth of many of the new games. The art is true to the comic, with messages that look like telegrams and weapons that hold their own. I feel that when the spies move around, especially when they sneak slowly, it plays to what my imagination would have them do in the comics.
The music is campy and flighty, which plays into the mode of a game based on a comic. One thing I did not care for in the game was the artificial intelligence. I did not think it was challenging enough as a player in all the game types. Though this might have been a deterrent for myself, it would make the game enjoyable for younger teens.
The controls on the game were easy to manage. With the trigger buttons as the fire buttons, and the B button changing the weapons you use, it did not take a long time to master the controls. Each of the buttons on the controller is used for jumping, looking at different maps and telegrams and working with the weapons. Any person picking up a controller for the first time might find this game less intimidating than others in controlling the game play. This can make this a perfect game for new comers who can be intimidated with all the button controls.
Overall, Spy vs. Spy is a single game with many game options to play to keep anyone busy over a period of time. Each type of game can be played on a different difficulty level and Xbox Live capability means that there always is a game to play. And believe me, I didn't think there would be a chance to play people in this game, but they are out there (and most of them are good, so know what you are doing). They game is pretty straight forward in terms of how to play. It does not vary from other games as much, just gives the gamer more options on the types of games to play. I had fun playing it, but became frustrated at times when I couldn't find out places that I was going. The cartoon nature of the game did become a bit tiresome after awhile and I did have trouble staying focused on the missions at hand. If you are looking for a break from the ordinary, or a blast from the past, this game is for you. If you are a fan of the comic or like to play and have fun with other teens, then give this a try.
If you are a hardcore gamer, who looks for games to push the envelope each time, then I would advise you rent the game before you buy. It might not be worth your time or money. This game should be rented or borrowed first before purchasing. Though it is a break from your hardcore killing games, it might not be for the die hard video game enthusiasts. I found the pace of the game enjoyable and different. Comic relief is always fun when getting a bucket of acid dumped on your head or being punched by a boxing glove booby trap. There are many game types to choose from which makes this game appealing to those who host gaming nights or with children of different ages. The game will bring a little bit of an older persons past into a younger persons present, which might make for an enjoyable evening for everyone around the T.V.