Spy vs. Spy

"Budget games are getting better and better."

If you dont know, Spy Vs Spy is a comic that has been in MAD Magazine since 1961. Created by genius Antonio Prohias, who sadly died in 1998, the comic was an instant hit with readers. The comic is currently done by Peter Kuper. In the late 80s, First Star Software released a C64 game based on the comic. Now in 2005 Global Star and Vicious Cycle have released a new game. Is it good even though its $20? Yes it is.

Story: Theres a story mode in the game. And while the plot isnt exactly EPIC. It fits the comic well. You choose either the black or white spy in a plot to stop a general spy and his doomsday machine from taking over the world.
7/10

Controls: The controls are well done. They are perfectly responsive and dosnt feel un comfortable. The left thumbstick is to move your Spy around. Right is to move the camera and if you click it, it goes into 1st person mode. The A button is to jump. B is to switch weapons. Y is to switch traps. X is to activate switchs and open doors. Right trigger is to fire weapons or set traps. Left trigger is strafe mode to lock on enemys. And the black button is to look ahead.
10/10

Gameplay: Ah the meat of the game. There are several different modes to choose from and Ill talk about each separtatly.

Story: Basically a tutorial for modern mode with more platform elements. Basically you get a letter from your Spy embassy telling you what to do and a list of objectives. On the way you disable machines, build robots,set traps for your enemy who is tracking you down, and fight bosses. It fun, but sometimes the objectives are unclear. Thankfully a green arrow will show up at the place you have to go.
7/10

Classic: In this mode you play a 3D remake of the original game. In it you are in a building, and you have to find all 4 items hidden in safes. You have to find a briefcase first to hold all the items. But theres another spy (maybe 3 other spys) doing the same mission you're on. So you'll engage in hand to hand combat, and setting traps like buckets of acid and punching gloves at doors and in the safes. The level start at 5 rooms and end up at 20 rooms with 3 floors. It can get pretty frantic, and if you have all the items you have to escape in an elevator. But if you die with the items you lose them all in the same room.
9/10

Modern: This is similar to classic but set in the story mode levels. The levels are huge and you dont need a briefcase. Each item can give you a certain power(im not telling what though). They are guarded by some kind of an obstacle course you have to go through.You can have up to 3 friends or bots going against you. Oh yeah, you also start out in your own hideout. In there you can regain your health for free, and buy weapons and traps. You get the money by selling items or killing the other spys. You have unlimited lives so dont worry. Your hideout is also guarded by a sentry gun which will kill enemys in one shock.
9/10

Theres also your standard deathmatch, last man standing, and other modes.

Music: The music is great and captures the wacky madcap groove of the game. It was done by a band called Combustible edison, which you have to google for info.
8/10

Sound: The sound is decent. It has cartoony like sounds which fit well.
7/10

Graphics: The graphics are great for a budget game. The have a cartoonish look to them. The Spys look cool in 3D, which makes it better with great animation. There is never any slowdown, hardly any load time, and they are quick.
8/10

Replay Value: High. With multiplayer splitscreen, and online. This can keep you busy for a while.

Extras: There is a Mod A Spy mode in which you can create your own Spy. You can unlock cheat codes and concept art. Theres also weapons and levels.
8/10

Buy/Rent? Buy. If you're too much of a cheapskate to not buy a $20 game I pity you.

Conclusion: The game is great fun. The guys at Vicious Cycle are also extremely nice people. Because last November I wrote a letter to them asking when the game was coming out and they replied and gave me a SVS tshirt and autographed poster by the team. Anyways buy the game, mainly if your a MAD fan like me.

Copyright NVK HQ. all your base are belong to us.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/18/05