Spy vs. Spy

Spy vs Spy will probably be as successful as Shadowfire. Playing against the computer, however, is unexciting and frustrating. A two player game is another matter - it's challenging and there is more fun to be had outwitting a friend than a mere circuit board.

A hilarious slapstick comedy classic, sporting superb one or two-player action and an utterly fab tune. A C64 classic that simply shouldn't be missed.

I can't remember when I've had so much fun playing a game. I think the immediate appeal of Spy vs Spy is that it is pretty easy to understand. Once you have learnt how to move, search and lay traps and you are off. There are so many degrees of difficulty that the novice is in with a very good chance of winning, but without a hope unless he is well practised. The scope for weird and nasty tactics is immense. Let there be no doubt that bloke in the dark mac brings out the worst in me... it's as much as I can manage to keep life in perspective when playing against another person. I love it.

Fast and furious sabotage antics which CPC owners can't afford to miss.

Spy vs Spy is one of the finest two-player games I've ever seen, and allows the combatants to pull the lowest, sneakiest, meanest tricks and stunts ever devised in a computer game. There's nothing more satisfying than letting your opponent think he's about to escape with all the goodies when in fact you've secretly booby-trapped the door to freedom a few minutes earlier. Watch him frazzle as he opens the door, and then grab the goodies yourself and make a getaway! Brilliant! Even with one player it's fun (the computer opponent is no dummy), but to really appreciate the game it's best to have a human opponent. Spy vs Spy might not have the best graphics and sound in the world, but if you have another gamer at hand willing to play you, this is a must.

A cracker of a game, especially when two players are taking part - Spy Vs Spy will go down a bomb!

Graphically, the game is excellent, with rooms represented in three dimensions, and items of furniture shifting as you lift them up in search of the items you need. The game itself is good fun, with enough problems, action and speed to keep just about any games player happy.

Spy Vs Spy has changed very little in the translation from 8-bits. The spies have more room to wander around in and the graphics are cleaner, but that's all. Music is a wimpy version of the already insipid C64 tune of about five years ago. The game idea is great, but in execution it falls flat. For the first few plays it's fun, but the novelty wears off quickly.

However, the original Spy game is well worth considering - even if the price is a bit steep at just under £25. There are still not that many decent two player games for the ST — so the addition of one of the best is certainly welcome.

The graphics were cutting edge at the time of its release, featuring some wonderfully humorous animations. The background music is superb, and fits the whimsical theme perfectly. Unfortunately, although the gameplay is certainly original, it's also rather difficult and confusing. It's easy to accidentally trigger your own traps, and collecting all the items is tedious. In addition, your opponent can wait for you at the exit door, beat you up, and win the game after you did most of the work! Spy Vs. Spy is still a nice collector's item despite its flawed gameplay.

But while Spy Vs. Spy's gameplay is certainly original, it's also rather difficult and confusing. It's very easy to accidentally trigger your own traps, and collecting the items can be tedious. In addition, there's nothing to stop your opponent from waiting by the exit door and mugging you for the items! Spy Vs. Spy's background music is unforgettable, perfectly matching the whimsical theme. Despite its flawed gameplay, Spy Vs. Spy is extremely entertaining and a nice addition to any NES collection.