Spy vs. Spy Review - GBC

Spy vs. Spy is a license that's really loaded with game-crossover potential. The comics chronicle the never-ending struggle between two mortal enemies, one-upping each other in the most outrageous of ways. The game, on the other hand, doesn't one-up much, but at least throws in an arsenal of modes and match types for its tiny price tag.

Solo Spy

The game is robust in both single and multiplayer options. All revolve around dirty deeds done dirt cheap to screw over rival spies. The single-player story mode harkens back to the Rare N64 platformer days in both look and feel. Each of the eight levels is long, filled with a variety of enemies and weapons, and ever-changing missions. You have to be a super-genius spy much of the time, though, as it's often tough to tell what you're supposed to do next--as if the transmission from headquarters is complexly encrypted.

It pays to at least play some single-player, though, to unlock new costume pieces for the mod-a-spy option. Here, you can add horns, Elton John glasses, or big belt buckles to the stereotypical spy design.

The Spy Who Fragged Me

The rest of Spy vs. Spy's content is very multiplayer-centric. However, you've still got the option to play against AI bots to simulate that you have actual friends, and they're quite customizable--complete with sliders to dictate their behavior. The impossible mission is that each mode has its share of flaws, making it so none of them are really sure-fire hits.

The best of the bunch is straight-up deathmatch. With several traps and mines to lay down in addition to weapons like bazookas, flamethrowers, and bats; you're given a lot of options for cartoon violence. It's no-frills as far as stats go and uses the same maps, but as Forest Gump said, "Fun is as fun does." While you have a lot of implements at your disposal, it never gives off that "think one move ahead" feel of the comics--and the fact that you don't get the payoff of seeing your opponent eat the trap you set is a letdown.

Modern and classic modes rely more on spy-like tactics. You're searching through safes for valuable items, while watching your back for enemies and laying booby traps to keep them guessing. The game balancing requires one spy to horde all of the items before being able to make a getaway, but you lose them when you die. If two players are evenly matched, one contest could last well past the point of fun. You also get burdened with a lot of counter-trap items that clog the heads-up display more than enhance the experience.

In modern mode, as well as deathmatch, the maps are designed for camping--not something games should be catering to. You can literally sit in your base the entire game and be untouched--electrical turrets fry anyone attempting entry into the abode--unless they have the disguise, which is one of the sacred items needed to win. This creates some very cheap moments and stalemates with neither being conducive to entertaining multiplayer gaming.

We've Got A Live One

For a budget game, Spy vs. Spy really uses Xbox Live to its fullest. The small party sizes mean lag is rarely, if ever, an issue, and headset communicator support is nicely implemented. A suggestion: assume the role of a KGB spy trying to milk American gamers for classified info. It's fun times two!

Graphical Espionage

Visually, Spy vs. Spy does its sweet thing. Unlike many cartoon/comic characters that make the jump to 3D space, the spies look very natural with an extra dimension. As a whole, the art style is satisfying, with decent textures, a worry-free camera, and 480p HD support. It's far from the prettiest game on the Xbox, but again, it does just fine for a budget title.

The sound is minimal, with some very low-key, generic spy tunes and little in the way of sound effects. One can't help but long for the Peter Gunn Theme to echo through your speakers. You'll just have to supply that on your own, it seems.

This Spy Tried

The Xbox is overflowing with first-person goodness. Consider Spy vs. Spy a third-person parody of the genre that doesn't add much to the equation. Kids whose parents are hip to the ESA-rating vibe may get into it because it's cheap and T-rated, and those who still subscribe to Mad Magazine will feel compelled to pick it up. Everyone else has countless other, better choices for multiplayer violence. In a battle of Spy vs. Spy versus most other multiplayer action games, the spies die.