Best of Commodore 64: Spy vs Spy
If you’re looking for a forgotten gem of a game, then try Spy vs Spy. Spy vs Spy was a popular comic from Mad Magazine. In 1984 it was made into a video game.
This was when Pac-Man was at it’s height of popularity. Games like Space Invaders, Q-bert, and Pitfall were all the rage. Spy vs Spy didn’t get as much attention as those other games but it was notably different from most games at that time. It’s one of the first two player games that was actually fun. Players actually went head to head on a split screen. I don’t count corny Atari games like pong.
A Game Ahead Of It’s Time
Spy vs Spy was an incredible leap forward in video games. It wasn’t a side scroller, or shooting game. Players searched through different rooms for four items. The first to collect all four items and make it to the exit won.
It’s common to see games with maps, inventory, goals, and an ending. In 1984 this was new. Games like Among Us, Zelda, or other adventure games weren’t around yet. Spy vs Spy was only ten rooms, but incorporated many new features for video games.
It had a 3d layout. Meaning, it wasn’t a top view or side view. Rather like looking into a house that was missing a roof and front wall. More like a TV show type view. The graphics were high tech for the 1980’s. The music was also perfect for the game, considering they only had a few notes to work from.
Fun Two Player Action
Spy vs Spy not only looked and sounded great, the gameplay was top notch. The game was mostly about searching for items in a small house, however, it also included combat, traps, items, and a map.
Both the Black Spy and White Spy were searching for the same items in the same house. So, naturally you would run into each other in the same room. Which of course turned into a battle.
The loser would respawn in a different room and have some time removed from their countdown timer. Both players had to collect a key, money, passport, and map before time ran out. Once they collected everything in the briefcase they could go to the airport and win the game.
Traps
Not only could you fight each other during the search, You could set traps. This was the best part of the game. Each Spy had a bomb, a deadly spring, an acid filled bucket, and a gun with a rope.
You set the bomb and spring in places being searched, such as the desk, bookcase, wall safe, table, or chairs. The gun and bucket traps were set on doors. When a Spy, including yourself, came across a trap it was time to respawn.
Items
The game also included a bag and umbrella to save you from a trap. Still, you had to search for those items and they only had a one time use. Needless to say, respawning was common. Eventually, respawning eats up so much time the game is over for that spy. The remaining spy can finish the game if they can find everything before time runs out.
Map
Spy vs Spy included a map to help you on your quest to find the four items. It was rudimentary but useful. The map showed a block layout of the house. A dot meant there was an item in that room. The color of the block showed whether a room had been searched or not.
A map, inventory, and items were new concepts for video games back then. Spy vs Spy made good use of those features. Nothing was wasted or useless in this game.
Conclusion: A Hidden Gem of a Game
Spy vs Spy incorporated so many new features I forgot to say how much fun it was! This game was a blast playing with friends. We enjoyed setting traps, fighting each other, and yes, even racing against the clock. There was usually plenty of time to find everything, unless you spent more time fighting than searching.
Spy vs Spy was a great game back in the 1980s. It even had a couple sequel games. Sadly, it’s not found on any modern gaming platforms. However, if you are looking for a great retro game, get an emulator or modern Commodore 64, and give Spy vs Spy a whirl.
Best of Commodore 64: Spy vs Spy brought to you by: David M.
I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.
