Spy vs. Spy
System: NES
Release Date: October 1988
Developer: Kemco
Publisher: Kemco*Seika
Genre: Action
Coming off of the Sega Master System version, you may expect a very different game, but of course these are ports from a Commodore 64 game, so they’re basically the same. I used to play this one often as a kid with my friend Jared. You’re the White Spy and you need to defeat the Black Spy by collecting the bag, passport, key, money, and documents. In the NES version, you can also find a baton or knife to assist in killing your opponent.
It’s easier to set traps by just cycling through them with the B Button. Gone is the Gun trap, which I couldn’t figure out, but the other traps remain. The bucket goes on closed doors. The spring and dynamite go in containers. The time bomb gets placed in a room. When you or your opponent are killed, thirty seconds are taken from the clock, meaning you can kill your opponent to victory.
There is no opponent difficulty option present here. The black spy will try to trap you from the outset, but, more often than not, will trap himself. The time bomb set at the bottom of the stairs is basically an instant death, but the other traps have their counters. The umbrella, wire clippers, and bucket of water will save you from the traps and keep you alive. The airport exit is visible at all times and if you try to exit without everything, you get destroyed in amazing fashion.
Graphics: 2.0
I have to give the graphics a large bump here, they outshine the SMS version.
Sound: 1.5
The sound is also an improvement.
Gameplay: 2.5
The NES also only uses two buttons, but no trapulator makes it easier to play.
Difficulty: 1.5
No difficulty slider means that the Black Spy is too easy.
Fun Factor: 2.0
It was a quick and enjoyable play through all eight rounds.
Overall Grade: 1.9
Spy vs. Spy earns a C. The NES version is superior in the Spy vs. Spy world, play with a friend.