NES Challenge - Spy vs Spy in 39:05 [217/714]
2This is an amazingly fun game to play. The basics are simple, find a weapon, briefcase, 4 items, and escape. Along the way shenanigans will ensue. Unfortunately the game doesn't randomize the locations so once you learn where everything is, you can beeline right to it and finish quickly. Great for speedrunning, but makes the game predictable for future playthroughs.
The graphics are ok and the sound fits but loops quickly so not really too good there. While I like the level select, it would have been great to do a long challenge where it was one level after the other and get a finish screen. Speaking of finish screens, I really wish they would have created a unique one for each level. I can let these slide a bit as this was the developers first and only game published on the NES.
The controls I feel are really good. You can get stuck trying to go between rooms, but easily correctable. The fights are a joy, particularly when you have a better weapon. One of the strategies is to get the club and dagger so the opponent can't. I should note that if you find the dagger first, you throw it away for the less powerful club. Finally there is plenty of time each stage to complete the mission so that was good.
I can't demonstrate it in this challenge, but 2 player mode is where this game shines. We spent hours as friends just being jerks to each other planting traps all over, moving the items to different locations, and setting specific traps so we knew how disarm them. Really fun time.
Currently this game costs between $10 to $12 and really is worth having in your collection. It's not a top 100 game by any means, but I see it as one you pick up particularly if you play with friends. Realistically I'll place it in the 200-300 range.