By Kevin (@Prufesuroak)
- CounterSpy
- Developer - Dynamighty and SCE Foster City Studio
- Publisher - Sony Computer Entertainment
- PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Android and iOS
- Rating -T
CounterSpy was just what I needed. A platformer that isn’t at all fast paced, though it could be. More fun for less work. CounterSpy is a side-scrolling 2.5D stealth platformer that delivers the goods.
The game is set in an alternate version of the Cold War wherein you are a counter agent set with the task of infiltrating both the US and Russia to prevent any of them from launching nuclear weapons.
Let’s start with the first thing you notice when you play this game. The artwork is beautiful. Yes. You get the classy golden age espionage aesthetics and angles. It looks like it came from a 60’s propaganda poster. The music is perfect as well. The game is scored with moody “crime jazz” and that nails the time period and feel of the spy genre.
One of the main things to worry about is the DEFCON status of each mission. Each mission will have a different starting DEFCON status, 1 being the highest state of security, and 5 being the lowest. The DEFCON level will rise every time a security camera spots you or if a guard phones in your presence. To avoid this make sure to take out all cameras and to go undetected or kill the guards once they spot you. You can lower the level by pointing your gun at an officer in white and force them to surrender, or by using formulas.
Though the game is for the most part 2-dimensional, there are some parts that are 3-dimensional. Hiding behind things shifts the perspective to aid with shooting. You can do your best to go undetected mixing it with stealthy melee kills, or you just shoot your heart out and get it done quickly. Both approaches work.
The game isn’t without faults though, the aiming system is quite difficult to use and combat is underwhelming. Even when you get used to the mechanics, it doesn’t feel quite right. For the most part, it is pretty solid and enjoyable. If you want something simple, fun, not frustrating and and visually pleasing, give this game a try.