Spy Hunter Review

Anannya Sen’s Review

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If the tagline above is confusing to you then you don't know this game. And if you don't know this game, then you cannot call yourself knowledgeable when talking about games. This is a classic. In fact a seminal classic as more adjectives are required. It was a smash hit on arcades. Then on home systems like the C64, Spectrum, NES and Atari. It was revamped later for home consoles and there's even a movie in the works. Now it's on mobile too.

The original home version has been ported exactly onto mobiles. Same graphics, same sound, same addictive yet annoying gameplay. So when you load it and hear the iconic music start up, if you're roughly the same age as me, a wave of nostalgia should hit you. If you have no recollection at all, you were born into an era of halo and warcraft and wonder why games were ever made like this.

So I guess to appease these people, there is also an enhanced version of the game. Same concept, you drive upwards on a road and take out enemy vehicles while trying to avoid civilian vehicles, but a bit new. What's new is the improved graphics (although still nowhere near as good as java games are capable of), remixed sound (man, whoever did it understands the meaning of the term funk) and more weapons to collect. 12 in fact. Oh, and a few achievements to keep you happy.

The game is still addictive. Yes, it does look dated and the gameplay is simple, but this is what the early 80s were about. Trying to avoid the annoying switchblade car while not hitting civilian cars. Slowing down for the weapons truck and hoping it's an oil slick (the smoke was rubbish). And trying to remember to go the right way when the bridge is out and your car turns into a speedboat.

The enhanced version is not bad. Certainly it has managed to somewhat retain the charm of the original. But I feel the developers could have given us more. More in terms of graphics and more in terms of making the game a leeetle bit easier. Still, too many people mess with classics and ruin them, and that certainly isn't the case here.

If you want to see what gaming was like in the 80s or just take a trip down memory lane, this is one for you.