SpyHunter

Review

by Brett Alan Weiss

Changing the basic player perspective and overall design of a classic arcade game is usually a terrible idea. Giving Pac-Man legs and a side-scrolling world to walk around in was a mistake in Pac-Land. Giving Frogger legs and a 3D world to hop around in was an even bigger mistake in Frogger: The Great Quest. However, the transformation of Spy Hunter from an overhead view game into a behind-the-car, mission-based racer is surprisingly effective.

Despite the GBA's small screen, it's fairly easy to make out the various details in this visually busy game. The chickens, roadside objects, motorcycles, and other potential targets are distinguishable. Still, player mistakes are occasionally attributable to seemingly out-of-nowhere enemy fire, and from not being able to tell exactly what is happening within particular sections of the level. The graphics are disappointingly pixilated, and this is especially noticeable along the ground. However, the cars and other vehicles exhibit nice design and detail, the sense of motion is spot-on, and the racing (and shooting) action is suitably fast, especially when the car is turbocharged.

There are plenty of weapon types in the game and it's loads of fun to blast your way through the various missions, most of which involve activating SATCOMS and minimizing civilian casualties. Other objectives include surviving long enough to shoot a helicopter, destroying a set number of chemical towers, racing fast enough to catch up with a stolen interceptor car, and more. Wisely, there's just one primary objective for each level, helping keep frustration with completing the levels at bay.

Expert racers can try to accomplish multiple objectives in order to unlock the replay value-friendly Super Agent mode, which is harder and has objectives located in different places. Arcade Mode, which is simplistic but enjoyable, is unlockable by completing all the primary objectives in normal mode. What the package doesn't have, regrettably, is the original arcade game tucked away somewhere within its many modes and levels.

SpyHunter is a nice cartridge to take along on a road trip or any other brightly lit occasion when on-the-go gaming is an acceptable time-killer. The modern re-tooling of the classic concept will offend only the most dyed-in-the-wool purists, and the contemporary elements work very well considering the confines of the handheld format.