Spy Hunter

Spy Hunter is a classic computer game which would make any child back in the 80’s when it first was available weak at the knees in anticipation.

This mobile version has an identical copy of the original and a newer and smoother version and in both instances they honestly put a huge smile on my face as I travel at a million miles an hour down memory lane (which is just about the same top speed that your car and boat will achieve in this game).  For those not so familiar with this classic speed-fest, you play the part of Spy Hunter, which is a white/grey sports car which is armed with machine guns on the front and other offensive and defensive weapons to help you take down secret agents’ vehicles and turn them into scrap metal. The aim is quite simple, go fast and then go faster still as you open your throttle full and zoom down an endless highway.

Simply put, the faster you go the quicker your score will go – but be careful, not every vehicle on the road is conspired against you, and as tempting as it is to blast every vehicle away, you should remember that there are also innocent civilians which just happen to be on the road with you. Not to really worry you too much with this, as the only penalty for blasting these pesky road-hogs is a momentary freeze in your score, which on the face of it just makes me even more determined to make sure any vehicle on my path gets eliminated.

To increase your arsenal and get smoke screens, oil slicks and missiles you must carefully drive your car into the back of a red truck in a maneuver which is almost a direct copy from Knight Rider. The only awkward detail about this kind of moving upgrade is that it can come at a really difficult time, like when you’re having a fight and if you’re not careful you can either collide with the truck or shoot it – which is possibly the better of the two options.

You will find that some vehicles are impervious to your machine gun fire and the only way to zap them is to use the upgraded weaponry. The likes of bullet-proof cars or helicopters are just a couple of the opponents you will need to be wary of coming up against until you’re able to even up the score with bigger and better weapons.

To be fair this game hits all the familiar buttons that the original pressed but it does miss the original ‘Theme from Peter Gunn’ which does take away a little from the authenticity but not dampen it entirely. The game has an occasional frame-freeze between some levels, such as when a new vehicle or road would be loaded, but again, the brief pause is seldom and when zipping along so quickly it helps give you a brief second to anticipate your next move.

As an end result this looks and feels just like the original but it doesn’t quite have the same impact now as it did back in the day. Perhaps this is down to me growing up, or maybe it’s down to playing better games, or perhaps it just doesn’t quite work by fitting it all into a small screen? In any case, this is a great title to enjoy and I’d certainly say provides great value and enjoyment no matter what your age.

Rating 89%

Positives

Looks authentic and is very enjoyable

Provides you with two versions of the great game – the original and the more smoother and newer version

Every game is different as the courses change randomly

Negatives

Controls could be a little better

A little repetitive

Having to use all the buttons on the keypad to pick your weapon is a little laborious

No original theme tune and small freezes but good music and sounds none-the-less