CounterSpy

 PlayStation Vita
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Gaming Age
    Sep 5, 2014
    100
    By objective measures, Counterspy may be a little lacking, but in my subjective opinion, there aren't many games I've enjoyed more this year.
  2. The Vita Lounge
    Sep 30, 2014
    90
    A fantastic action platformer that hits the mark. The game strikes a wonderful balance between action and stealth with its unique cover mechanic. The style and tone of the game pay a wonderful tribute to classic spy movies, and it is a thrill to play.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 39
  3. Negative: 6 out of 39
  1. Davidscj
    Aug 27, 2015
    7
    Counterspy ia a pretty great way to spend a few hours. It is a witty take on the cold war placing you in the middle on neither side butCounterspy ia a pretty great way to spend a few hours. It is a witty take on the cold war placing you in the middle on neither side but working for a neutral force, C.O.U.N.T.E.R, aiming to keep the war cold. The setting is very interesting and not used in games enough. The game uses silly humour to effectively mock the situation. This is predominantly implemented through written dialogue between gameplay. The story is minimal but effective. The humour is utilised best in-between playing rather than in the levels which is a shame. The exception is the effective use of fun propaganda and some sparse tannoy announcements.

    CounterSpy is a 2d stealth espionage game with a twist. Once you get in cover it becomes a becomes a third person shooter a la time crisis. The Gameplay in both feels tight and the combination fresh. Thankfully it is not limiting as you can do the same actions in both such as shooting. Great overall simplicity to the gameplay and design that makes it such a pleasure to play. The cover perspective adds greater visual awareness and greater depth to the stages. The game offers a very light metroidvania experience but in smaller procedurally generated levels well suited to a portable platform. Exploration is encourages as there are collectibles such as weapon plans, upgrades and secret plans spread throughout the rooms and sometimes in hidden locations. The player gets the choice of choice of infiltrating either side of Cold War forces for differing rewards and differing deacon levels depending on past experience in levels.

    The Deacon meter is a great mechanic. It raises in accordance with players stealth throughout maps. This Gives consequence to actions. Going below 1 results in a one minute countdown to finish the level. It is hard to keep the bar down as being stealthy is not always easy and there is a lack of ways to lower the meter. This is made more frustrating as it can rise cheaply with only a few mistakes. The game almost gets this system right.

    A stand out of this game is the graphical style. CounterSpy nails the aesthetic through a heavily stylised cartoon style, graphic novel like. It Channels some of the best things of Bond, MGS and Archer. It utilises an effective palate focussing on blue and red, not the most subtle symbolism but pretty nonetheless and very fitting. Great sound design adds to the atmosphere, the jazz focussed sound encapsulates the coolness associated with espionage.

    As for some of the negatives: the load time for stages on the vita are extremely long. Otherwise the performance is good, however I had one experience of unbearably low frame rate. There are some tiresome tropes a swell such as conveniently placed exploding red boxes, a feature we have all seen a bit too much. The AI can be inconsistent: ranging from eagled eyed guards to the inconceivably unaware. Moreover there is not enough non lethal options for takedowns. The upgrades you can buy are annoyingly temporary and become an annoyance when it comes to spending your limited money. My final gripe would be the diversity of the enemies as they are all very predictable, perhaps bosses are missing. Stage bosses could offer the game more diversity, character and an opportunity to add more humour.

    Overall CounterSpy is a great game with some problems that are not too disruptive. It can be completed in a few hours and the combination of its gameplay and presentation make it a worthwhile investment. There is potential here for greatness, a CounterSpy 2 could be amazing.    … Full Review »
  2. angel91a
    Nov 6, 2014
    10
    Counterspy is a mixture of either stealth or full on action. I choose full-on action, why? because the game is more fun, challenging, and moreCounterspy is a mixture of either stealth or full on action. I choose full-on action, why? because the game is more fun, challenging, and more interesting when you shoot enemies with your auto rifle. If you go stealth, the game then gets boring, and you complete the mission without a scratch.

    I don't know why the game is badly rated, a 7/10?! The game is way more than that. Graphics are decent, the art style in the game is pretty interesting. The story has a good concept, there's no twists or anything, but it's alright.

    The levels are randomly generated, which is pretty cool, you don't have to play the same missions over and over again, otherwise it would've been boring. Some people say the game is easy, some hard. Here
    are some ways to make it harder: No health or ammo kits during missions, no formulas (especially
    the Endurance one, which reduces 40% of damage from bullets and explosions), and go full on action.

    Loading times are the only problem to me though, it takes a while to load a mission up, so if you're impatient, this will be a big deal for you.

    The game is awesome, but it feel like you will play a mission or two from time to time, so this would be more of a quick-play game. Although, the game is amazing and loads of fun, if you have a Vita, I recommend this game for you.    … Full Review »
  3. gamesarefun
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    Very fun and original. Game is spilling over with irony and humor in relation to the stupidity of the Cold War. Love it. Wish there were moreVery fun and original. Game is spilling over with irony and humor in relation to the stupidity of the Cold War. Love it. Wish there were more games with this kind of cheek and sophistication.… Full Review »
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