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Totally Spies Cyber Mission is a family-friendly affair that will drive parents to distraction. The simple gameplay, underwhelming puzzles, and rudimentary stage design were enough to turn me off. However, this did not bother my children who adored every basic problem and colourful stage that they faced. What’s more, the ability to play this as a 3-player cooperative adventure got them very excited.
This puzzle adventure title was developed by Balio Studios and published by Microids. It plays out from a bird’s eye perspective and the goals are well laid out. A helpful light points younger children to their next objective to reduce confusion. However, this can be removed if older children wish to increase the difficulty. This was a great design choice as it keeps things balanced and reduces parental guidance and interaction.
Totally Spies Cyber Mission is a story of doom and gloom.
The 3 glamorous spies are settling into a new life in Singapore. These Beverly Hills girls don’t know what is about to hit them. However, their training and special tools help them to overcome every obstacle they face. Whether it is an icy spray, a ring to highlight mysterious action, or a bubble gun to blind your opponents, these heroines have them all.
The streets of Singapore have become a dangerous place. A mysterious menace skulks in the shadows as they plan to upset anyone in their wake. However, the three spies will not accept this and they undertake a dangerous mission to restore order. The girls must explore Aiya University, the bustling streets, and the dank underground if they wish to restore order.
Simple puzzles.
The action takes place across 5 unique missions. Each stage is slightly different, but the basic puzzles and enemy encounters rarely change. The girls must use stealth and interactive objects to avoid detection. Alternatively, they may sneak in the shadows or use their tools to distract each guard. Alongside this, there are basic puzzles to complete to open new areas.
The puzzles usually ask you to flip switches, move boxes or cars, or push buttons. Occasionally, you must use a specific agent to overcome each problem you face. This wasn’t a problem as it was easy to identify who was needed and what they had to do to proceed. At the end of each stage, there was a boss encounter. Like the rest of the gameplay, this is a simple endeavour that involves some minor problem-solving. Consequently, though it is basic, it is ideal for its intended audience.
Totally Spies Cyber Mission has a dated appeal.
Totally Spies Cyber Mission lacks a modern polish. Though the levels are interesting to explore, they lack depth and detail. Moreover, the assets are used repeatedly and this creates a sense of deja vu. I liked the simple-to-understand enemy field of view and the vibrant colour palette. Additionally, each world had a unique backdrop and this prevented things from becoming boring.
The audio made me cringe multiple times. The annoying one-liners drove me to distraction and the sound effects were suitable at best. Though the music adds some elements of drama and depth, this won’t make you say “Wow”. Instead, you are more likely to be driven mad by the constant sass of the protagonists.
Tidy controls.
Thankfully, Totally Spies Cyber Mission is a cinch to play. The tidy controls are easy to master and the tutorial is straightforward and quick to complete. Subsequently, younger gamers will not lose patience as they learn to master each input. Alongside this, the helpful guidance system prevents inexperienced players from wasting time. This was a godsend as parents will not have to get involved.
Each of the 10 stages has plenty of collectables to find. Though they have little impact on the core gameplay, they are worth searching for. As you find special chests hidden in each world, you will unlock blueprints. These blueprints can be used to improve your character or your gear. This was great, but you can only unlock the blueprints if you have collected the in-game currency. Consequently, you must search high and low if you wish to improve every spy to their full potential.
Totally Spies Cyber Mission is a great game for kids.
I cannot stress this enough, Totally Spies Cyber Mission is not a game for adults. You can play this with them and you will have a great time together. Yet, you are likely to be driven to distraction as the repetitive gameplay loop and rudimentary action will not test you. However, it is this approach that is appealing to younger gamers. Accordingly, though it drove me barmy, I recommend buying it here! Can the spies save the day? Master your tools, explore each area, and overcome the mysterious menace.
