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Did you enjoy the SpyToy mode in EyeToy: Play 2? If so, you’ll likely like EyeToy: Operation Spy since it takes that mode and makes a full mode out of it. The game lets you play set up the camera as a security system that keeps intruders out of your room or participate in a number of minigames spy missions. While the modes are fun, it is questionable whether Sony needed to make an entire game out of the already competent spy action found in EyeToy: Play 2.
The game has a mission mode that essentially repeats a number of minigames as you get to live the life of a spy. These minigames include using face-recognition software, decrypting puzzles, and skydiving to exotic locations. The minigames are connected by some debriefing scenes where you’re given directions. Some of the more interesting minigames include raising and lowering your arms to simulate skydiving and moving around a spinning Cryptogon in order to get the correct symbol. To do all of this, you’ll be using the EyeToy camera, which first captures a picture of your face. You’ll access your profile via the face-recognition system, which usually works well though it is constrained by the typical EyeToy limitations. The mission mode works reasonably well, especially at first, although the novelty of the limited number of minigames begins to wear thin.
Aside from the mission mode, the game acts as a security program that can protect your room from intruders. In this mode, you set up the EyeToy to take pictures off people who pass in front of it, prompting it to trigger alarms. It includes some special effects and a picture encoding tool but the freshness wears down quickly.
The game’s visuals are about what you expect from an EyeToy game. The camera easily captures pictures though it is limited by the typical lighting issues which sometimes cause a bit of frustration. The backgrounds are decent, as well. Some of the special effects, particularly the infrared and night-vision modes look pretty cool. Likewise, the game’s sound performs at about the same level. There isn’t much room for sound in Operation Spy, but what is included is fine.
EyeToy: Operation Spy is a relatively entertaining game, at least at first before the repetition sets in. However, unless you’re a diehard fan of the mode in Play 2, it’s difficult to recommend as a standalone purchase. If not, you’re better off purchasing that game which includes a more robust collection of minigames. -- Jake Wilson, PGNx Media
---- Nov 30, 2005
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