Ludography
75/100
Players37 ratings
63/100
Critics8 reviews

Where to get it

CounterSpy cover

2014 · Indie · Shooter

CounterSpy

PlayStation console exclusive

Combining the spy mythology and bold aesthetics of the 1950’s and 1960’s and set during the Cold War, CounterSpy focuses on the rogue third spy agency, C.O.U.N.T.E.R., that keeps the world’s super powers at bay. Just as each side of the ongoing conflict gets close to unleashing a blow of earthshaking proportions, C.O.U.N.T.E.R. jumps into action, stealthily sabotaging their dastardly plans and deceptively maintaining world peace.

Released
19 August 2014
Platforms
AndroidPlayStation 3PlayStation 4PlayStation VitaiOS
Genres
IndieShooterStealthTactical
Developers
—
Publishers
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Modes
Single-player
Perspective
Third personSide view
Themes
ActionStealthWarfare
Country
United States
Age ratings
ESRB T
Time to beat
15hcompletionist

About

CounterSpy is a side-scrolling stealth video game developed by American independent studio Dynamighty and published by Sony Computer Entertainment as a cross-buy and cross-save title for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita. Subsequently, the game was released on Android and iOS on September 5, 2014.

The games received mixed to positive reviews and was praised for its art and soundtrack.

Keywords

  • cold war
  • spy
  • spy game

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

5D side-scroller with stealth elements and randomly generated levels. Set in an alternate version of the Cold War, players play as a counter agent sent to infiltrate the bases of opposing countries in order to prevent either of them from launching nuclear weapons. Movement largely takes place on a 2D plane, whilst specially marked areas allow the player aim their weapon in 3D space. E.

Score multiplier is awarded for making consecutive stealth kills. The main aim of the game is to collect enemy plans which help to further the story and shut down the base's weapon at the end of each level. Players can also collect intel, which serves as the game's currency, as well as plans which unlock new weapons and special formulas. Prior to each mission, players can spend intel to refill ammo, purchase and equip unlocked weapons, or equip up to three single use formulas which make the game easier, such as increased stealth or health.

Development

The game was developed with assistance from Foster City Studio. While historically known for collaborating with the series' respective large development studios, CounterSpy marks the first time they've teamed up with an indie development team, Dynamighty. The team comprises past staff from LucasArts and Pixar.

Reception

Hardcore Gamer gave the game a 3/5, saying "CounterSpy's awesome improvisational take on stealth can be hindered by both framerate inconsistencies and occasional perspective oddities." IGN rated it 7/10, praising the game's concept, art and soundtrack while citing the inconsistent AI and "occasional control issues". Polygon also praised the game's overall presentation, "but its interactivity is ugly enough to make for an unfortunate pairing when the balance is measured" and rated it 5/10.

Awards

Releases by platformdates and regions as published

PlatformReleasedRegions
PlayStation 419 August 2014North America
PlayStation 319 August 2014North America
PlayStation Vita19 August 2014North America · Europe 20 August 2014
iOS5 September 2014Worldwide
Android5 September 2014Worldwide

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Collections5 collections

Description adapted from its source, CC BY-SA 4.0.