CounterSpy (video game)

Did You Know?

• The development team includes past staff from LucasArts and Pixar.
• Foster City Studio assisted in the game's development.
• CounterSpy marks the first time Sony Computer Entertainment collaborated with an indie development team.

Gameplay

CounterSpy is a 2.5D side-scroller with stealth elements and randomly generated levels. Set in an alternate version of the Cold War, players control a counter agent infiltrating enemy bases to prevent nuclear launches. Movement occurs on a 2D plane, while marked areas allow aiming in 3D space. The atmosphere draws from 1960s spy fiction such as James Bond and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Consecutive stealth kills award a score multiplier. The primary objective is collecting enemy plans to advance the story and disable the base's weapon at each level's end. Players also gather intel, which serves as currency, and plans that unlock weapons and formulas. Before missions, intel can be spent on ammo, weapons, or up to three single-use formulas that aid stealth or health. Beating a rival player's score allows encountering them in the next level for bonus intel. The DEFCON status of both sides rises if the player is caught by cameras, if a guard radios after becoming suspicious, or upon death. It can be lowered by forcing white-uniformed officers to surrender without killing them or by using a formula. At DEFCON 1, the player has limited time to reach the level's end and shut down the weapon before it launches, ending the game.