Totally Spies Adventure (Game Boy Advance) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Although the Atari PR department had mentioned Totally Spies some time late last year I have to say I'd completely forgotten about it until it landed on my desk earlier in the week. The main reason being that I'd never heard of the title before and although it's based on a TV series, it's one that I've yet to actually sit down and watch. As a result I had to do a bit of research so I can tell you that the plot centers on three Beverley Hills college girls who also work as secret agents for WOOHP (World Organization of Human Protection) so it stands to reason that they are going to spend a great deal of time battling the latest power mad psychopath who's intent on some type of destruction. If you're happy with that (and there's no reason why you shouldn't be) we'll get on with the review.

Gameplay

Totally Spies takes place over five separate missions with each one split into between three and four stages. The stages themselves are very simple mini-games that have been adapted in order to fit the theme of the series but you will find at least a handful that are enjoyable enough to re-visit once the game is completed. These include a king of 'Danceathon' where you must replicate the on screen directions in order to pull off the various dance moves. There are also locks, which must be decoded by remembering a series of icons, sorting games, platforming missions and even skydiving. Some of the mini-games are more drawn out affairs and therefore much more satisfying. In one in particular you must pilot a submarine, avoiding enemy subs and mines whilst also trying to defuse a series of bombs, which is great fun. The game as a whole would have benefited by the inclusion of more of these.

Controls

The various control systems are explained to you via on-screen text so there's little problem in understanding things. It's pretty good and the collision detection (which you'll really notice on the Submarine vs. Mine section) is very good indeed.

Graphics

While the FMV intro and cut screens promise a visual spectacle, the actual in-game graphics are not nearly as pleasing as they should be. The backgrounds aren't bad, if a little bland at times, but the animation is very wooden. A few more frames of animation would have improved matters a great deal. Unfortunately this makes the whole thing feel more like a 'budget' affair which is a shame as some aspects of the visuals are really very well done.

Sound

Not too bad at all and certainly not as random or generic as a many kids' games feel at the moment. In fact much of the soundtrack enhances the spy theme perfectly regardless of your current situation. The sound effects are less impressive however, with absolutely no sign of any voice samples from the show.

Final comments

Whilst Totally Spies will delight fans of the series it's simply too short to win over many casual gamers. It is interesting from a reviewers point of view however as it is one of a growing number of titles with the female gamer in mind. Other problems include the rather questionable animation but the rest of the visuals do make up for these shortcomings. Overall, it is a decent effort and the developers have managed to cram an impressive number of game genres onto one cart. It's just a shame that these don't carry any long lasting challenge or appeal.

Pro: Lots of variety, Nice FMV Intro.
Con: Very Short, Poor Animation
Final score: 5.9

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