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Game #1038
Hall of Belated Fame Inductee  Spy's Adventure: North America    View all Top Dogs in this genre
Education   Social studies

Rating: 7.58 (12 votes)

Spy's Adventure: North America box cover

Spy's Adventure: North America screenshot
Polarware's short-lived Spy's Adventure series of educational games are pioneers of an original concept that would be popularized by Carmen Sandiego. In one of the more interesting anecdotes of gaming history, Broderbund released the first Carmen Sandiego game a scant two months before this title (Mark Peclszcerski, designed and founder of Polarware, certainly didn't think it was mere coincidence – read his thought-provoking article at Magic Tree site below).

Whether or not Broderbund "borrowed" Polarware's concept for their blockbuster series, there's no mistaking the game's similarities with Carmen Sandiego. You are cast as a spy who is pursuing the evil Dr. X around the continent. Once arrived in a new country, you can buy or obtain clues to the location of the villain, and browse the dossier about that country. If you pay attention to the dossiers, the clues will direct you to the appropriate destinations and ultimately Dr. X's hideout. Despite inferior graphics, the game has one advantage over Carmen Sandiego: there are two excellent multiplayer modes in which up to six players can co-operate together, or compete against each other in their pursuit of Dr. X. Add to that the well-written dossiers, interesting clues, and some strategic elements (for example, you have limited cash with which to buy clues), and the Spy's Adventure games are excellent edutainment titles that are highly recommendable for kids and adults alike. Thumbs up!

Reviewed by: Underdogs
Designer: Unknown
Developer: Polarware
Publisher: Polarware
Year: 1985
Software Copyright: Polarware
Theme: Mystery
Multiplayer:  
System Requirements: DOS
Where to get it:
Related Links: History of the series at Magic Tree (archived)
Links:    
If you like this game, try: Spy's Adventure: Europe, Snooper Troops Case 1, Headline Harry and The Great Paper Race

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