Activision seems to be leading the games world when it comes to making use of the graphics that Windows 95 is capable of. Like Zork Nemesis [link to previous review], the 3 Spycraft CD-ROMs include both DOS and Windows 95 versions of the software. But this is a very different type of game. Supposedly based on input from ex CIA and KGB bosses, Spycraft puts you in the position of a newly recruited CIA agent. After a short training session you are put on a critical mission to avoid the destabilisation of dΘtente.
On the whole this works well. To achieve your task you need to use a range of technical tools - for instance cleaning up a spy satellite photograph or setting up a photo-fit picture of a suspect. At the same time you must manage your communications on a web-linked PDA, interview suspects and informants and generally stay alive. This last is supported by the least convincing part of the game, poorly executed shooting gallery segments with little real skill involved. I found that Spycraft did pull me in and make me want more, though I was uncomfortable with the way that the outcome of some of the puzzles was little more than guesswork, realistic though this may be. After a time, too, the tasks became a little tedious - again, perhaps too realistic.
One novel feature is the online option, which downloads extra information for your game PDA and gives you the option of linking through to a special web site (though sadly on your usual browser rather than Spycraft itself). In practice this proved more of an irritation than a benefit.
Overall - A heavyweight spying simulation for Windows 95 or DOS with plenty of activities and a clever interface, let down by uninspiring shooting sections. Priced around ú35 to ú40 In the UK. Produced by Activision, web site:
