Initial release date: Â June 28, 2024
Platforms:  PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
Genres:  Adventure game, Adventure
Developer:Â Groove Box Japan Co., Ltd.
Publishers:  BNE LLC, Namco Bandai Games America Inc.
Spy x Anya: Operation Memories is a lighthearted tie-in game that makes use of its source material, keeping things simple but enjoyable. While there isn’t much here, what there is nice enough to keep fans of the show happy.
The manga/anime series Spy x Family is one that I really enjoy. With the endearing child figure Anya at the core, it’s a charming blend of ridiculous comedy and unforgettable personalities in a world of espionage and intrigue. The main character and her family are the main subjects of this new game, Spy x Anya: Operation Memories, which is a simple and easy tie-in that can trap you in.
As you assemble an album of memories for a school project, the title places you in Anya’s shoes. This is a convenient excuse to engage in a variety of minigames and activities in interesting settings. Your main objective is to capture images of Anya having fun in each place so that you may turn in a quality project that will support her academic success and her adoptive father Loid’s overall espionage mission.
It’s similar to a more divided version of Pokémon Snap in that you have to practice focus, timing, and framing in order to capture the ideal shots of each task. Sending Anya and her family to locations like museums and the beach as you snap pictures of amusing incidents and recollections evokes a nice sense of nostalgia, and I had no trouble connecting with Spy x Anya: Code recollections’ laid-back gameplay loop.
“I can’t say those who don’t dig the series would do the same, but as someone who loves the show, I was able to still enjoy it after the first five or so hours.”
Outside of this loop, there’s a surprisingly wide variety of minigames to partake in that can earn you currency for new outfit pieces. These are where players get to perform battles as Yor or spy missions as Loid, adapting the action/comedy dynamic of the show. Of course, there are smaller-stakes minigames as well, such as card games and bowling, that are all neat to play a couple of times. These aren’t hugely essential and can be skipped, as you’ll likely do after a few tries.
While simplicity is a given, too much of it can make Spy x Anya: Operation Memories feel repetitive. The frequency with which you move kept me interested, but the game quickly runs out of gimmicks, so for those who are familiar with the series, it mostly relies on character moments.
This is a difficult sell for anyone outside of die-hard franchise fans because, once you’ve played through all the minigames a couple of times and seen every location, you’ll probably become a little bored in between character encounters. I can’t say that people who don’t like the series would enjoy it any more than I did, but as a fan of the show, I was still able to appreciate it after the first five or six hours.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 70%
Story – 75%
Aesthetics – 80%
Content – 68%
Accessibility – 75%
Value – 72%
Overall Rating – 73%
Good
Summary: Spy x Anya: Operation Memories is a fun, carefree adventure for Spy x Family enthusiasts. Fans of the series will like the variety of minigames, lighthearted tale, and engaging character interactions, even though they may grow weary of them rather quickly.