Tatsuya Endo’s manga and anime is one of our favorites of recent years, especially thanks to the humor surrounding the members of the Forger family. Spy x Anya: Operation Memoriesthe game based on Spy x Family which we talk about in this review, maintains that same tone and that made us very happy.
Our main focus in this title is taking photos, especially during weekend trips for a journal Anya will submit as a school project. In addition to the photography sections, there are mini-games that provide variety between the days between trips. These cover the professional lives of Mama Forger, Papa Forger, Anya’s school, and her imaginary worlds, one with Bond and another that also includes her stuffed animals (the ‘P2’ organization).
Anya Forger’s daily life
When taking photos, three factors are taken into account: focus, angle and timing. When we are in one of the game’s photography moments, we are given a limited time and three opportunities to take the best possible photo, guided by the brightness of the frame. Initially, this dynamic seems to clash with the relaxed atmosphere of the game, but it is not difficult to get used to. The photos do not have to be perfect, but rather fun, but we will get a score bonus if we get three stars when taking them.
By taking a photo we earn ‘eurekas’, which look like light bulbs in the top right corner, and are earned by taking photos. These ‘eurekas’ can be converted into game points. We can also earn game points by participating in mini-games inspired by various moments from manga and anime.
Among these minigames we highlight ‘Yor’s work day’, in which we must defeat several waves of enemies; the funny card game at Eden school, and the super adorable minigame of Anya with Bond in which we have to get the most stars.
All these points we earned by playing Spy x Anya: Operation Memories They can be used in the in-game store to purchase items, clothing and accessories, some of which are taken directly from the ‘anime’ Spy x FamilyIt’s quite funny that the clothes and accessories of the Forger family (yes, even Bond) can be changed to form absurd outfits that will be part of the photos taken in each session.
We can also get more cosmetics in raffle boxes that are unlocked as we progress through the story and achieve certain goals. Even if Anya doesn’t win anything in the raffle, we still earn game points just for participating.
‘Excited, excited’
For fans of the ‘anime’ of Spy x Family It’s a delight to hear the original Japanese voices of the characters in this game. In fact, Spy x Anya: Operation Memories It is very faithful to the original work and recreates His world with a lot of love. It is true that the characters and settings are in 3D, but that does not take away from their aesthetic fidelity.
In addition to the Forger family, we find Becky Blackbell, Anya’s inseparable friend; Damian Desmond and his two friends Ewen and Emile; Professor Henderson; Yuri Briar, Yor’s brother; and Nightfall/Fiona Frost, Loid’s spy partner. There is one character from the manga and anime who is conspicuous by his absence, the funny informant Franky Franklin. Why did they leave him out?
Some may think the dialogue is basic, but it is this simplicity that amplifies the joke. Every experience and conversation matters to Anya. This game is perfect for a laugh and a quiet moment. Even Anya’s interactions with antagonists like Damian, Fiona, and Yuri are funny and full of ingenuity despite the conflict between them.
Back to the gameplay, we love that it never feels punitive. It’s a family-friendly game, including the little ones, and it shows in every element. Even the camera’s axis of movement is slow enough to allow people who suffer from simulated motion sickness to navigate the environments without feeling sick.
It also contains a fundamental reflection on leaving children with beautiful memories of happy experiences that will accompany them for the rest of their lives. There is a beautiful internal monologue from Twilight/Loid in which he realizes how much Anya values family outings. We also take away very nice memories from this game and from the moments spent with the Forger family.
Review of Spy X Anya: Operation Memories by our contributor Nathalia Giraldo with a digital copy for PS5 provided by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game is also available for Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and for PC via Steam.
