Assault Spy: A Bombastic Indie Action Game

Assault Spy is a high-octane indie action title that combines anime-inspired aesthetics with fast-paced third-person combat. Released on May 7, 2018, the game challenges players to infiltrate the Negabot mega corporation and uncover dark secrets amidst a hostile takeover. Whether you are a corporate spy or a government agent, the gameplay revolves around dashing, evading, and smashing your way through hordes of mechanical enemies. The game features a simple control scheme that rewards players with devastating combos and stylish finishing moves, drawing comparisons to action classics like Devil May Cry and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.

Dual Protagonists and Combat Style

One of the standout aspects of Assault Spy is its dual-protagonist structure, offering two distinct playstyles that intertwine throughout the narrative. Players can choose between Asaru Vito and Amelia, each bringing unique abilities to the battlefield.

  • Asaru Vito: A self-proclaimed elite corporate spy with blue hair and a suit. Asaru excels in timing-based combat but struggles due to his ineffectual spying techniques and his clumsy partner, Kanoko Yotsuba. Kanoko, a punkish pink-haired agent, frequently causes havoc during missions, adding to the comedic chaos.
  • Amelia: A fast, blonde CIA agent with a gung-ho personality. Amelia utilizes stronger, more direct attacks and possesses invulnerability powers. Her rowdy approach makes her a solid choice for beginning players who prefer straightforward combat over precise timing.

Combat Dynamics

The combat system encourages dynamic play. Players can jump, dash, punch, kick, and shoot to chain together insane combos. Defeating enemies unlocks new moves, allowing for endless customization of your fighting style. The game also features a high-speed dash combat mechanic that lets players dodge bullets while closing in on targets to deliver fancy combo moves.

Story and Setting Overview

The narrative of Assault Spy centers on the infiltration of Negabot, a global mega corporation that has been taken over by terrorists and an android uprising. The story follows Asaru and Amelia as they barrel through the company's halls, destroying everything in their path to determine the cause of the sudden robot revolt. While the plot may not make total sense, it serves as a vehicle for humorous dialogue, campy situations, and the protagonists' contrasting personalities. Asaru is depicted as a terrible spy who takes his job seriously despite constant failures, while Amelia is a sociopathic agent who believes violence is the solution to every situation. Their stories overlap, revealing more about the conspiracy as players progress.

Notable Features

  • Stylish Action: Fast-paced combat with powerful visual and audio feedback when breaking robots.
  • Unique Character Dynamics: The interaction between Asaru and his "deadweight" partner Kanoko provides regular comedic moments.
  • Additional Modes: Beyond the main campaign, the game includes a Dojo for training and a Death Run mode for high-score challenges.
  • Fully Controller Supported: Optimized for gamepad play on PC.

Platform Availability and Requirements

Assault Spy is available on PC via Steam. It also supports Steam Deck, allowing players to enjoy the action on handheld hardware. The game was developed by Wazen and published by NIS America. Minimum system requirements include a Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 operating system, an Intel Core i3-6100 or AMD FX-8350 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a graphics card such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti or AMD Radeon R7 360.

Who It Appeals To

This game is ideal for fans of anime espionage action and hack-and-slash gameplay who appreciate a "right kind of stupid" tone. Players looking for a game with campy humor, likable characters, and hard-hitting combat will find Assault Spy entertaining. However, potential players should note that the game features a third-person camera that some may find cumbersome, and level design can be straightforward. It is best suited for gamers who can embrace the absurdity and focus on the stylish, chaotic fun of smashing robots and enjoying the witty banter between the cast.