Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mata Hari’s core gameplay loop revolves around tense, room-by-room infiltration of a heavily guarded embassy. Players must guide the titular spy down dimly lit corridors, using her pistol to silently dispatch human and robotic sentries. Each level demands quick reflexes for aerial threats, as flying robo-droids patrol overhead and require a well-timed crouch to avoid fatal contact.

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In addition to direct combat, there’s a strategic layer involving the acquisition and deployment of dynamite sticks. Scattered throughout the complex, these explosives allow Mata Hari to breach reinforced doors and safes. Depending on whether you’re playing the CPC or Atari version, safes yield either floppy disks or keys—both of which are essential for progressing to the elevator and reaching higher floors.

The game also spices up its challenge with a unique “down but not out” system. One wrong move means unconsciousness and transfer to the embassy’s hospital wing. CPC players get to walk free after recuperation, while Atari gamers must outwit a guard to earn their escape. This difference not only adds replay value but also provides two distinct difficulty curves to test your mastery of the game’s mechanics.

Graphics

Visually, Mata Hari captures a retro-chic aesthetic that suits its espionage theme. The embassy’s interior is rendered in moody palettes—stone walls, flickering wall sconces, and shadowy corners give each room an air of suspense. Mata Hari herself is animated with fluid motions, from her graceful walk cycle to precise aiming stances.

On the Amstrad CPC, color gradients and bold outlines help distinguish interactive objects like security cameras and dynamite sticks. The Atari version opts for a starker look, with sharper pixel art and higher contrast—ideal for players who prefer clarity over decorative flourish. Both versions feature detailed enemy sprites, with distinctive uniforms for guards and mechanical gleam for robo-droids.

Environmental variety is another highlight. You’ll traverse reception halls, administrative offices, and high-security chambers—all boasting unique floor patterns and background details. Though the hardware limitations of the era impose occasional color clash or sprite flicker, the overall presentation stays consistent, keeping you immersed in Mata Hari’s shadowy world.

Story

At its core, Mata Hari weaves a classic spy narrative: an exotic dancer turned secret agent must rescue a double agent named Walls from an embassy under tight surveillance. The premise immediately sets high stakes, as failure means not only mission abort but also potential capture or worse for both agents.

Story beats are delivered through brief in-game text prompts and atmospheric set pieces rather than elaborate cutscenes. Each newly unlocked floor reveals a bit more context—encrypted files, guarded offices with classified dossiers, and whispering radio chatter hint at a deeper conspiracy. This minimalistic approach keeps the focus squarely on gameplay, while still providing enough narrative cues to fuel your curiosity.

Despite its straightforward plot, the game surprises with small twists: hidden passages that suggest double-crosses, coded messages on floppy disks in the CPC version, and overheard conversations in the Atari release. These elements reinforce the sense that the embassy is more than just an obstacle course—it’s a living, breathing facility full of secrets waiting to be unraveled.

Overall Experience

Mata Hari delivers a balanced mix of action, stealth, and puzzle-solving that feels both challenging and rewarding. The combination of shooting, dodging, and dynamite placement keeps gameplay varied, while the hospital respawn mechanic raises the tension—every misstep feels consequential. The contrasting escape conditions in the CPC and Atari versions also encourage multiple playthroughs.

Controls are responsive, though newcomers might need a few attempts to perfect crouch timing and target acquisition. Sound effects—gunshots, robotic whirs, and muffled alarms—complement the visuals, heightening immersion without overwhelming the player. Background music is sparse, letting the on-screen drama take center stage.

For retro gaming enthusiasts and spy-novel fans alike, Mata Hari stands out as a memorable title from its era. Its straightforward but engaging mission structure, distinctive art style, and dual-version quirks make it a must-try for anyone seeking old-school thrills. Whether you prefer the CPC’s colorful sheen or the Atari’s bold clarity, you’ll find plenty to admire—and plenty of guards to outsmart—inside this perilous embassy.

Retro Replay Score

null/10