Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core gameplay of “The Spy Who Loved Me” puts you in the shoes of James Bond as you pilot the iconic Lotus Esprit. Much like its predecessor Live and Let Die, the game seamlessly blends high-speed vehicular action with stealth and on-foot combat segments. Early missions introduce you to the Esprit’s transformative abilities, from a sleek sports car to a fully functional speedboat and, later, a submarine capable of underwater sabotage. This variety keeps the gameplay loop fresh and prevents the action from ever feeling repetitive.

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Vehicle handling is tight yet accessible. The Lotus responds predictably to steering inputs on land and water, though turning the sub underwater can feel sluggish at first. You’ll need to master momentum and gadget timing—using the on-board laser cutter to blast through obstacles, deploying homing missiles against Stromberg’s aquatic sentries, or activating sonar pulses to reveal hidden mines. These mechanics reward experimentation, making every mission an opportunity to test new strategies.

On-foot sections task you with infiltration and puzzle-solving. Working alongside Agent Anya Amasova, you’ll breach enemy facilities, hack security terminals, and engage in close-quarters shootouts. Bond’s stealth takedowns are satisfying and often come with branching pathways: will you slip past guards undetected or create a distraction with a well-placed explosive? The AI for both enemies and your sidekick is competent—Anya will follow cover instructions and assist in firefights, though she occasionally gets caught in terrain geometry, so you’ll want to shepherd her carefully during tight encounters.

Finally, mission objectives are varied and well-paced. One level might have you racing to intercept Stromberg’s convoy, while another plunges you into an underwater race against time to disable a warhead. These shifts in pace help maintain high tension throughout, culminating in a climactic showdown aboard Stromberg’s massive sea fortress. If you relish the mix of vehicular action and spycraft, this game delivers consistently exciting set pieces.

Graphics

Visually, “The Spy Who Loved Me” represents one of the stronger titles of its era. The environments range from sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines to murky Arctic depths, each rendered with surprising fidelity on the hardware. Water effects stand out in particular: realistic wave patterns and dynamic reflections make the speedboat and submarine sequences especially immersive. You’ll find yourself marvelling at the way sunlight refracts through the hull when you dive with the submarine.

Character models capture the likenesses of Bond and Anya Amasova convincingly, complete with detailed facial animations during cutscenes. Karl Stromberg’s imposing figure and submarine base interiors lean into a darker, more mechanical aesthetic that contrasts nicely with the bright exteriors. The game’s art direction strikes a balance between cinematic flair and functional design—every corridor, garage bay, or secret lab feels thoughtfully crafted to serve both story and gameplay.

Texturing holds up well, though you might notice repeating patterns in some outdoor environments if you look closely. Draw distances are respectable, allowing you to spot incoming enemies or hazards from afar. Particle effects for explosions, bullet impacts, and underwater debris add another layer of polish. Overall, “The Spy Who Loved Me” pushes its platform to its limits without sacrificing performance—the frame rate remains steady, even during the most chaotic moments.

Story

The narrative follows classic Bond tropes: global stakes, charismatic villains, and a dash of romance. Karl Stromberg, obsessed with aquatic supremacy, plots to incite a war between East and West as the precursor to his undersea empire. Bond’s mission is clear—stop Stromberg at all costs—but the game weaves in a personal element through Agent Anya Amasova, your capable partner whose own vendetta provides emotional weight.

Cutscenes are fully voiced and feature dynamic camera angles that heighten dramatic moments. Dialogue between Bond and Anya crackles with the trademark wit of the series, and their relationship evolves believably from professional detachment to mutual respect. Secondary characters, including contact Q and various double agents, enrich the plot without overwhelming the main storyline. You’ll find yourself invested in unraveling Stromberg’s plan just as much as you’ll enjoy watching the characters bounce off one another.

Pacing is one of the story’s greatest strengths. Each mission unfolds a new layer of Stromberg’s scheme—whether intercepting coded transmissions or decoding blueprints in an enemy archive. The plot twists stay engaging without feeling derivative, and the final confrontation atop Stromberg’s fortress brings every narrative thread together in a satisfying crescendo. Fans of espionage thrillers will appreciate how faithfully the game captures the spirit of a Bond adventure.

Overall Experience

Playing “The Spy Who Loved Me” feels like stepping into a blockbuster film. The combination of high-stakes missions, inventive gadgetry, and charismatic characters makes for a compelling package. Whether you’re roaring across the Mediterranean or sneaking through dimly lit corridors, the game maintains a consistent level of excitement that’s hard to shrug off.

Replayability is strong thanks to multiple difficulty settings and hidden objectives scattered throughout each level. Completionists will enjoy seeking out bonus intel, unlocking extra gadgets, and replaying favorite missions to improve their times or stealth grades. The seamless transitions between driving, underwater navigation, and on-foot stealth ensure that no two playthrough moments feel the same.

Though the game wears its late-’90s heritage on its sleeve, it remains accessible and fun for modern players. If you’re a James Bond fan or simply love action-packed missions with a healthy dose of spycraft, “The Spy Who Loved Me” is a title well worth exploring. Strap in, engage the gadgets, and prepare for an unforgettable ride beneath—and above—the waves.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10