Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ecks vs. Sever stands out as an ambitious first-person shooter on the Game Boy Advance, offering a surprisingly deep gameplay experience despite the hardware’s limitations. Players choose between two distinct campaigns—one as Ecks, the ex-FBI agent on a mission to eliminate the seductive assassin Sever, and one as Sever herself, whose objective is to outwit and evade her former partner. Each perspective introduces unique mission goals and enemy placements, encouraging multiple playthroughs to fully appreciate the cat-and-mouse dynamic.

Controls are mapped intuitively to the GBA’s layout: the D-pad handles movement and strafing, while the shoulder buttons adjust your aim and fire weapons. Though the lack of dual analog sticks means aiming can feel stiff at first, the game compensates with a lock-on feature that helps players track targets during frantic firefights. Weapon variety—from pistols and sniper rifles to grenades—adds tactical depth, letting you tailor your approach to each mission’s objectives.

In addition to the single-player campaigns, Ecks vs. Sever includes a robust multiplayer suite for up to four players using link cables. Deathmatch, Assassination, and Bomb Kit modes each deliver frantic action that feels right at home on the go. While setting up a four-player link can be a logistical challenge, the payoff of tactical team play and competitive skirmishes extends replayability far beyond the main story.

Graphics

Considering the Game Boy Advance’s modest processing power, Ecks vs. Sever’s graphical achievements are remarkable. The game employs a pseudo-3D engine reminiscent of early PC shooters, with textured walls, dynamic lighting, and full-color environments that manage to convey both industrial complexes and dimly lit corridors. Character sprites are well-designed, and animation frames for running and shooting create a smooth illusion of motion.

Textures are often blurred when up close, a common limitation of GBA hardware, but level designers cleverly mask these shortcomings with narrow hallways and atmospheric effects such as flickering lights. Frame rate generally hovers around a stable rhythm, though intense firefights—especially in four-player mode—can cause occasional slowdown. This never becomes game-breaking, but it’s worth noting for players who prize consistent performance.

Cutscenes and on-screen HUD elements maintain clarity without overwhelming the limited screen real estate. Health bars, ammo counts, and mission objectives stay legible, and transitions between gameplay and story moments are handled cleanly. Overall, the graphics strike an impressive balance between ambition and practicality, delivering an immersive shooter aesthetic on a handheld device.

Story

The narrative of Ecks vs. Sever revolves around Ecks, a disavowed FBI agent, and Sever, a deadly assassin. Their cat-and-mouse pursuit unravels deeper layers of government conspiracy, hinting that both operatives are pawns in a larger clandestine game. The storyline unfolds through in-engine cutscenes and brief text exchanges, injecting enough intrigue to keep players invested throughout both campaigns.

Playing through Ecks’s perspective casts you as the disciplined agent, following orders to neutralize Sever at any cost. In contrast, Sever’s storyline allows you to experience the thrill of infiltration, sabotage, and evasion. This duality not only diversifies mission objectives but also enriches the central theme: trust no one. While the plot doesn’t delve into extensive character backstories, it provides just enough context to justify mission variety and raise stakes as the conspiracy deepens.

The writing is serviceable rather than spectacular, relying on familiar spy-thriller tropes—double-crosses, hidden agendas, and clandestine labs. However, the tension created by knowing that neither side has the full truth behind the orders sustains engagement. For a handheld shooter of its era, Ecks vs. Sever delivers a surprisingly cohesive and motivating narrative framework.

Overall Experience

Ecks vs. Sever offers a compelling package for GBA owners craving a handheld FPS adventure. Its dual campaigns encourage players to tackle each level from two different angles, effectively doubling the content and promoting strategic thinking as you adapt to diverging objectives. The inclusion of multiplayer further boosts replay value, making it a solid choice for groups willing to invest in link-cable sessions.

That said, the game isn’t without its drawbacks. Occasional frame-rate dips under heavy action, limited aiming precision, and sparse storytelling depth may deter players expecting console-level fidelity. Yet, these are small trade-offs when weighed against the title’s overall ambition. Ecks vs. Sever remains a pioneering effort that pushed the boundaries of what a handheld FPS could achieve in its time.

For fans of action-packed shooters, espionage narratives, or simply curious GBA enthusiasts, Ecks vs. Sever is worth exploring. It delivers varied gameplay, respectable visuals, and an engaging storyline within the palm of your hand—an experience that continues to impress years after its initial release.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10