Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Alias Underground Episode 1: SD-6 Agent Training delivers a straightforward but engaging introduction to Sydney Bristow’s covert operations. From the opening tutorial, you’re taught the basics of movement—running, jumping, ducking, and climbing—across a series of set-piece obstacles designed to hone your reflexes. The dual 3rd- and 1st-person perspectives allow you to choose a playstyle that suits your comfort level, whether you prefer the tactical overview of a third-person camera or the precision aiming of a first-person view.

Combat encounters in this episode focus on hand-to-hand techniques and basic firearm usage. At first, Sydney’s unarmed takedowns—punches, kicks, and throws—are sufficient to neutralize low-level threats. Once you pick up a gun, the adrenaline ramps up as you switch to first-person aiming, complete with a zoom mechanic that rewards careful targeting. Although the AI foes aren’t especially sophisticated, they move, call for backup, and react to your actions, which keeps skirmishes dynamic.

More than simple combat drills, the mission emphasizes stealth and disguise. You’ll learn how to swap outfits to bypass security checkpoints, distract guards with environmental interactions, and avoid tripping alarms. Each scenario is laid out with multiple routes, granting a taste of open-ended infiltration. While the scope is modest compared to full-blown AAA titles, the design efficiently teaches the essential spycraft that becomes crucial in later episodes.

Finally, the episodic nature—released alongside the Turkish Embassy mission—means this training ground sets the stage for monthly challenges. Completing the training is mandatory before moving on, so you get a solid foundation in controls, enemy behavior, and level navigation. On slower connections circa 2002, download times were a hurdle, but once installed, the mission runs smoothly and keeps you invested in unlocking the next installment.

Graphics

For a 2002 promotional browser download, Alias Underground’s visuals are surprisingly polished. The 3D engine renders character models with enough detail to recognize Sydney Bristow’s trademark black outfit and hoisted ponytail. Facial textures are a little flat up close, but fluid animations—particularly in climbing and combat moves—add a sense of weight and realism that elevates the spy fantasy.

Environmental design spans dimly lit training rooms, simulated “hostile” hallways, and makeshift obstacle courses. Textures on walls and floors occasionally look repetitive, but the lighting system does a commendable job of casting dynamic shadows, essential for stealth gameplay. Highlighted pathways and shimmering console screens guide you toward objectives without resorting to obtrusive markers.

Promotional tie-ins are subtly integrated: Ford Focus cars parked outside CIA simulation zones and Nokia phones on workstations double as both in-game props and sponsors’ ads. They don’t feel shoehorned, and some players may appreciate the added realism of branded equipment. Performance remains stable on modest hardware of the era, with minimal frame-rate dips even when multiple enemies appear on screen.

Story

Episode 1 doesn’t dive deep into a complex narrative, instead framing itself as Sydney Bristow’s official field training under SD-6 supervision. As a prologue to the main story, it explains agency protocols, mission briefs, and the importance of subterfuge. While the TV series is known for double-crosses and emotional twists, this training mission keeps things light, focusing on fundamentals rather than lore-heavy drama.

The integration with the ABC show is evident: voice clips from the cast introduce objectives, and mission debriefs reference characters like Michael Vaughn and Arvin Sloane. Although original voice acting is limited, the game borrows musical cues and sound effects from the series to maintain authenticity. Fans of the show will appreciate these touches, even if the story is intentionally thin.

A sense of progression is woven into the design: completing drills earns you a high score that could be submitted to ABC’s online contest. The competition ran until June 2003, rewarding top performers with prizes like Ford Focus cars and Nokia phones. This meta-narrative adds motivation beyond simply advancing to the next episode—your performance has real-world stakes (or did, at the time).

Overall Experience

Alias Underground Episode 1 offers a concise, focused taste of the show’s espionage thrills. Its status as a free promotional title—later priced at US$0.99 for subsequent episodes—makes it an easy entry point for fans and curious gamers alike. While it lacks the depth and polish of retail stealth-action titles, it succeeds as a hands-on companion to the TV series.

The replay value hinges on mastering every move, maximizing your score for the contest, and experimenting with stealth routes. If you’re a completionist, you’ll revisit levels to discover alternative paths and perfect your takedowns. Casual players, however, may find the single training mission too brief to justify a second playthrough once the core skills are learned.

In context, this first episode excels as an introductory training ground. It sets clear expectations for mission structure, introduces core mechanics, and rewards stealthy play. For those invested in Alias’s world and eager to download the next monthly chapter, SD-6 Agent Training provides exactly what it promises: solid spycraft fundamentals wrapped in a familiar franchise.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Sydney Bristow or simply a stealth-action enthusiast looking for a bite-sized diversion, this episode delivers an engaging tutorial. It’s a compact, well-executed teaser of what’s to come, leaving players prepared—and hungry—for more undercover adventures.

Retro Replay Score

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