Browser based games are very popular among consumers. They can run on laptops, PCs, netbooks and even mobile phones. Spy Battle is the latest browser based game I’ve found. I’ve tested the game on my laptop, phone and PSP and it runs well on all of the devices, meaning I can even play it when I’m out and about as it requires no download and is free to play.
The game starts you off as a level 1 spy based in London. You have no money, no experience and no points. Work your way up through the spy world by completing covert ops and performing the Smoke Bolt op. Both ops can earn you money, but are limited to how many you can do. Smoke bolt gives you 5 searches, which gives you 5 chances of retrieving money. Where as covert ops will get you money, though not as much but, will also give you experience points. You can keep track of how much money you’ve got, how much you’ve deposited into the bank, as well as general stats about yourself, such as life, stealth, experience points and level.
Certain tasks will use up some of your stats. Performing research requires energy, where as a covert op uses stealth points. The first covert op, “Timed Drop” uses 1 stealth point. Other covert ops can be opened up later in the game and in different areas. You can recharge your stealth, health and more by exchanging points for the options. To get points though, you need to buy them through Paypal, which are priced very reasonably. $4.50 will give you 30 days of being a special agent with extra benefits and bonus points. Alternatively, 350 points can be bought for $3. Points can also be exchanged for cash earned in the game. Other agents can put their points up for sale but, I found them to be highly priced and personally I will probably go for the points package, which I could then sell on to other agents but, perhaps at a more reasonable price for beginner agents.
A lot of the game, I’ve found so far, requires you to be of a higher level and have quite a bit of money. It’s recommended purchasing a lottery ticket in game as soon as you’ve earned enough money, which is $1000. The game can be played without purchasing the points but, it would be quicker to level up and advance with the use of points for recharging stealth, energy and health.
I’ve currently reached Level 3 on the game and I’ve amassed over $10,000. This was achieved by re-performing the covert op as many times as I can once the stats have replenished. I found a few minutes gave me back two of the stealth bars. While the stealth is out, research can be performed making your defense and weapon better which can assist with attacking other agents. Attacking other agents in the game can get you experience points and money for defeating them. The ability to pick pocket agents also becomes available at level 15. You can move around to other countries once you’ve achieved level 5 in the game and have enough money on hand to buy the ticket.
Overall, it’s one of the better RPG browser games I’ve played. It works better with purchasing points but, isn’t required to advance in the game. Spy Battle also works on both laptops and portable devices, with a dedicated mobile log in option. There also isn’t too much sitting around waiting for things to happen or be done, which means you could easily be on Spy Battle for hours at a time. I know I found myself on there for an hour the first time, as well as logging in while out to earn more money and experience.
There’s also a huge community to join in with, with one of the quotes of SpyBattle being “Players come for the game, stay for the community”. To keep the forums and shoutboxes in check and from being abused, players need to reach level 5 before being able to actively join in.
