Secret Agent HD

I really love this HD version. I already purchased Crystal Caves HD here on GOG and really enjoyed it. However, there's a small 'catch' I do not understand: When I purchased Crystal Caves HD it came with the original DOS version of the game as Goodies for Windows, Linux and Mac - if you were to buy the original alone it costs $4.99 USD, or $3.74 USD if you already own the HD version, which doesn't make any sense for Crystal Caves HD in particualr as it already contains the original DOS version as Goodies. As for Secret Agent HD, it does NOT come with the original DOS version of the game and you have to purchase it separately if you like to own it. Same as with Crystal Caves, it costs $4.99 USD, or $3.74 USD if you already own the HD version. But I don't see why one should pay anything for the same game in its original form when buying this HD version, where Crystal Cave which is based on the very same engine and the very same buying form comes with the original. It would have been much appreciated if GOG would consider adding the original as Googies as well for every Secret Agent HD buyer - it's the same game after all and I thought I'm getting it with this purchase, so it's quite disappointing. Overall it's a 5/5 review, but I had to reduce it to 4/5 since it doesn't come with the original DOS version like Crystal Caves HD does.

GAMEPLAY The platforming and combat consists of you controlling a very floaty (in a good way) Secret Agent with his handgun as a weapon.You will be using said handgun against a large number of ninjas, robots, and sharks…..the typical enemies of every spy. The levels are all fairly short maze-like designs that require you to pick up certain colored keys to access the same colored door, before you can finish any level you’ll need to destroy a satellite first, as well as find some dynamite to blast through the exit door. Dying or screwing up the right way out of a level happens often, and while this is mildly frustrating, you’ll usually end up being able to speed run the level by your second attempt, and that feels very satisfying. WHY I WENT WITH THE HD VERSION I picked up Secret Agent HD while it was on sale, and I could have got it even cheaper if I went with the original non-HD version. I do prefer the look of the non-HD version graphically, and I could have saved a little extra going that route, but HD perks were well worth the extra cost. Not having to go through the process of setting up my controller through DOSBox, and just being able to plug in my controller to have it instantly work was a treat. DOSBox always seems to force me to use this analog stick, but with the HD version I could happily use the D-Pad. Saving is also very easy in this version, whenever you are on the world map, just press Start, scroll down to highlight the save option, then click the bottom face button. I assume the non-HD version probably requires typing on the keyboard to save. The HD version also has achievements! While I’m not the biggest achievement hunter in the world, you can’t deny that they do add a little extra life to a game, so that’s a nice bonus.

Great game and great remaster job! However the old classic title should be included just like Crystal Caves.

Hot off the success of Crystal Caves HD comes the anticipated remake of the spiritual successor of the original Crystal Caves, Secret Agent HD. With a similar visual overhaul (presenting something of a "what if" had the game been made with VGA graphics back in the day) and a period authentic MIDI jazz soundtrack (which was exactly what I was hoping for!) you can relive the good old days while making a few new memories along the way. Also included is a new and exclusive fourth episode, now with new monsters and other gameplay gimmicks (including a jetpack and scuba gear). While the new elements are a little jarring as they don't blend too well with the classic assets (especially one of the space robot's projectiles, which is comprised of pixels that are just a smidge too fine), the fourth episode nevertheless provides some added value to the package, and a level editor is included as well. Perhaps it's my Apogee-tinted nostalgia goggles talking, but I've enjoyed Secret Agent just as much as when I had originally played these games as a wee tot circa 1994/1995. It's hardly a classic by any stretch of the imagination, but newcomers looking for a fairly relaxed (and mildly challenging) retro puzzle platformer may find themselves pleasantly surprised. Unlike Crystal Caves HD, the original DOS versions of Secret Agent are not included with this (at the time of writing anyway), but they have arguably been rendered obsolete by the existence of these much more enjoyable remakes (as close as they are to the originals). Bring on Monster Bash!

I've had more fun playing this classic for the past month or so than most of my other games. I love the fact that I can finally play it with a controller after all these years and the extra levels, enemies and power ups breath even more life into an already great game. A shareware classic that will never die!