Spy Fox: Operation Ozone

SPY Fox is out to save the world again in his latest thriller, Operation Ozone. In this episode, the iniquitous Poodles Galore has launched a giant can of hairspray into space, and the aerosol is slowly blasting away at the ozone layer. Unless SPY Fox can outwit Poodles, the citizens of the world will be forced to buy Poodles's super-powerful SPF 2001 sunscreen to protect themselves from the ravaging sun.

Anyone who loves SPY Fox games won't be disappointed. The meat of the mission is to collect the ingredients for a Congeal Pill that will put a literal stop to Poodles's hairspray space satellite. To accomplish this, SPY Fox travels all over the world and meets up with an amusing and witty cast of characters. You'll notice here the thoughtfulness that went into creating the game. From Bobby Llama, a Marlon Brando-esque recluse à la Apocalypse Now, to Roger Boar, an undercover agent with a penchant for new hairstyles, the characters are nothing short on character.

And, of course, SPY Fox comes armed with a double-breasted jacket full of spy gadgets to help him outwit Poodles and her goons. The most charming include the Sticky Stun Bun, which explodes caramel and nuts all over enemies, congealing them into one tasty mess. Other favorites include the Grappling Granny, Spy Mint, and Canned Laughter.

Gameplay is slightly complex, but it's nice to see a game that actually challenges kids to think, instead of hand-feeding solutions. Operation Ozone requires that kids pay attention, as clues are dropped left and right that will be of use later in the game, and strong logic skills are certainly an asset. We only got slightly frustrated by the exactness expected in clicking. If you're trying to use a spy gadget, you must move that gadget to exactly the right place or SPY Fox will tell you that's not the right tool for the task.

However, that quibble aside, this is a SPY Fox game not to be missed. In fact, you'll probably be disappointed when you finally finish the mission. But don't fret, there are multiple mini-missions and endings within the game, encouraging replay. In fact, it's so entertaining that parents--and older kids--might even find themselves playing along as well. (Ages 5 to 8) --Ara Jane Olufson ...(click for less)

SPY Fox is out to save the world again in his latest thriller, Operation Ozone. In this episode, the iniquitous Poodles Galore has launched a giant can of hairspray into space, and the aerosol is slowly blasting away at the ozone layer. Unless SPY Fox can outwit Poodles, the citi...(click for more.)