The Spy who Divorced Me - Operation: Tango Review
Developer: CleverPlaysStudio | Platform: PS5 |
Playtime: 4:55 | Platinum: 7:30
As part of a joined New Years resolution, myself and Jade decided that we will play and complete a Co-op title every month of the year. First game on the list was Operation: Tango, spy thriller of I expect you to Die meets relationship testing of Overcooked.
Set in the far future of 2035, each player plays one of two characters - the Agent, Angel and the Spy, N. Together they work together to take down a cyber criminal by the name of Cypher. I think. Honestly the story kind of takes a back seat in the grand scheme of things, instead just being the catalyst and background theming for the missions you go on. I’m not saying it’s bad, but it’s barely relevant.
Unlike co-op experiences like the Hazelight games in which the screen is split, even when playing online, and each player occupies the same space, Operation: Tango works differently. One player is boots on the ground in the location whereas the other is the tech room eyes in the sky. Throughout the game neither player sees the others perspective relying entirely on communication and team work to get through each of the games 6 missions.
On our first playthrough, I was the Agent and Jade was the (Spy) and on the second playthrough we swapped roles so both of us could get the whole experience.
For the most part, each player is getting a unique experience, with one being in the field and the other being the one “In the Chair”. The former moves around the various environments, limited to interacting with their hacking tool while the latter navigates through various menus depending on what the situation requires. Both have their highs and lulls but I would say Spy has the harder job as some of the menu switching is a wee bit fiddly.
The game’s six missions that take place all across the globe. Each is visually distinct and for the most part really fun. It was only the second half of the last mission that proved to be troubling. On our first time through there was a glitch that prevented the proper progression (a quick reset fixed it) and on the second time, it set in that it just wasn't a terribly well designed mission. It didn't dampen the experience too much thankfully.
Jade was too busy with life to write a review but did want me to say that the game was to very dyslexic friendly given that there is a lot of specific commands being given at pace which caused a sense of being overwhelmed by the game. That being said, we didn't take a look at the settings, there may have been something that would have alleviated the problems we were having. It’s also worth noting this was only when she played the agent, needing to receive instruction.
Probably not great as a first co-op experience because more than a lot of games, communication is make or break. Beyond that warning the game is incredibly fun and led to a lot of shouting-come-hysteric laughing. The game has a friends pass too meaning only one player needs to buy the game for both players to try. Got a relationship or friendship you think can withstand some spy work? Give it a go.
