8 Eyes Classic Co-op
Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Action-Adventure
Spy vs. Spy
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1986 (originally 1984) |
| Genre | Action, Action-Adventure, Board, Card & Party |
| Developer | First Star Software |
| Publisher | Kemco |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Spy vs. Spy |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 4 |
Spy vs. Spy is an action game released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by First Star Software and published by Kemco. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1984. It blends action, action-adventure and board, card & party elements.
It came out in the NES's second year on the market. Other notable NES releases from 1986 include Arkanoid, Metroid and Dragon Quest.
It is part of the Spy vs. Spy series. The series also appears on other systems with Spy vs. Spy (Master System) and Spy vs. Spy (GBC).
Spy vs. Spy supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you have a friend to play against
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
What playing Spy vs. Spy is like
Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.
Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.
Spy vs. Spy cheats & codes
21 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Stop Black Spy's Clock | SZVAYUVK |
|---|---|
| Stop White Spy's Clock | SXUELUVK |
| Black Spy Has 100 Seconds In A Minute | PUEAPLIU |
| White Spy Has 100 Seconds In A Minute | PUSAILIU |
| Black Spy Has Deadly Punches | ONVZYNUT |
| White Spy Has Deadly Punches | IEVZLYIE |
Spy vs. Spy walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Spy vs. Spy.
If you like Spy vs. Spy, the Matrix also picks…
Arkanoid Classic
Challenger Classic
Mega Man Classic
Pac-Man Classic
Mega Man 2 Classic
Devil World Classic
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Spy vs. Spy FAQ
When did Spy vs. Spy come out on the NES?
Spy vs. Spy was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986; the original game dates back to 1984.
Who made Spy vs. Spy?
It was developed by First Star Software and published by Kemco.
Is Spy vs. Spy multiplayer?
Yes. Spy vs. Spy supports up to 2 players.
How long does Spy vs. Spy take to play?
As an action game, Spy vs. Spy typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Spy vs. Spy on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.