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Those dirty rotten scoundrels of MAD magazine have appeared in three different games on umpteen different games systems, and now the original classic game of underhand dirty tricks and cunning finally makes it to the Nintendo!

There are eight missions-worth of espionage terror on offer in the NES conversion. In all of them the object is remarkably simple. A selection of top secret items have been secreted around a complex, and it's the player's job to get in there are retrieve them. Each mission has a different map layout to conquer and the size of the complex increases on each level.

The task of spying sounds pretty simple and indeed it is. The problem is, there's another spy in the complex with exactly the same mission in mind. It's a good thing you packed your trapulator in your spying trousers, and you can use the traps it contains to keep your opposite number at bay.

Each level has a strict time limit, so you have to retrieve those items and find the getaway plane before the complex goes the way of the dodo. There's only one winner (and one getaway vehicle) in this game, so make sure it's your spy who has the last snigger as you leave the opposition to their doom!

Three Spy Vs. Spy games have been written so far, but not for the console market. This NES game is a near perfect copy of the original Spy Vs. Spy and is the best of the bunch by far.

The follow-up, The Island Caper, introduced scrolling scenery and napalm coconuts (!) whilst Spy Vs. Spy III: Artic Antics was really more of the same and had you throwing lethal snowballs at your enemies.

All of the secreted items are hidden in the furniture of each complex. Look out for items like the briefcase and the top secret files. But that's not the end of all these furniture frolics. Some items can be discovered that will protect you from certain traps. An umbrella, for example, will save your head from cascasing buckets of electrified water.

Spy Vs. Spy is a truly terrific game of lethal cunning. It doesn't really stand out that much as a one-player game, but get your mates to join in and watch those hours literally burn away!

The graphics aren't really much cop, but at least they're well animated and the spies' dastardly sniggers have been captured perfectly!

But it's the fun of springing one of the hilarious traps on an unsuspecting spy that really makes this game. A great little number and no mistake.

Spy Vs. Spy is one of the finest two-player games I've ever seen, and allows the combatants to pull the lowest, sneakiest, meanest tricks and stunts ever devised in a computer game.

There's nothing more satisfying than letting your opponent think he's just about to escape with all the goodies when, in fact, you've secretly booby-trapped the door to freedome a few minutes earlier.

Watch him frazzle as he opens the door, and then grab the goodies yourself and make a getaway! Brilliant!!

Even with one player it's fun (the computer opponent is no dummy), but to really appreciate the game it's best to have a human opponent.

Spy Vs. Spy might not have the best graphics and sound in the world, but if you have another gamer at hand willing to play you, this is a must.

Presentation 79%
Different skill levels abound, but there's a distinct lack of comic-book style presentation screens.

Graphics 73%
Not the best use of the Nintendo's palette, but the humorous atmosphere is successfully captured.

Sound 73%
Again, not totally awesome, but the sonics do the trick quite nicely, thank you.

Playability 88%
Brilliant! Satisfaction guaranteed with each trap successfully sprung!

Lastability 85%
Eight levels to keep you going, but the action isn't that varied.

Overall 84%
A classic two-player game packed with fun, cheeky laffs and a lot more besides.