Spy Fiction Update

At Sammy's first annual gamers' day, company reps showed off a new level in Spy Fiction for the PlayStation 2. The stealth action game, which is the first game to come out of Japanese studio Access Games, shows off a bit more polish and innovation than most freshman releases from a young studio, thanks to the team's roster of developer vets. In fact, Access' staff includes former Konami employees who were on the Metal Gear team.

The demo showed off a stealth level that highlighted male lead Bishop's spy skills and gadgets. In a Mission: Impossible-inspired sequence, Bishop drops down into a computer room from an air vent. The mission is complicated by a heat-sensing security system that requires Bishop to spritz himself with a body-heat-blocking spray. While the spray makes him virtually invisible to the heat sensors, the catch is that it doesn't last too long, adding a strong sense of urgency to the mission. Upon reaching the computer terminal, you'll have to input a code to access the files you're looking for.

In addition to the gameplay demo, Sammy reps discussed the improvements on tap for the upcoming US version. Lighting is set to be enhanced in the game to provide a more atmospheric look. The enemy AI is also being beefed up to offer a more intelligent threat. Bishop's moves are being enhanced with a new melee attack--a pistol whip--which should provide quite a bit of fun when you're taking out enemies.

We've been interested in Spy Fiction since we first saw the game at last year's Tokyo Game Show. The unique gameplay elements certainly give it a unique-enough identity to stand out from the crowded stealth pack currently on the market. Sammy's tweaks to the game should also go a long way toward polishing up the game for its US release. Spy Fiction is currently slated to ship in September for the PlayStation 2. Look for more on the game in the coming months.