PGC NEWS

The Holy Potatoes! franchise returns with its fourth installment, Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?!, developed by Daylight Studios. Following the success of Holy Potatoes! A Weapon Shop?!, Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space ?! and Holy Potatoes! What the Hell?!, this latest entry continues the studio’s tradition of quirky simulation gameplay, this time immersing players in the world of espionage. This review delves into the details of Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?!, exploring its strengths and weaknesses.

Holy PotatoesAlt: A screenshot from Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?! featuring a potato spy resembling Inspector Gadget.

Charming Potato Spies and Hilarious Interactions

The game immediately grabs your attention with its whimsical character design. The protagonist, a potato sporting a familiar side-swept hairstyle, robotic arm, and orange suit, evokes comparisons to Inspector Gadget. Furthering the spy theme, the opening sequence parodies classic James Bond films, hinting at thrilling missions to come. Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?! is packed with charming references and easter eggs for players to discover. The characters’ expressive animations and interactions add another layer of humor to the experience. Even the “villain potatoes” are a sight to behold, with their exaggerated features adding to the game’s overall comedic appeal.

A Diverse Roster of Spud Agents

The core gameplay revolves around building a spy agency staffed by potato agents inspired by famous figures. The familiar archetypes and humorous names encourage collection and experimentation. The Legendary Spies, some of the most challenging agents to recruit, represent iconic figures from various cultures and fields, adding a meta-game element to the recruitment process. Players start with Jamal Bond (a clear parody of James Bond), and other notable agents include Sherlord Holmes (Sherlock Holmes) and Detective Canon (Detective Conan). Each agent has unique stats and abilities, making them valuable assets for different missions.

Holy PotatoesAlt: A screenshot from Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?! showing the character selection screen with various potato spies.

Silly Agent Quirks Add to the Fun

During missions, agents occasionally ask seemingly absurd questions, adding to the lighthearted tone. A spy might inquire about petting a stray dog in the middle of a dangerous mission or suggest walking through the front door of a secret base. These questions, while humorous, can impact mission success and rewards, adding a layer of unexpected decision-making. Don’t worry too much about wrong answers; these moments primarily serve as comic relief and don’t significantly detract from the gameplay.

Fast-Paced Gameplay Requires Constant Attention

The real-time element significantly increases the game’s pace. Especially in the beginning, players must constantly monitor their agency, train agents, and manage resources to keep up with the demands. Each mission has a time limit (8-10 in-game days), and failure to complete them results in a game over, resetting all progress. The simultaneous appearance of multiple missions with varying difficulty and shared timers can be overwhelming, requiring careful prioritization and resource allocation.

Holy PotatoesAlt: Gameplay screenshot of Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?! showcasing the mission selection interface.

Repetitive Missions Can Feel Tedious

The biggest drawback of Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?! is the repetitive nature of its missions. The core gameplay loop—checking the mission board, training agents, equipping gear, completing missions, and repeating—can become monotonous. While the initial rush of managing the agency and meeting deadlines is engaging, the lack of mission variety eventually leads to a feeling of stagnation.

Conclusion: A Fun but Flawed Spud-venture

Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?! offers a charming and humorous spy agency simulation experience. Its witty character design, hilarious interactions, and fast-paced gameplay are initially engaging. However, the repetitive mission structure ultimately holds the game back from reaching its full potential. While fans of the Holy Potatoes! franchise and simulation enthusiasts will likely find enjoyment in its quirky world, the repetitive gameplay may not appeal to everyone. Consider this a fun distraction, but be prepared for the eventual monotony of potato espionage.