SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review – Delightful Spin-Off for Casual Fans

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories is a charming spin-off based on the popular anime SPYxFamily. While the game does not entirely capture what made the anime special, it serves as a good example of fanservice, featuring some of the beloved characters from the series. I am not deeply familiar with the world of SPYxFamily or particularly invested in its characters. Therefore, I approached this game as a casual player who had seen bits and pieces of the anime and enjoyed it for what it is, focusing on what works well within the game itself.

SPY×ANYA centers on the titular character, Anya, rather than the family dynamic that the main show emphasizes. The game is essentially about Anya’s cute and childish antics and her everyday experiences. Anya is writing a journal to create a set of memorable memories, and the player’s role is to help her achieve this goal. The game is not stressful and maintains a lighthearted tone, which is engaging enough to keep players interested.

The core gameplay loop involves family outings to picturesque locations such as a park or a local tourist spot. Players start by selecting an item that Anya can interact with during the outing and then taking a picture of her interacting with that item. The game deserves praise for its visuals, which closely resemble the anime’s style. The character models and Anya herself are well-animated, with a variety of expressions that add to the game’s comedic relief.

The main theme of SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories is capturing pictures. Anya’s scrapbook serves as a collection of her memories spent with her family, and taking pictures during important moments or interactions fills it up. During each mission, your task is to wait for Anya or other characters to strike a pose or perform an action, and then take their picture from the right angle. Based on your photography skills, you receive ratings that indicate the quality of the photo.

One enjoyable aspect of the game is the ability to dress Anya and her family in different outfits. This customization adds a nice touch to a game where fanservice is central. However, the game suffers from repetitiveness. There are limited gameplay opportunities, with Anya restricted to going out twice a week. The rest of the time is spent socializing at school and talking to family members, leading to repeated cutscenes. Even the most dedicated fans of the series might find these repetitions tiresome over time.

Additionally, there are minigames to play, but these are initially locked. You need to earn Eureka points, which are awarded for taking pictures. Points are based on the angle, focus, and timing of each picture taken for Anya’s scrapbook. While the minigames serve as a decent diversion from the main gameplay loop, they can also become repetitive. They start on easy difficulty, and you need to repeat them several times to unlock higher difficulty levels. Although they offer a break from the primary tasks, they are not infinitely engaging.

Now let’s discuss the performance of the PC port. I was pleased to see that the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck right out of the box. Given that it is not a demanding game, it is easy to enjoy with the fluidity of 60 FPS. During my playtime, I did not encounter any major issues, though Bandai Namco should address the controller layout, as the default A button for confirmation is swapped with the B button. There are not many settings to customize for the PC port, but it functions well enough that additional options are not necessary.

If you are looking for a game with deep gameplay elements and a strong narrative, this is not the one for you. SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories is a cute and small game meant for casual play. For fans of the anime, it offers some charming moments that can be quite enjoyable.

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Game Information

• Price: $49.99
• Publisher: Bandai Namco
• Developer: GrooveBox
• Platform: PC (Reviewed)
• Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher