Sid Meier's Covert Action

Sid Meier's Covert Action is a video game in the action genre developed by MPS Labs and published by MicroProse Software, Inc. originally released in 1990. It is currently playable on DOS.

Sid Meier's Covert Action, released in 1990, is a classic spy-themed video game developed and designed by the renowned game developer, Sid Meier. It was published by MicroProse, a company known for its simulation and strategy games. Covert Action was one of the early successes of the developer's career and cemented Meier's reputation as a master game designer.

The game is set in the Cold War era and puts the player in the shoes of Max Remington, a CIA agent. The objective of the game is to foil the plans of a criminal organization called "The Red Jacks" by completing a series of missions. These missions are based on intelligence gathered by Max through wiretapping, surveillance, and interrogating suspects. The game allows the player to choose the type of missions they want to pursue, such as breaking into a building to steal files or following a suspect to gather information.

One of the most unique aspects of Covert Action is its open-ended gameplay. The player has complete control over how they want to complete a mission. There are multiple ways to achieve a goal, and the game does not restrict the player to a specific path. This adds a layer of realism to the game and gives the player a sense of being a real spy.

The graphics of Covert Action may seem outdated by today's standards, but at the time of its release, they were considered top-notch. The game featured detailed hand-drawn backgrounds and well-animated characters. The sound effects and music also added to the immersive experience of the game, especially the suspenseful soundtrack that kept players on the edge of their seats.

A standout feature of Covert Action was its advanced AI. The game's AI was ingenious for its time, and it continues to impress even today. The AI made the game unpredictable as it responded differently to the player's actions, making each playthrough unique. This aspect of the game made it highly addictive, and players were eager to try out different strategies to see how the AI reacted.

Covert Action received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a cult classic. Its success led to the game being adapted for various platforms, including the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Amstrad CPC. It also spawned a sequel, Sid Meier's Covert Action: The Soundtrack, which featured an enhanced version of the original game with improved graphics and gameplay.

Sid Meier's Covert Action is available at a reduced price on the following websites and is no longer abandonware.