Spy vs Spy III Arctic Antics

Spy vs. Spy III: Arctic Antics is the third and final game in the MAD magazine-inspired series. The two iconic rivals—Black Spy and White Spy—face off on a frozen arctic island. Their objective is collecting required items (gyroscope, fuel canister, key card) and reaching the rocket hatch before a blizzard hits. The arctic setting introduces a body heat meter that constantly decreases in the cold, restored by entering heated igloos. New tools include a saw to cut holes in ice, dynamite with plunger, ice picks, and snowshoes. Combat uses snowballs instead of swords. Supports one player vs. AI or two-player competitive mode via split-screen "Simulvision" display.

ZX Spectrum

Released in 1987/1988 by Databyte, converted by Orpheus Ltd. The Spectrum version retains all arctic mechanics: body heat management, heated igloos, snowball combat, saw for ice-cutting, and the full trapulator system with dynamite, ice pick, and water bucket. The split-screen Simulvision shows both spies' perspectives simultaneously. Critical reception was mixed: Your Sinclair gave 64%, noting action "slows down markedly when you're both moving at once" and confusing graphics, but concluded "once you've got past the speed, the game is a lot of fun." Microhobby awarded 90% for addictiveness, praising the "high degree of addiction and great doses of humour." The game was later re-released as part of the "Spy vs Spy Trilogy" compilation.