[1][2] It is a first-person shooter and beat 'em up game with action role-playing elements in which players move through the many floors of an office building shooting terrorists.

[3][4] In 1991, ADK's Crossed Swords had similar gameplay, but with more role-playing elements and hack & slash combat instead of shooting and fist-fighting.

Saving hostages will grant the player healing items, chances to repair or upgrade his weaponry, or random moments of exposition.

[9] In Japan, Game Machine listed The Super Spy on their December 15, 1990 issue as being the fifth most-successful table arcade unit of the month, outperforming titles such as Columns and its sequel.

[19] In North America, RePlay reported The Super Spy to be the seventh most-popular arcade game in January 1991.