Hi everyone! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on SPYxANYA: Operation Memories. If you’re a fan of cozy, lighthearted games—or a Spy x Family junkie like me—grab a snack. Let’s chat about Anya’s newest adventure.
Overall Impressions
I went into Operation Memories with big smiles. Who doesn’t want to help Anya Forger build a photo diary full of her cutest expressions? This title feels gentle and easygoing—perfect for a chill afternoon session. I loved roaming familiar spots like school hallways, the Forger home, and city streets. Snapping pics of Anya’s detective hat or her wild laugh never felt dull.
That said, the game has slow spots. Pacing drags when you jump between minigames. Some mechanics feel like extra steps rather than fun twists. Compared to cozy sims or light puzzlers, Operation Memories isn’t as tight or polished as a Stardew Valley photo challenge mod. Still, it hits enough sweet notes to keep me playing.
Gameplay Mechanics
Operation Memories offers over 15 minigames: memory matching, hidden-object searches, quick-time button presses, and more. I especially enjoyed the “Spy Training” memory match where you flip cards to find spy gadget pairs. “Telepathic Charades” also stood out when I guessed what Anya was thinking. Those moments felt fresh and smile-inducing.
On the other hand, some players have complaints. The UI can be clunky—my thumb got confused when B meant confirm instead of back. Loading screens between zones feel like waiting in line at a theme park. If you’re new to Spy x Family, you might wonder why these tasks exist. But if you adore the world and want more Anya moments, these issues are minor.
Story and Characters
There isn’t a deep, multi-chapter narrative here. Instead, think of each minigame or photo assignment as its own tiny slice-of-life scene. You’ll meet familiar faces like Loid and Yor, and Anya’s day-to-day school drama shines through in little dialogues between tasks. What makes it memorable is how well the writers capture Anya’s voice—her delight at new memories, her cheeky internal monologue, and that “I’m a spy!” bravado.
If you’re hoping for plot twists or heavy drama, this isn’t the game for you. But if you just want another chance to smile at Anya’s face as she writes, “Today was spy-tastic!” in her diary, you’ll get exactly that.
Visuals and Graphics
Operation Memories uses a soft, cel-shaded style that looks very much like the anime—bright colors, expressive character sprites, pastel backgrounds. Some critics have pointed out a few rough walk cycles or empty hallways, and it’s true that a few assets feel rushed. But for the most part, the environments are cozy and familiar. I enjoyed the little stickers, frames, and filters you can overlay on Anya’s photos. It all adds up to a pleasant scrapbook vibe.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack is light and jaunty, with playful tunes that fit Anya’s mood swings—from “eager spy” to “daydream doodler.” Sound effects are crisp: the little “click” when you snap a pic, or the “wah!” when you miss a QTE prompt. Voice samples from the anime cast (especially Sumire Uesaka as Anya) pop up during key lines, which really hits the nostalgia button. Overall, the audio helps keep things upbeat and cozy.
Difficulty and Replayability
This is a very accessible game with low stakes. You’re rarely penalized for mistakes—at worst you’ll lose a star rating on a minigame or have to retry a memory card round. It’s perfect for players of all skill levels. Once you finish the main photo-diary missions (about 10–15 hours if you linger on extras), you can go back and improve your scores or hunt for hidden diary pages.
That said, some players felt there wasn’t enough new content to keep them busy long-term. If replayability is make-or-break for you, consider it a gentle pastime rather than a marathon.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Developer GrooveBoxJapan teamed up with the original manga’s editorial team to craft each minigame around Anya’s quirks. Utilizing the Unity engine ensures smooth menu transitions and robust cross‑platform support, although a fullscreen toggle would further enhance usability. This collaborative approach highlights authentic character‑driven gameplay while leveraging Unity’s versatility to deliver crisp visuals and responsive controls across all devices.
Behind the scenes, a closed beta in early 2024 invited anime convention fans in Tokyo and Los Angeles to help shape the final release. Participants voted on which diary stickers made the cut, fostering genuine community engagement and personalized content. Moreover, composer Keiko Tanaka handcrafted the nostalgic soundtrack to evoke lunch‑bell memories, elevating the casual puzzle experience with her signature melodic style.
Final Thoughts
SPYxANYA: Operation Memories isn’t trying to be a blockbuster epic. It’s a tender, snapshot-style celebration of a much-loved character. If your heart warms at every Anya smile, this is a great way to keep that glow going for a few cozy sessions. Just be ready for a few loading screens, a quirky UI button map, and a short adventure that’s over once you’ve filled the diary.
I’d recommend it most to Spy x Family fans or anyone looking for a sweet, mindless diversion. If you’re hoping for deep mechanics or a huge world to explore, you might feel the itch for more. But if you just want to step into Anya’s shoes and collect cute memories, Operation Memories hits the spot.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
Adorable minigames bring Anya’s playful spirit to life, with each bite‑sized challenge reflecting her quirky charm. The warm, anime‑true visuals and nostalgic soundtrack combine to create an immersive atmosphere that feels lifted straight from the source material. Built on Unity, the game delivers smooth menu transitions and universal platform support, making it exceptionally accessible for casual players seeking a relaxing experience without steep learning curves.
Cons
Despite its many charms, the game’s pacing occasionally falters with noticeable loading transitions that interrupt the flow. UI quirks—such as inconsistent button mapping and the lack of a native fullscreen option—can frustrate players seeking seamless controls. Additionally, once the core content is completed, long‑term replay value is limited, leaving few incentives for returning beyond the initial playthrough.
That’s my cozy review of SPYxANYA: Operation Memories! Whether you’re snapping diary pics or simply smiling at Anya’s cheeky lines, I hope you find some joy here. Thanks for reading, and happy gaming!
