in the january–february 1984 edition of "space gamer" (issue no. 67), w.g. armintrout compared "mercenaries, spies and private eyes" to "top secret" and "espionage!" and concluded, ""mercenaries, spies & private eyes" is one of the best-presented role-playing games i've ever seen, and if it isn't seriously in contention for a charlie at origins i'll be surprised. it should be understood that the game is supposed to be 'fun'. this means it often plays like: 'make a saving roll to avoid the giant anaconda' or 'make a saving roll to dodge the charging tiger'; on the other hand, getting involved in even a minor gunfight is a good way to get killed. "mspe" is the simplest game of this bunch, yet i find it intriguing. it seems more open-ended than the other games: utilizing "mspe" rules, you could play out such varied adventurers as "murder on the orient express", "the dogs of war", or the exploits of james bond. the rules are excellent, promise to be well-supported, and can be a great deal of fun "if" you don't take your gunfights too seriously."