liked the "pleasant, light and practical" writing style, and found two of the chapters in the rulebook, "The Art of Detection" and "Using Live Clues", especially useful, calling them "necessary reading for mystery FRP gamemasters." In conclusion, Rolston noted the lack of supporting adventures and other published material for the system. "There are few supplements available. If you purchase the game, expect to design most of the adventures yourself." In the February 1985 edition of Dragon (Issue 94), Arlen Walker was impressed that character background was an important part of the character creation process: "The background a player invents for his character is important in setting up the character, and MS&PE is one of the few games that acknowledges this." He also liked the combat system, with its emphasis on weapons other than firearms. "This might be considered a handicap if what you’re trying to do is role-play the A-Team, but it serves as a definite advantage if you’re trying to get your players to do something besides shoot anything that moves (and many things that don’t)." Walker concluded with an unequivocal recommendation: "If you’re planning on role-playing in the modern era, whether you’re interested in James Bond or George Smiley — or even Nero Wolfe —this would be an excellent system to choose. If you’re after a system which allows a great deal of freedom of action, both for referee and player, this is by far the best." In 1999 Pyramid magazine named Mercenaries, Spies and Private Eyes as one of The Millennium's Most Underrated Games. Editor Scott Haring described the game as "one of those 'I can't figure out why it wasn't more popular' kind of games, though publisher Flying Buffalo has had enough of those ... to make me think there may be a connection." ReviewsDifferent Worlds'' #36 (Sept./Oct., 1984) References External links Official site 2019 MSPE Combined Edition Kickstarter Fan-made resources for the game Flying Buffalo games Role-playing games introduced in 1983 Espionage role-playing games Contemporary role-playing games Historical role-playing games Pulp and noir period role-playing games