Mata Hari: Betrayal is Only a Kiss Away (**** out of four) is a visually stunning game based on historical events surrounding one of history’s famed female espionage agents, Mata Hari. In this third-party adventure game, your role is to control the actions and decisions of Mata Hari.

The storyline begins in the pre-WWI era, with the clouds of war darkening Europe. Mata Hari (real name Margretha Zelle, a Dutch citizen) breaks into the theatrical scene in Paris with an outrageous (at the time) style of erotic dancing that made her an immediate hit, lusted after by men and envied by women. Your job begins by finding Mata Hari an agent who will further her dancing career.

Soon, as you help her develop her fame, fortune, place in society, powerful acquaintances and "talents" with men, she is recruited by the French secret police to act as a spy and gain military intelligence information from various people, including German military officers. You must continue controlling her actions by using her wit and charm in deciding who to befriend, seduce or ignore. You’ll also get to break codes, tap phones and use era spy gadgets. Your choices may affect the game outcome.

The game is broken down into four chapters, including eight mini-games. Game navigation is simple: point and click, and Mata Hari moves to that point. Speech icons identify persons with whom you can engage in conversation. Although you won’t get to choose the exact phrases to use, icons suggesting various topics will appear for you to choose from, and the characters fill in with appropriate conversation. Likewise, you’ll see icons that suggest various objects Mata Hari will need and that you’ll have to help her find: a glass of champagne, a ticket to a party and such. Play action occasionally slows, sometime having to go back and forth a lot to complete a segment. Mata Hari’s journeys take her not only to Paris but also to Berlin, Cairo and Madrid. Introductory scenes to the chapters include clips of newspaper articles recounting events at that time, adding to the historical nature of the adventure.

Conversations in the game are a delight - intelligent, seemingly spontaneous whatever your choice of topic - and especially well voice acted. Original music is excellent, as are the ambient sound effects. Graphics likewise are very attractive and add much to the game’s enjoyment. Both interior and exterior scenes are detailed and in some cases stunning, with clouds moving in the background and such.

The historical background against which the game evolves is based on true events, although liberties such as providing four different endings gives reason enough to replay the game to see what might happen.

Mata Hari: Betrayal is Only a Kiss Away is recommended for its portrayal of a fascinating historical character and also for its beautiful graphics, interesting conversation and more.