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GameCube Previews
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James Bond: Everything or Nothing Preview
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James Bond: Everything or Nothing Preview
Since the release of Goldeneye on the ill-fated N64 there has been no James Bond game that could dethrone Rare’s masterpiece. However there have been no James Bond games to come from the brilliant minds at Rareware as they forfeited the franchise in pursuit of something bigger and better. The pricey franchise was quickly scooped up by EA and production on the next Goldeneye to be began at Eurocom. Several years later, and after multiple development switches and three releases, EA has yet to match Rare’s initial effort. Many sensed that they were getting close as each effort brought about many improvements and advancements. The release of James Bond NightFire was a pleasing one, it was excellent in its presentation and first-person action.
When EA announced at E3 2003 that the next iteration would be set in a third-person perspective it brought about a mixed bag of criticism and praise. Some felt the change was a great idea while the majority thought the first-person perspective was perfect for the franchise. EA’s next James Bond gamed titled James Bond Everything or Nothing is underdevelopment at EA’s own in-house studio. Eurocom, the minds behind Agent Under Fire and NightFire, have mysteriously been written off of the project.
Story
You have to admire EA’s effort with the Bond license. They take the time and effort to produce and write an original script for each game. Unlike other movie based games that borrow from the big screen, EA has taken the extra step to deliver an authentic unique experience. The plot details of Everything or Nothing have yet to be revealed, but it will host a slew of old and new characters from the James Bond franchise. Maybe our friend Jaws will be dropping by for a visit, hint hint. Bond’s latest adventure will take him to all new exotic locations including the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, a mountain fortress in Peru, Red Square in Moscow, and the French Quarter in New Orleans.
Key Features
·New third-person perspective for an immersive James Bond experience.
·Pilot aircrafts and drive exotic cars, tanks, motorcycles and more.
·Shannon Elizabeth makes an appearance as the next Bond girl.
·Use all new weapons and gadgets.
·Take multiple routes and complete missions with brute force or stealth.
·Over 20 weapons and gadgets including the ability to rappel up or down any wall.
Gameplay
EA felt transforming James Bond into a third-person shooter would better present the franchise. I guess it helps if one has to stare at Pierce Brosnan's mug and backside for the better part of the game. Which isn’t a bad thing at all especially for our lovely female videogamers. For us sexually frustrated male gamers American Pie’s Shannon Elizabeth has signed on as the next Bond girl. I doubt she will be doing any stripping this time. Fully clothed or not, if you’re getting your jollies off a digitally modeled character I would strongly recommend psychiatric evaluation.
The new third-person perspective will completely alter the gameplay mechanics allowing a totally different experience. Shooting enemies has been simplified with an automatic lock-on system. James Bond has other ways to deal with enemies including a new over-the-top hand-to-hand combat system, which even allows the use of environmental objects. Chairs, pipes, bottles, tools, and more can be picked up and used to knock out your foes. There is more freedom than ever before, players will have multiple ways of completing a mission. They can choose the non-lethal stealth option or the Rambo shoot-em up approach. Whatever the method, James Bond will have plenty of weaponry and gadgets to aid him along the way, over 20 in total. Most notable is the ability to rappel up and down any wall. Now that is total freedom. Choosing the non-lethal way by sneaking around, using distractions, or utilizing disguises will reward players with special enhancements, including Q-Lab gadgetry.
Vehicle sequences have been taken up a notch as James Bond will be able to drive and pilot a whole slew of vehicles. James will get the chance to drive motorcycles, a number of exotic cars, tanks, helicopters, and more. In many cases players will have the choice of which vehicle to drive depending on the situation. Again this is another level of freedom that is very welcomed. Unlike its predecessors the transition from on-foot exploration to vehicle sequences is seamless. To explain it better, vehicle sequences are not separate levels most of the time. If you get into a motorcycle that is laying around you can get right on it.
On the multiplayer side of things EA has included an entirely new two-player co-op mode. Exactly how this mode will work is unknown, but I do hope you will be able to access it from the beginning. Many times games won’t allow access to co-op missions unless the levels are primarily completed in the single player game. EA will also include a number of four-player multiplayer arena modes. Unfortunately we don’t have any further details regarding the multiplayer modes.
Visuals
James is looking great in his full 3D makeover; his face and body have been perfectly portrayed.
The shadow work is outstanding, and a lot of effort has clearly been put into it. Shadows are cast depending on individual light sources and surrounding objects. The environment is even lit by weapon fire. I doubt they will be able to match the brilliant shadow work in Splinter Cell but at least the effort is being made. There is a mixed batch of blurred and clear textures. Those that are well drawn out are beautifully detailed. The character’s clothing is worth noting with pockets, belts, and seams all visible. As usual the female beauties have their top buttons undone or cut short to better reveal their gleaming personalities. The full visual package remains to be scene but thus far it’s looking sharp and promising.
Final Thoughts
Although I’m definitely hyped up about James Bond Everything or Nothing I have decided to remain slightly optimistic. I still stand firmly behind my protest, soured by the thought of what could have been a great FPS. However don’t let my negative thoughts get you down. For all I know this is what the James Bond franchise just might need. The new-found freedom is a great plus and greatly increases the reply value. Gamers can go through the game shooting everything and anyone they see, and then repeat the game with a stealth approach trying to leave as few fatalities as possible. Keep your fingers crossed and let’s hope this one turns out the way we want. | |
