Since Goldeneye on the Nintendo 64 there have been a number of very average games attached to the James Bond name. The last Bond game, Agent Under Fire, was a step in the right direction, but still fell far short of the excellence that was acheived by Goldeneye. This was illustrated by the lukewarm reception that Agent Under Fire received not just from the press, but by the fans.
EA are planning that James Bond 007: Nightfire will not be just another step in the right direction, but a giant leap that will surpass the goodness that is Goldeneye, and build its own legend. In this first look, we detail the key features that will be present in the PC version of Nightfire, features that EA hope will deliver "The Most Complete Bond Game Ever".
An original single player storyline
The storyline is written exclusively for the game, borrowing from the rich 007-legacy that spans 40 years. As Bond, players will operate in the snow capped Austrian Alps and the far reaches of outer space as well as underwater in the depths of the South Pacific to defeat the evil criminal mastermind Rafael Drake, the popular head of a supposedly benign environmental organization who secretly is bent on world domination.
A deep and rich gameplay experience
NightFire will offer a deep and rich gameplay experience that epitomizes the Bond universe. The game is primarily seen through a fast-paced, first person perspective. The camera will switch to a dynamic third person perspective for particular interactive game mechanics or to show off heroic Bond moments. The game will feature a large variety of missions filled with furious action and stealth, gorgeous women exotic locales, and sophisticated spy-craft gadgetry that Bond fans expect.
More than 10 exotic locations
NightFire features more than 10 exotic locations from around the globe and outer space. Each of the mission levels will offer enormous, highly detailed 3D environments that can only be experienced through the eyes of Bond. Level designs challenge players to determine when to blast their way through using high tech weaponry, keenly employ spy-craft tricks and upgradeable gadgets, or stealthily maneuver their way as they accomplish mission objectives and strive for the maximum agent ratings. NightFire will also offer an all-star cast of villains and allies, both new and familiar to the Bond universe.
Aswell as the above features, the PC version of Nightfire will also contain exclusive single player levels for "extended excitement and robust multi-player support". The console versions will feature driving sections not in the PC game, but those are best left to console owners with their analog sticks anyhow.
From what has been revealed about Nightfire, we'd have to say the game is looking promising. Until we get a chance to have a play around with some code though, we'll reserve judgement. Stay tuned for a more in-depth preview closer to release.
