GoldenEye 007 Review

Thirteen years ago, a groundbreaking first-person shooter called GoldenEye 007 was released for the Nintendo 64. It's impossible to ignore the impact this game had on the future of the industry, but don't assume that the Wii game bearing the same name is a mere remake of the seminal original. The new GoldenEye 007 is a modern game that refuses to cater to an old-school audience, giving it the freedom to develop a personality all its own. The varied and lengthy campaign smartly alternates between tense stealth missions and exhilarating run-and-gun forays that make it difficult to pull away. And though the online multiplayer uses the ubiquitous perks system to reward you for your hard work, it's the sharp controls and complex levels that will have you coming back for more. GoldenEye 007 doesn't rely on the memories of an aged shooter to be great; it earns that distinction on its own merits.

GoldenEye 007 is an entirely new game, but that doesn't mean it has completely turned its back on everything that made the original distinct. James Bond is a world-class spy, and both games dramatize this fascinating profession by putting you through the rigors of globe-trotting espionage. There is a strong emphasis on stealth in GoldenEye that rewards patient players who would rather silently avoid a firefight than rush in guns blazing. Whether you favor a sure shot from your silenced pistol or a quick melee strike when you move in close, quietly killing off your enemies is a thrilling rush that serves as your main tactic for most of this campaign. The AI is occasionally alerted even when you swear you're safely behind cover, but that inconsistency is rare. For the most part, using stealth is your wisest strategy, and you can discreetly kill off a small platoon without anyone noticing that something's wrong.

Of course, a spy is more than just a silent assassin. James Bond doesn't travel around the world just to satiate his bloodlust, after all; he's on a mission to discover some kind of horrible truth. And to acquire these facts, you have to do some sleuthing along the way. Every level has objectives you must complete in between bouts of killing, and though they provide an interesting diversion from the core gameplay, they're not exactly mind-blowing. Most of them involve utilizing your handy smartphone to do things like snap a photograph or hack a device, and it's just a matter of lining up your target and hitting a button. But what makes these moments as impactful as the shoot-to-kill action is the problem solving that goes along with them. For example, in the first level, you need to access a room that is seemingly sealed shut. But if you poke your gun through a small opening in the window, you can shoot off the lock barring your entry. These puzzles are easy enough if you just take a quick peek around the environment, but they do a good job of reinforcing the fact that you're a spy.

It might be harsh to say someone deserves to die, but it's hard to feel bad for this unobservant soldier.

James Bond has no problem gathering vital information and certainly knows how to avoid a fight, but when the action heats up, he's not afraid to take advantage of his license to kill. The shooting in GoldenEye is incredibly smooth whether you favor the quick-pointing precision of the Wii Remote or the traditional, dual-analog maneuverability offered by the GameCube or Classic Controller. You can easily target whatever vital organ or flailing appendage you prefer on an onrushing enemy, and the dull impact of a bullet that strikes pay dirt delivers an exhilarating thrill. Sharp controls aren't the only reason that shooting is such a satisfying endeavor in GoldenEye; your impressive loadout gives you plenty of firepower with which to play around. Pistols, rifles, shotguns, and more come with all sorts of different attributes, and it's easy to find one you like because they all feel so good. But James Bond has plenty of options beyond firing his gun, and the smooth shooting mechanics ensure you're immersed no matter which path you take.

The single-player campaign stretches on for more than 10 hours, and a good deal of variety banishes any chance of repetition ruining your enjoyment. Some levels are designed with stealth in mind while others force combat to the forefront, but you ultimately have the choice in how you play. The tempo changes in a heartbeat if you accidentally alert your enemies, and though you may kick yourself for being so clumsy, it's always a blast to loudly gun down your enemies when you were being so quiet just a moment earlier. There are other gameplay twists that ensure the campaign doesn't tread predictable waters: brief vehicle sections thrust raw destructive power into your hands, a frantic escort sequence pushes your reflexes to the edge, and even an intense boss fight is thrown in for good measure. The only misstep comes in the form of tedious quick-time events that are overflowing with cinematic flair but aren't any fun to play. But aside from these moments, GoldenEye 007 stays engaging all the way through.