GoldenEye 007 setting sights on XBL?

  • By TomM_GScom, GameSpot
  • Posted Jan 9, 2008 12:10 pm PT

Source: Microsoft-enthusiast blog Xbox Evolved. What we heard: Few games capture a generation in the way Rare's first-person shooter GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64 was able to do. Released in 1997, Rare's shooter quickly replaced Nintendo's groundbreaking Mario 64 in gamers' consoles due to...

Source: Microsoft-enthusiast blog Xbox Evolved.

What we heard: Few games capture a generation in the way Rare's first-person shooter GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64 was able to do. Released in 1997, Rare's shooter quickly replaced Nintendo's groundbreaking Mario 64 in gamers' consoles due to its stellar multiplayer deathmatch mode, which provided an intense and addictive four-way split-screen experience and set the standard for many FPS hallmarks, including zoom-enabled sniper rifles and context-sensitive headshots.

With its place in history cemented, recent reports that Rare will be reimagining the Nintendo 64 version of GoldenEye 007 for Xbox Live Arcade aren't without interest. Citing omnipresent "very reliable sources," as well as claiming to have seen evidence firsthand, Xbox Evolved claims Microsoft, Rare, and James Bond movie studio MGM have reached an agreement that will bring the acclaimed shooter, with updated graphics and Xbox Live multiplayer support, to Microsoft's downloadable service "shortly before the new game developed by Activision is released." The Xbox Evolved report also claims that Rare has plans to rerelease other classics from its back-catalog over Xbox Live, including Perfect Dark and the original Banjo-Kazooie, both of which were also created for the N64.

Several hurdles stand in the way of GoldenEye for the Nintendo 64 being ported over. For one, Nintendo has expressed interest in bringing the acclaimed shooter to its own arcade classic depository, the Virtual Console. "Would I love to see it on [the] Virtual Console? Absolutely," Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said of the game in 2006, continuing, "But there are a lot of issues there... Suffice it to say we would love to see it, so we're exploring all the rights issues."

One of the primary issues Fils-Aime undoubtedly meant revolved around licensing. Currently, the 007 license rests in the hands of Activision, which announced it had acquired the rights to the brand from Electronic Arts during the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo. However, with Activision planning to resuscitate 007 later this year with its first take on the franchise, the publisher could do much worse than rereleasing the pinnacle installment in the franchise to pique gamers' interest.

The development deal also seems likely, considering the unique status Rare maintains as a Microsoft-owned studio. Though Microsoft purchased Nintendo's stake in the UK-based developer in 2002, Rare has continued to release games for Nintendo's handheld devices. In addition to several Donkey Kong Country installments on the Game Boy Advance, Rare most recently brought its signature pint-sized gorilla to the DS in 2006 with Diddy Kong Racing DS. The developer is also planning to bring its papier-mâché garden Viva Piñata to Nintendo's popular portable later this year.

Rare also has precedents for developing on Microsoft's virtual arcade. In March, Rare released Jetpac Refuelled on Xbox Live Arcade, which is a reimagined version of its 1983 shooter classic Jetpac for the ZX Spectrum. Speculation also abounds that the developer will be creating an Xbox Live offshoot of its Viva Piñata series titled The Fast and Furriest, rumored to be a sports minigame compilation that will incorporate the Xbox Live Vision camera.

The official story: "We do not comment on rumors and speculation."--A Microsoft rep.

Bogus or not bogus?: Licensing issues are undoubtedly the hold-up for the massively popular GoldenEye's delayed arrival to this generation of gaming. However, with Activision's new game and the sequel to 2006's Casino Royale expected to hit this year, incentives seem to be piling up for bargaining concessions to take place. Likely not bogus.

382 Comments

  • atm0073

    Posted Jul 22, 2009 6:35 am PT

    I want this... so much.

  • Xplode_77

    Posted Feb 18, 2009 8:22 pm PT

    Sounds Awesome

  • taker254isback

    Posted Jan 27, 2009 6:00 pm PT

    GOLDENEYE rocks!

  • mother_Brain

    Posted Dec 19, 2008 2:25 pm PT

    Why did the bond license go to EA. Why did Rare sale them self to microsoft. Nintendo and Rare in the 90's was the cream de la cream in the gaming world. All the way from donkey kong country to Conkers bad fur day. All the games they made are now classics.
    Miss You Rare. Remake the classic for me on xbl to make me forget.

  • mother_Brain

    Posted Dec 19, 2008 2:17 pm PT

    I miss the glory years of Rare.

  • grungeman91

    Posted Nov 21, 2008 6:00 am PT

    Sounds like a great idea

  • funky_doctor

    Posted Nov 2, 2008 1:41 pm PT

    Imagine goldeneye on xbl or psn online multiplayer....awesome

  • alexbartle

    Posted Nov 2, 2008 12:28 pm PT

    iv been playing golden eye on the pc via emulation upscalded to hd and with xbox 360 controler and still love this clasic game, so im sure if its ported every1 else will love it.

  • ty1134

    Posted Oct 28, 2008 10:05 am PT

    I would love to see Goldeneye ported to both. I think it would be better with dual analog sticks on the 360, but could be good if they used the wii remote, and even though I don't think you would have as good of control on the wii, it could possibly be funer. And here is hoping they port Perfect dark as well, way ahead of its time. That game definately needs to be reskinned, but I wish more games now a days used bots like it did to hone your skills before playing real opponents, and woot for the laptop gun!

  • colbster

    Posted Aug 28, 2008 3:28 pm PT

    Nintendo's probably stalling because they know it would be better on XBL, and would reduce value in their system. If they had made a console with current gen graphics (today's current gen, not PS2/XBOX last gen quality) in the first place, it wouldn't be as much of an issue.

  • MasterLink01

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 5:23 pm PT

    They should release it for both the VC and XLM. double the profits and such. but in terms of how online play would go it would be a shoo-in for live

  • mariokart64fan

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 1:57 am PT

    better take full advantage of 360 or i dont need it i have 2 copys of the originalo unless they keep the offlie 2-4 p in then ok but is likely heyll remove that option like with many xbla games

  • mariokart64fan

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 1:57 am PT

    better take full advantage of 360 or i dont need it i have 2 copys of the originalo unless they keep the offlie 2-4 p in then ok but is likely heyll remove that option like with many xbla games

  • zimmbro

    Posted Aug 13, 2008 3:20 pm PT

    yeah i still play goldeneye sometimes lol and it would be awesome it if came to XBL. I could see it being played as much as cod and halo

  • -E-N-E-M-Y-

    Posted Aug 5, 2008 4:05 pm PT

    I would be stoked if this came on the XLM.

  • finaleve

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 2:48 pm PT

    bob889 > PD was better. It was everything Goldeneye was but an original story, cooler weapons, and an awesome multiplayer. I played this more than Goldeneye.

    I could see Goldeneye coming to the Wii, but Perfect Dark going to 360.

  • Mawfawka

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 3:33 pm PT

    Well i still have my N64 and original goldeneye and perfect dark cartridges, so if they come out on VC, i wont have any use for them because they will most likely be direct ports without online multiplayer. However, on XBL they will boast improved smoother visuals, plus online gaming which would be awesome so when you turn off the radar it would actually matter since people couldnt just screenwatch to see your location. Hopefully they will somehow come to both systems so everyone can enjoy

  • thedoors199991

    Posted Mar 12, 2008 3:01 pm PT

    this sounds very amazing

  • RoyaleWivCheese

    Posted Feb 26, 2008 5:22 am PT

    Wow!! I was gutted when Nintendo sold their stake in Rare to Microsoft. In fact I sorta went with them. Can't wait to play Goldeneye and Perfect Dark on 360!

  • Antiapplekid239

    Posted Feb 10, 2008 3:09 am PT

    I hope it comes out for xbox live if not I still play it on the N64 old school

  • jmal13

    Posted Jan 22, 2008 6:26 pm PT

    Sweet!!! The Halo of the 90's is back!!!

  • jakjbt

    Posted Jan 17, 2008 2:04 pm PT

    i love this game...one of those games that you cant be negative about!

  • darkangel494

    Posted Jan 15, 2008 12:33 pm PT

    goldeneye is supposedly canned for release not sure if its true or not but i hope not coz its the best n64 fps and would be great with online mp.
    petitiononline.com has a petition to sign to get it on xbl sign it please just incase it is canned.

  • bob889

    Posted Jan 14, 2008 8:17 pm PT

    Wow im going to be really angry if this game isnt coming out on the Wii virtual console, same with perfect dark, which is better than Goldeneye. I will be so pissed off, freakin Nintendo.

  • bob889

    Posted Jan 14, 2008 8:10 pm PT

    I don't know why everybody bashed raghraghragh so much. He's right, alot of u probably havent even played Perfect Dark before but if u have, u know that it's way better than Goldeneye.

  • bob889

    Posted Jan 14, 2008 8:01 pm PT

    Wow im really angry this game isnt coming out on the Wii virtual console, same with perfect dark, which is better than Goldeneye. Im so pissed off, freakin Nintendo.

  • ChuckNorris82

    Posted Jan 14, 2008 10:39 am PT

    OMG!!!!! PLEASE GOD COME TRUE!!!!! I have a nintendo 64, and this is the only game I play for it now!!!! IF THEY DO THIS IT"LL BE INSANE!!!!!! I'd pay 1,600 microsoft points for it!!

  • NxxDefiant

    Posted Jan 13, 2008 6:57 pm PT

    Please come true

  • blarg_blarg

    Posted Jan 13, 2008 5:56 pm PT

    Hey I would like to see it on either consle. I am a die hard Nintendo fan but am also a die hard Microsoft fan. Personally I would like to see it on the Wii because I had it on the N64, but it would make for a good control scheme on the Xbox 360. Can't we all get along and compromise? Let's put it on both consles, though it will not likely happen.

  • WillSimth1

    Posted Jan 13, 2008 4:35 pm PT

    Everyone should go to this site and sign the petition to show Microsoft and Nintendo that the fans truly want this because they are both concerned about money issues. http://www.petitiononline.com/rare007/petition.html

  • rexCo

    Posted Jan 13, 2008 7:32 am PT

    I really wanna see this and Perfect Dark for VC... I would crap myself if PD came to VC and had online... it's still my favourite all time game.

  • AdolChristin

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 7:04 pm PT

    It'll be funny (yet sad as well) if it doesn't come out at all.

  • Mooooooovvvveee

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 12:29 pm PT

    http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?rare007

    Go there and vote for the petition!

  • nick15uk

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 10:28 am PT

    @ xgalacticax What about Aztec on 00 Agent. Remember trying to run for the rocket controls and preying no enemies caught you with a bullet when you had zero health hehe.

  • nick15uk

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 10:24 am PT

    Bunker, Power Weapons, Licence to Kill, ...You know it makes sense.

  • superdance14

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 5:56 am PT

    Intresting, seeing as Nintendo published all three of those games when they first came out. And it doesn't seem that Activision is involved with this seeing as they own the rights to 007. So it semms a little odd that Microsoft is going to go ahead and try this despite the fact that they're missing two key players approval.

  • PatchMaster

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 12:06 am PT

    I would buy all four of those games. Rare made some real gems back when & I'd love to play them again.

  • BraindeadRacr

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 7:18 pm PT

    Please... Let GoldenEye free from the capitalistic copyrighted world, and let one of the finest FPS games in the history of gaming to be enjoyed by everyone all over again.

    And, while you're at it... Perfect Dark too.

  • GeigerdolylWodd

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:15 pm PT

    '"ftjx I'd prefer to see this on virtual console rather than xbox live

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 8:50 am CT"'

    Well Microsoft does still hold a stake in Rare now. But aside from Viva La Pinata I've kind of been wondering what Rare has been working on. We don't hear much from them heck even on their official site I haven't seen much in the way of developments. I know they still may be partial to Nintendo but you'd think they'd be working on something new. I guess this explains it. Another port like Conker's Bad Fur day. How about the Battletoads cmon bring the Battletoads.

  • GeigerdolylWodd

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:11 pm PT

    Oh HELLL YEAH!!! Sorry

  • DPumbliQ

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 4:20 pm PT

    Too bad it's not on PSN too, oh well, gratz XBL users, it's a legendary game you are getting here

  • McHenry2

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 1:47 pm PT

    hehe i suggested this like a year ago on the xbox forums

  • G_W_X

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 8:09 am PT

    I am fanboy pissed.
    N64.
    That is all I have to say.

  • Agermemnon

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 7:22 am PT

    It was a great game then but things have moved on now , i dont see the point as the FPS field is more than covered for the 360 , roll on IKARUGA and REZ not golden eye IMO .

  • Zuul13

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:55 am PT

    I would gladly pay $15 for this gem!

  • ftjx

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:50 am PT

    I'd prefer to see this on virtual console rather than xbox live

  • xgalacticax

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:41 am PT

    One of my best N64 games, I completed it on all difficulties (I still have nightmares of trying to complete the Cradle stage on 00 agent which was the hardest level for me and took me 6 hours to beat). I'll get it either on Wii:VC or XBLA, whichever is cheaper. If however, they cost the same price, i'll get it on the wii cause its got Nintendo Nostalgia looming around it.

  • KAISERKONG

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:32 am PT

    Ditto Madroxcide's comment! Where will the Killer Instinct games end up?

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