007: Everything or Nothing (XBOX)
What can be told about EVERYTHING OR NOTHING? As a past player of GOLDENEYE, AGENT UNDER FIRE, and NIGHTFIRE, Electronic Arts had a lot expectations to live up to.
In the past, 007 games (that I’ve played) have been a staple of decent gaming. So much so, that a HALF-LIFE COUNTERSTIKE map was made based off of a level from GOLDENEYE on the N64. The textures and models had up-to-date quality, the voice work and soundtracks didn’t lead us to the mute button, and the story kept our attention. You were able to confidently go into a 007 game knowing you’d have a standard amount of enjoyment playing.
EA’s 007: EVERYTHING OR NOTHING does not disappoint. Unlike the previous games, EON features the voice talent of the actors and actresses most have become fond of seeing in the movies. Pierce Brosnan, John Cleese and Dame Judi Dench return for the voices of their respective characters from the Bond franchise. Added to the list of celebrity talent: William Dafoe, Shannon Elizabeth, Heidi Klum and Mya. If that wasn’t enough, Richard Kiel reprises his classic role of everyone’s favorite metal mouthed henchman, Jaws.
Music was also a subtle enjoyment of the game. As one would expect nowadays, the games music score changed with the mood of the game’s scene. From a soft jazzy theme while in New Orleans, to a heavy orchestration in Russia, the music doesn’t fail to help immerse you in the experience. For an added treat, Mya performs the title song for the game; not to mention her digital counterpart performing some of it in-game.
Speaking of Mya’s title song, 007:EON comes complete with a James Bond traditional title sequence. As in the movies, first the opening scene, then an action sequence, then a daring escape leading into the James Bond barrel fire and opening credits. As a fan, of both the games and the movies, this was wonderful to see. If you were to walk in during the opening credits, you would’ve thought this was a Bond film not a video game; that’s how good it is. As for the graphics, this year they took digital 3D scans of the actor’s heads making the character models looking a close as possible to their real world selves. All the environments have the right look (Columbia’s earthy colored villages, the streets of New Orleans, etc.) and look as if a lot of time and care has been put in.
Game play is the only place where 007:EON comes up the slightest bit short. Don’t get me wrong, the single player side of the game is great and the new co-op feature is enjoyable, but the multiplayer greatness of past 007 games was lost. Instead of the continuing the FPS multiplayer from before, EA decided to go with what can only be described as a POWER STONE or a RESIDENT EVIL multiplayer. By this I mean, multiplayer battles take place in one room, with a similar static angle view as if you looking at two action figures and their weapons in a shoebox. What made EA think messing with a good thing and give us such an out-dated mutliplayer game, is beyond me. This is was the game’s only failure.
Overall, the game will take you about 20-30 hours. Unlockable cheats and “Bond Moments” give the great single player game more depth and enjoyment. I suggest for an interactive story single player action game, but if you plan to play James Bond with friends, play 007:Nightfire or wait for the next Bond game.
