James Bond 007: NightFire

"You Only Live Twice, so get this game while you still can, so you can Die Another Day, in happiness......"

Ok, let's begin by saying: Wow!

Now that's done, review time:

Story/Plotline:
Well, this is a classic Bond storyline. Evil corporation is planning something terrible, and the one and only James Bond has to infiltrate, investigate, and eliminate, in order to stop the Phoenix Corp's plan from succeeding. With the aid of his own charm and ability, Q's wide range of gadgets, and more weapons than you can fit inside a black hole, Bond will save the day, get the girl and, well, you know......9/10

Controls:
Ah yes, controls. Day and night, the most famous quotes I've heard : ''The controls are too hard to master'' or ''These controls suck, majorly.'', or even better than that ''My controller doesn't work right''. Now, this is where the oh-so-useful Control Configuration Option comes into it, which, believe it or not, actually allows you to change the controls, to suit your needs. Many aspects can be altered, with a wide range of preset configurations, all cleverly named after Bond films. there are also a few advanced options, which are really just there for those picky people. So, for controls, due to their wide range of setting, to suit any needs, their sensitivity and ease of use, and their very well named titles, I give 10/10

Audio/Video:
Quite simply, amazing, in both aspects. I will now explain:
The graphics are a vast improvement on AUF, and makes the graphics of titles such as Goldeneye and TWINE look terrible. They are realistic and detailed, and some of the effects are amazingly done. Weather is a good example, whether it be a full scale blizzard, or a heavy rain storm, to a nice sunny day, the weather conditions couldn't look any more realistic if they WERE real. Then we move into the cut-scenes. The cut-scenes are even better than the in-game graphics. Each and every effect, movement, light effect, gun-shot, and piece of scenery is incredibly well done, and offers much realism.
Another part of the graphics I would especially like to mention is bullets. Bullets in Bond games have been poorly done in TWINE (wherein they looked like Ping-Pong balls), and AUF (in which they looked like confetti). Goldeneye's bullets were well done, and the mistake in AUF and TWINE has been corrected for NightFire. The bullets are, once again, the bright orange streaks that go past you at the speed of a.....well.....speeding bullet. Very well done there, which is why Graphics gain a well deserved 5/5.

Now, onto Sound. Much improved from the olden days, at least in comparison to TWINE and AUF (well hey, I can't compare with anything else, it's not as if Bond games have been plentiful). The music is clear and crisp, and well suits whatever situation you are currently in. The pace and style change depending on whether you're in a high speed car chase, or you're sneaking around a hideout/bunker in Japan. Either way, you'll feel right in place.
The sound effects are also good. When a gun fires, it sounds very realistic, and when a guard, or anyone for that matter speaks, their voices are always perfectly blended in, and also realistic. What I mean by this, is that if someone speaks and is in the next room, their voice can barely be heard. if they speak next to you, they are loud and clear. All of the sounds are quite incredible, but are let down by gun sound effects, and the lack of Pierce Brosnan's voice, to match his face, which is used in the game as well. However, this is where Goldeneye beats the game hands down. Both the music and sound effects of Goldeneye are far better than those present within NightFire, and this is why I have only awarded Audio a score of 4/5

Gameplay:
The gameplay is some of the best I'll ever see. Everything fits in correctly, there is no slowdown, not even in the most action packed periods of time. The control responses are fast, and have a degree of sensitivity that is just perfect. All of the movements that occur are very smooth and fluid, and unless the disk were to jump for some reason, I, and many others, have yet to encounter freezing. The animations are realistic, such as guns reloading. The only thing that I could suggest is to make doors not open by themselves, and actually have them opened via the use of a visible hand pushing, pulling, or using the doorknob/handle to open the door/window. Another fantastic aspect is the Multiplayer, which I have given it's own section, due to it's true amazing-ness.
As for the AI, it's truly great. Each guard will maneuver themselves differently according to context. If under heavy fire, they will duck or hid behind a piece of scenery. If alone, they will either patrol, or act bored. As soon as they spot Bond, they will react differently. Some will run away to get a better vantage point, some will just run away (cowards), and some will go for a head on attack, either alone or forming a group beforehand, to gain an unfair advantage. it's as if each guard has a tiny little brain built in.
Another great aspect of this game is that it is much like a Bond movie. You begin the game, instantly being thrown into a mission. After all of the action, comes one of the classic videos, made especially for NightFire, featuring the usual assortment of silhouettes of nude females, weaponry, fire, and technology, as well as music that, as all Bond theme songs do, put you in just the right mood to play the game. This is a very nice touch in my opinion, and really is the icing on a very tasty cake. Final score for Gameplay: 10/10

Replayability:
Ah yes. That special magic of a game that keeps you coming back time and time again. Well, NightFire does NOT fail in this department. The missions have that special feel to them (especially the car missions) that make you want to play them again, over and over, until your head probably explodes. That, and the instinctive need to gain Platinum Medals on all of the missions. However, should your head not explode, you can enjoy the fabulous Multiplayer mode, which is better looked into below. Another feature is that of the codes. Special codes that make the game just that little bit more interesting, for your personal enjoyment. So, replayability.........check! 5/5

Multiplayer:
Truly, the best aspect of this game. The Multiplayer rivals, and defeats that of Goldeneye, in ways that make your eyes pop out of your head. There are a wide range of options, characters, scenarios, weapons, gadgets, and neat little features to toy about with. The multiplayer will prove for a thrilling gaming experience, and will also bring about some hilarious moments, such as a moment during a deathmatch in assassin mode, when my opponent (no names/usernames are mentioned for security reasons) accurately guided a Sentinel Missile straight at me, after avoiding several obstacles. He laughed maniacally as the missile went straight at me, and then began to strangle me when his well guided projectile went straight through my legs. Much laughter ensued. This is just one of many moments that will have you in tears of laughter, and really make the Multiplayer mode worth playing over and over, for the rest of your life. Forget a social life, they're over-rated. The options, the special modes, and the very flukey occurrences will have you coming back time and time again. his is truly one of THE best multiplayers out there! 5/5

Rent or Buy?:
BUY! BUY! BUY! (try and guess what I'm trying to make you do). If shoot 'em ups are your thing.......or women, James Bond, or a fun time, then get NightFire.

Overall:
007: NightFire is a true gem of a game. No-one should miss out on such a wonder and pleasure to play. I would advise that you get it, or miss out big-time. With an excellent Single Player, and a Multiplayer better than that of the great Goldeneye, this is an experience no-one should miss out on.

Final Score: 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/08/03, Updated 02/08/03