James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing

"EA's latest & greatest attempt at a stellar 007 game."

Back in 1997 a killer app had been released for Nintendo 64. The title of this ''killer app'' was Golden Eye. Although I've never actually played Golden Eye, it seems every 007 game released since then is compared to it and just doesn't quite measure up. Since I've not played Golden Eye I cannot say if any of the other 007 games released afterwards are better, but I can judge them on their own merit. Out of all the bond games released post-Golden Eye, I can honestly say that this one is the best.

Gameplay - 10/10
I'll lay the truth out on the table. EA games do not usually receive high praise from me. Most of their games, excluding their sports line-up, are sub-par to average. EA actually deserves an applause for 007 Everything or Nothing. They had the courage to completely change the gameplay mechanics of the game, and they pulled off exceptionally well. I think they succeeded in their goal of making this game feel more 007ish - creeping against walls, repelling down walls, the use of more gadgets - EA pulled all of this off very well. Not only is the game more gadget oriented, but there's also a fighting system embedded in the game. It may not be up to par with the likes of Guilty Gear XX or Virtual Fighter 4: Evo, but it's definitely excellent for the genre of game it's in - a third-person shooter. The 007 series may have been fun to play as a first-person shooter, but it could never have become ''truly-007'' as it has in this game. I've tried this game on both the GameCube and XBox and the controls are excellent in each. This is easily one of my favorite next-generation games and also one of the most fun.

Story - 7/10
Although the story isn't exactly bad, it's not exactly original either. As one poster in the forums pointed out, the plot is very kin to the new Cody Banks movie. Here's a basic low-down on the plot (no spoilers) - There has been a theft of a highly classified prototype nano-robot project. This has caused chaos in the global intelligence community. This nanobot project was a humanitarian effort intended to facilitate the remote inspection and repair of hazardous nuclear containment facilities. However, in the wrong hands, this technology could be used for entirely more sinister purposes. - As I said, it's not bad but it's not that original either. You can't really expect THAT much, though. This game isn't actually based on an actual 007 movie, so it's a good effort in the least.

Graphics/Sound - 8/10
The graphics in the game are good by any standards, but not the best visuals you'll ever see. I consider it above previous 007 games, but not quite on par with games like Resident Evil or Otogi. If this wasn’t an EA game, I wouldn’t complain. One thing they’ve always excelled above other companies at is graphics. Just look at their sports line-up. As such - as good as the graphics are - they could be a tad better. The sounds is what you have come to expect from 007 games - good, not exceptional, with the occasional spy tune.

Longevity - 8/10
The game excels in longevity solely for the multi player only. The co-op mode is insanely fun - fun to the point of which I could play it over and over. There's also an ''Arena'' which is reminiscent of a death match in a Tekken 4 stage - as the stage is in a pretty confined, indoor room. You're given the choice of fighting with your hands or guns, while being confined within the room. Although somewhat simplistic, it is rather fun regardless. There are also ''Race'' and ''Scramble'' modes. ''Race'' mode is a race with you in a partner trying to complete a level as fast as possible. ''Scramble'' is a competition against another player to gain as many points as possible in a level by taking out the most enemies as possible. Sadly, one thing that could have made the game last longer has not been included - multi player bots. Multi player aside, the single player experience is very rewarding. There are more than ample enough missions for you to enjoy, each with three levels of difficulty - with the ever famous “00 Agent” difficulty returning. If you really want to obtain everything there is in this game, it’ll last the average gamer a good while.

I definitely think this game is worth owning for both 007/Shooter fans alike. Instead of releasing a similar product to previous installments, EA actually had the tenacity to try something new. The end result is nothing less than spectacular. I suggest that anyone who remotely liked the previous installment of 007 games or anyone who's remotely interested in third-person shooters buy the game as soon as possible. It's an excellent and top-notch title that should be a part of any gamer's video game library.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/17/04, Updated 02/18/04