James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing

"The New and Improved James Bond Has Everything… Except Multiplayer"

James Bond games have been around since ages, typically in the first-person perspective. Everything or Nothing takes Bond games to a whole new level with the introduction of a completely third-person perspective gameplay. This addition is quite interesting, giving the game the sense that you are watching (and interacting with) a movie. Nonetheless, this isn’t your typical James Bond game.

Story

The story is the standard James Bond type plot. Bond discovers that some Nanobot technology has been stolen, and is assigned to the case. The technology was designed to be helpful, but of course its intentions are completely reversed when taken into the wrong hands. Your mission: get the technology back and kill the bad guy. Nothing spectacular. Just saving the world again.

Gameplay

As mentioned already, this is the first James Bond game to be completely in third-person perspective. (This excludes the sniper rifle, which I haven’t even had a chance to efficiently use yet.) The levels, although short, are difficult and numerous. Every level picks up where the previous one left off, thus giving the game a nice flow to it. You can even see some of the previous level’s scenery in the next one. Depending on what “Bond Moments” (actions that mimic James Bond’s thinking, like shooting an explosive barrel and killing multiple enemies) you complete in previous levels, future levels can (and will) be affected. This not only links the missions even further, but it incentivizes you to do well on every mission, so the future ones will be easier. Everything or Nothing also employs two new concepts into the James Bond genre. The targeting system allows you to lock on to your enemies to aid in eliminating them. You may think that this would cause the game to be a flop by making it much easier, but the difficulty of the enemies compensates for it. Only a couple of shots will kill you, even in operative difficulty. While locked-on, you can fine-tune your aim so you can get headshots while leaning around a corner. (Very amusing) However, I have seen the targeting system glitch out many times, which can be annoying, especially when you target the wrong enemy or can’t target at all. (It is almost impossible to hit anyone you don’t target.) The other new concept is “Bond Sense”. This slow-motion ability allows you to “scout out” a room without your enemies moving at regular speed. It’s great to help you target an enemy when you are facing the wrong direction, as will happen many times in your first mission. It also pulls up your inventory so you don’t have to switch your weapon many times to find the right one. Pretty much, the new style of gameplay is quite entertaining. Don’t give up on the game after the first couple of missions. The better ones come later.
Score: 9.5/10

Controls

There are a TON of controls to master. The first thing you should do if you get this game would be to read the manual. From shooting, to driving, to hand-to-hand combat, this game has everything. (Hence the title) You can lean up against walls to provide cover from your enemies. The only problem with this is the same button is used for crouching. Until you get used to facing the wall you want to lean on, you might end up doing the wrong action. Another common problem is the use of grenades, since there is no manual aim. Having precision with your throws is next to impossible. The hand-to-hand combat is astounding and will awe you when you pull off your first matrix style combo. The controls are simple, with the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ buttons controlling your punching, throwing, counter-attacking, and subduing. Driving mission controls are no surprise here if you have played either Agent Under Fire or Nightfire. Controlling the tank and helicopter can be difficult to get the hang of however. Your second mission is a training one, which should help to clear up any problems you might obtain.
Score: 8/10

Graphics

The graphics are unbelievable. The actual gameplay graphics are crystal clear, including all the characters and gun detail. Even the scenery has fine-detail to it. The cut-scenes are no different, making you appreciate console systems. Although some scenes seem a bit pixilated, overall the graphics will blow you away.
Score: 9.5/10

Sound

The first thing I noticed when I played Everything or Nothing was how realistic James Bond’s voice was. Little did I know that Pierce Brosnan actually did Bond’s Voice! Other voice talent has been put into the game, with actors like Heidi Klum, Shannon Elizabeth, and William Dafoe doing the other various characters. The background music has reflected many James Bond movies, allowing you experience the game better. With all these trimmings, the game makes you feel like you are watching another great James Bond movie. (My dad walked into the room one day and said, “What movie are you watching now?” He had no clue it was a game.)
Score: 10/10

Multiplayer

This is the only major mistake in the game. You don’t even start with arena mode, which is your non-co-op multiplayer mode. Co-op levels are completely separate from the single player missions, which was a disappointment. Pretty much the levels are melees with only a couple of side objectives. Then again, killing people with your best friend is fun. When you do try out arena, you are in for another surprise. It’s not split-screen! Everyone is stuck in one room blasting each other to a pulp. The targeting system is still there, but you can’t fine-tune your aim. (Target and spray as I say.) The hand-to-hand combat is fun, but risky since all your opponent has to do to counter you is to rapidly hit ‘Y’ and ‘A’ and pray the move goes through. Plus, the counter-attack damage is extremely ridiculous. (7/8 of your life is a lot.) Many people will find the multiplayer a huge disappointment, but others may in turn like it for its originality. If you ask me, stick to single-player.
Score: 2/10

Overall, Everything or Nothing would be a great addition to your gaming library. If you are a hardcore James Bond fan, what are you waiting for? Get the game now. (Especially if some stores are offering a discount, like I got.) If this is your first James Bond game, or you don’t typically buy shooters, rent it for a week. You might get hooked, or you might despise it. Depends on your style. The innovative gameplay is a refreshing change, and in my opinion very entertaining. If you want to enjoy this game with your friends however, I would simply see who gets the best score in the single player missions as the multiplayer is a complete flop. Overall, the variety of moves, levels, and style of gameplay makes Everything or Nothing one heck of a game.
Average Grade: 7.8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/12/04, Updated 04/15/04