GoldenEye: Rogue Agent

"A brutally honest review over a game recieving lots of bad press"

Goldeneye 007 was the N64's first big shooter. It was loved by many (including me!), and will go down probably as the best movie game in history. Since EA is looking for more money, (I don't know why) they decided to make an "indirect sequel" to that game, now owning the 007 license. EA released this game about two weeks after Halo 2. Bad move.

You could say that is why this game has recieved so much bad press. To quote Gamespot:"Goldeneye Rouge Agent plays like a low rent version of Halo 2." The reviewers are so happy with Halo 2, they just say "Eh, this is like totally NOTHING compared to Halo 2! So, I should just give it a bad score since it doesn't compare to the awesomeness found here! Now back to the totally rad game!" Yeah. On to the review...

Graphics:6
Nothing special here. I do have to say it looks decent, just not up to other games standards. Character models look a little blocky, and blue sparks appear out of an enemy when you shoot them. Yes, blue sparks. Cut-scenes don't look very special either.

Sound:8
Guns sound like standard affair. The pistol goes bang, the rocket launcher goes boom, the assault rifle goes doosh-doosh-doosh etc. Though the sub machine gun sounds a little weird. It sounds like a trash can being dragged in the street. If you compare it you will see similarities. The music sounds nothing like Bond, though the menu screen music is cool.

Gameplay:8
This game tries to incorporate a dual-wielding feature, using the Land R buttons to fire your gun. This is a pretty neat feature. Example: Fire you machine gun on someone, and while that is reloading, finish of another person with your pistol. Melee attacks also come into play. hitting someone enough will stun them, leaving you to do two things:
1. Melee them again for a knockout
2. Take them as your hostage.
taking them as your hostage will basically give you a shield. You have to drop your gun in the left hand to do this, but can prove invaluable. You can either hang on to your bullet-bag till he drops dead, or you can throw him into another enemy to knock them over (personally, I like to throw your hostage of a cliff or out a window. Brings your Evilness into play).

Guns range from a pistol with infinite ammo, to an evaporater, which you will grow to hate on the last level. some guns require two hands to wield it, wgixh isn't a big problem considering the massive firepower or scope it will bring.

Split-screen is ok, but doesn't top other games multiplayer modes. There are a nice amount of courses, some involving Deathtraps. Deathtraps will instantly send your opponent(s) to their doom. My favorite is the one that eletrocutes the floor above you. You can also find Deathtraps in single player to.

Replayability:6
The first and second levels are ones you will want to play repeatedly. But by the second disc levels will begin to grow boring and stale, featuring the amazing recyclable room! The last level is easily the worst one in the game, considering lack of save points and... the OMEN! Still, you might want to go back and play them to unlock more people or courses for multiplayer.

Final Verdict:7/10
If you are hesitating about buying this game, wait for a price drop or rent it.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 03/02/05