GoldenEye 007: Reloaded

Back in 1997, the original GoldenEye for Nintendo 64 reinvented the FPS genre with its insanely addictive multiplayer gameplay. The seventh generation of consoles is well-known for its Call of Duty and Battlefield games being the top sellers of both PS3 and Xbox 360, so it should be of no surprise that an enhanced port of the grandfather of first-person shooters would make a comeback for these consoles. Enter GoldenEye 007: Reloaded.

Developed by Eurocom, this Reloaded version of the game features better controls, vastly improved visuals, and online multiplayer. Sure, the single-player campaign isn’t the game’s selling point, but it all comes together into a nicely done homage to one of the most important titles in videogame history.

Appealing to new audiences

One of the most common complaints about the original GoldenEye game was its cumbersome controls: the N64’s controller is infamously cumbersome to use. Thankfully, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded avoids this inconvenience thanks to its more contemporary control scheme, involving two analog sticks like most players are used to.

Additionally, Reloaded retains the original’s local multiplayer, but also expands on it with an online multiplayer mode. In a nice nod to the N64 game, players can customize the online matches with modifiers such as Golden Gun mode, or Paintball mode. All of these possibilities mean that multiplayer is even more addictive than it ever was.

Not here for the plot

Sadly, the single-player campaign quickly comes apart at the seams. Dumb AI and linear levels hinder the experience, even though the campaign is a short and uninteresting one. There’s also the new MI6 mode, which’s basically an objective-based single-player experience similar to a “Time Attack” mode.

It’s worth mentioning that the plot of Reloaded isn’t the same as what players might have seen in the N64 original. The game plays with players’ expectations at every turn, changing some key elements of the story to keep surprising returning players. Despite that, the story lacks any real “twist” (that the James Bond series is so popular for) for it to be worth a second playthrough.

If looks could kill

Thanks to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3’s hardware, Reloaded looks leagues better than the original game. Jungle levels look like something straight out of Crysis, while some other levels, like the arctic base, are also quite pleasing to the eye.

The presentation is superb, with a reimagined UI that’s not very intrusive — although it could’ve been a little smaller. Also great are the weapon models and their handling: each gun feels unique, and the sound design really lets you feel the power behind each bullet.

The multiplayer models are a bit of a mixed bag: for one, they look like the characters they’re supposed to represent, but their facial animations and subpar textures make them look like upscaled versions of the N64 originals.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that the single-player campaign also suffers from some dreaded “invisible walls.” These artificial roadblocks make the game world feel smaller than it actually is, and they’re also something that can break your immersion in a matter of seconds.

Pros:

• Responsive controls
• Amazing multiplayer
• Richly detailed environments

Cons:

• Disappointing campaign
• Odd-looking character models

GoldenEye 007 Reloaded takes one of the most iconic first-person shooter games of all time and brings it into the modern generation. Based on the movie of the same name, this remake delivers an all-new story, with improved voice acting and updated visuals. Although there's a new Bond in town, the gameplay is still familiar, with many of the same weapons and gadgets that are seen in the original. Depending on your nostalgia and reverence for the Nintendo 64 classic, GoldenEye 007 Reloaded is a sin or a success. Decide for yourself as we look further into what sets this remake apart!

Main Game Features

• Spy thriller FPS action
• Entirely new storyline
• Online and offline competitive multiplayer

Story

GoldenEye 007 Reloaded has an interesting story, which is told across six different missions. Since this game is a remake of the Nintendo 64 title, GoldenEye 007, which itself was based on the popular movie, you can expect some similarities. The story in Reloaded, though, takes place in the modern Bond timeline, featuring new characters and locations. As always, you play as James Bond, a super spy working under the British MI6 agency. At the start of the journey, Bond teams up with his coworker, Agent Trevelyan, who investigates a weapon warehouse in Russia. When their mission is interrupted by the powerful General Ourmov, Trevelyan is shot and kidnapped. With his friend in danger, Bond must track down Ourmov and prevent the General's plan of destruction.

This leads James Bond on a global journey, jumping between various exotic and interesting countries. Although the journey starts in Russia, Bond jumps between Dubai, Siberia, and even Nigeria, all in the quest to hunt down Ourmov. In this way, the general story of the original N64 game stays somewhat intact, but with new locations and events that are in line with the altered plot. If you're a big fan of the original game and were hoping for an exact remake, this might be disappointing. But, for those gamers who can keep an open mind, GoldenEye 007 Reloaded can be quite the action-filled spy adventure.

Gameplay

Despite the changes in the story, GoldenEye 007 Reloaded is packed with first-person shooting action, on par with other modern shooters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The six main story missions are divided into 13 chapters, with a blend of gun-blazing action, stealthy espionage, and more. Like in the original, your mission entails more than just eliminating every enemy in a given level. Depending on your difficulty setting, you'll have a slew of objectives to complete, forcing you to keep an eye on your surroundings. For example, you might need to scan an important set of documents, take pictures with your smartphone, or use one of the many signature Bond gadgets at your disposal. This offers the story mode some replayability and makes it more than just a nonstop shoot-out.

However, if you want to peel away all the set dressing and just get to the raw action of the game, GoldenEye 007 Reloaded has some great multiplayer options. If you gather some friends together on the same couch, you can play with up to four players in offline multiplayer. Otherwise, you can take the battle online and test your skill against players around the world. Online multiplayer is packed with progression opportunities, letting you unlock new gun cosmetics as you complete challenges and hit milestones during play. There are ten multiplayer maps in total and a good variety of competitive modes, including Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and more. Overall, the multiplayer is a good mix of nostalgia and modern features, keeping you in the action long after the story is over.

Conclusion

GoldenEye 007 Reloaded isn't as memorable as the game it is based on, but it's still a good time for those who enjoy spy action and exciting shooter sequences. The story has some divisive changes, but not enough to ruin the adventure.

Pros

• The graphics and voice acting are great
• Gunplay feels strong
• Many multiplayer options

Cons

• Not as good as the original N64 game
• Missing several iconic levels
• Some interesting story decisions