GENRE
	First-Person Shooter
	DEVELOPER
	Electronic Arts
	PUBLISHER
	Electronic Arts
	WI-FI ENHANCED
	no
	WII EXCLUSIVE
	gcn
	EXPECTED RELEASE DATE
	November 2001
	BUY NOW AT

The name's Bond. James Bond. The British spy is heading to the Nintendo GameCube in James Bond: Agent Under Fire. The game, developed by Electronic Arts, is based on a completely original storyline and will be the first FPS title on the GameCube. This game will set the mark for all other FPS games to come.

Impressions
On November 16, 2001, James Bond was introduced to the next-generation consoles by way of the PlayStation 2. With updated graphics, new gadgetry, missions, weapons, and characters, EA released their best Bond title to date.

After taking a trial run with the PS2 version of the game, I came away impressed-- this game is one of the better FPS titles out there. The first thing that grabbed me was the sound. When you load the game, it starts playing the familiar Bond theme, and instantly you are drawn into the game. The next thing was the smooth and polished menu, which therein, I was able to completely customize my controls.

As I began the game, I noticed that it had a very cinematic feel to it. The gameplay action breaks off every so often, and you are treated to a short cut scene. These cut scenes particularly grabbed my attention as they are reminiscent of the great Bond classic 'Goldeneye' by Rare. The gameplay was very smooth, and besides a few control issues, I picked up the game very fast.

The graphics are amazing, and the level of detail put into the levels is incredible. One example of this is in the second level. Bond is poking up through the top of a car shooting at pursuers. While I was shooting, stray bullets would miss the intended target, and hit and shatter windows of buildings behind the target-- just a cool and intricate detail to add to the game.

My thoughts on the game before I played it were simply this: "This is EA, not Rare. It will be another TWINE." Coming away from playing it, my thoughts have completely changed. This game is fast, action packed, and is a must for every Bond and FPS fan.

The GameCube version will be a port of the PS2 title, and will undoubtedly have updated graphics, smoother framerate, as well as a four-player split-screen multiplayer mode. The major difference between the two games will be the inclusion of bots in the GameCube version. EA promises that these bots will be highly intelligent and as competitive as a human player.

Word On The Street
Agent Under Fire will be the GameCube's first FPS. Realizing that, most Bond fans and GameCube owners will pick this title up. As for me, I was a little put off by EA's first attempt at Bond on the Nintendo 64's The World is Not Enough (TWINE). The game was good, but nothing compared to Rare's Goldeneye, if still worthy of purchase. With that said, this is EA's best effort in the series, and will improve on TWINE's faults.

From The Horse's Mouth

• Immersive experience built exclusively for the next generation console system.
• Storyline builds on the Bond legacy with villains and allies, both new and familiar.
• Fast action and spy-packed gameplay inspired by the 007 films.
• Fantastic detailed 3D environments seen through the eyes of Bond.
• Up to 4 person multiplayer support.

Conclusion
The long awaited FPS genre is finally coming to the GameCube. Any fan of first-person shooter games will want to at least give this game a rental. EA is getting better and better at Bond, and this game looks to be their best effort to date. If you liked their previous Bond games, definitely look into purchasing this game when it ships on March 12, 2002.

media

impressions

word on the street

press release notes

overall