GENRE
	Action-RPG
	DEVELOPER
	Saffire
	PUBLISHER
	Nintendo
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1
	CONNECTIVITY
	No
	BUY NOW AT

In 1997, Saffire developed James Bond: 007 for the Game Boy. The game was an obvious attempt to cash in on the maniacal popularity of Goldeneye, possibly the best first person shooter of all time. But unlike Goldeneye, this game seems to be confused about genre it's supposed to fit into. With a combination of role-playing and action elements a la The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, the game feels out of place.

visuals

For a non-color game, they're not bad. As an RPG the graphics suit the situation. But as any kind of action title, they tend to hinder the gameplay. If you're looking for unfortunately small characters against rather bland backgrounds, this is your game! There are exceptions though, as is evident by the Marrakech level; the game's best in terms of graphics and fun.

audio

While the classic Bond music is used, the composers tried to add to it with other silly noises that take away from the feel. The sound effects are below par. Again, the Marrakech level shines through with music that sets the tone of the market city and mellow atmosphere of the casino.

gameplay

The game is organized into levels like an action title. Once a level has been passed, you can't revisit it. Don't sweat it though; everything you need you'll have to get the first time around. The story in the game is great! The classic characters are all involved - Q, M, Money Penny, and Odd Job all make cameos.

While the game tries to satisfy two very different groups of gamers, it fails at both. The RPG elements don't feel rewarding and the action sequences suffer from poor control (for an action game) and a slow pace. There are also goofy items that are vital to your progress strewn about without much thought... and they're invisible. Give me a break.

One cool feature in the game is the fully functioning casino in the brilliantly designed Marrakech level. Gamers must try their hand at Red-Dog, Black Jack, and Baccarat. After the game has been beaten, players are given codes to unlock mini-games of the card games without having to play through to the Marrakech level. If you feel you must give them a try and haven't beaten the game, use the following names to unlock them: BJACK for Black Jack, REDOG for Red-Dog, and BACCR for Baccarat. Cheater.

multiplayer

N/A

overall

This game is about par: Most RPG fans will enjoy it, but if you're buying it strictly for the action elements don't. The Bond license, while being used as a cash cow, genuinely helps the game. Overall, it's not great, but a lot better than some of the other crap out there.

7.0/10