Gaming Target - Xbox: James Bond 007: Agent Under Fire

Written by Ryan Smotherman on July 01, 2002

First Impressions: Wow, an EA port that's actually somewhat different. That's a first.

BondЕ James Bond. For exactly 40 years we've heard this British spy extraordinaire mutter that popular phase. Whether it is Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, or the best Bond of them all, Sean Connery, taking on the role, we've been treated to some truly incredible and unique movies that are full of unbelievable gadgets, insane villains, and beautiful women, or Bond girls if you prefer. Yeah, that Bond has never had problems with the ladiesЕ damn him. You'd think all that action and all those neat-o devices would make a smooth translation into the gaming world, providing some truly memorable experiences. Unfortunately, with the exception of Rare's masterpiece known as GoldenEye, of course, this has not been the case. The majority of video games that carry the James Bond license have, for the most part, been huge letdowns and very easily forgotten.

While EA's Agent Under Fire isn't in anyway the next GoldenEye, this port of the already released PS2 title promises to offer Bond fans an engaging experience, with two different styles of gameplay (FPS and some car action), many different weapons/gadgets, and girls, girls, girls. Probably for the first time, at least to my knowledge, this Bond title isn't based off a movie, and instead contains a totally original plot. Yeah, it might not be influenced by a Bond script, but it follows the patented Bond formula to a tee Ц evil villain finds an ingenious to try to take over or destroy the world and it's up to Bond to put a stop to it, and along the way, sleep with drop dead gorgeous womanЕ yeah, I really can't stress that enough. As a little twist, this time around the main villain is actually a villainess. Yes, a woman who goes by the name of Adrian Malprave, and who just so happens has been manufacturing human clones in a diabolical scheme to take over the world. Sure, like we're going to let that happen.

So, with the help of a few friends it will be your job to take out the little mentally disturbed lady throughout the game's 12 exciting missions. As I mentioned before, the game's gameplay will come in 2 very unique forms Ц the tried and true FPS mode, which is the meat of the game, and the driving sequences, which are strategically placed to keep the excitement going. One of the finer aspects of the game will most certainly be your nifty gadgets that you'll get to use throughout the game, thanks in part to Bond's main man, Q (yes, that old fart is still alive, I can hardly believe it myself). In all there will be a total of 8 different Q devices, ranging from your standard camera, to your laser, to your grappling hook, each and everyone sure to play an intracle part in your adventure. Just don't accidentally take Q's walking cane/Viagra dispenser hybrid; it might not beЕ oh wait, that might just be of some use.

Of course, since this is mainly a FPS, you'll be killing people a majority of the time. We don't want that License to Kill to go unused now do we? So expect to run across a fair share of weapons, most noticeably Ц guns, and lots of Сum. Hand guns, machine guns, sniper riflesЕ. droolЕ. you get the point. Okay, I know I sound a bit too pro-killing, so right now I should mention that James Bond is indeed a spy, and spies have to possess a certain level of stealth, which you will need to exercise throughout the game if you wish to live. You trigger-happy people remember that.

The other part of the gameplay, the car sequences, has received the most praise from reviews of the PS2 version. Each mission-based level will pit you into high tech cars, and even a tank, where you get to cause a little mayhem on the streets in various locations. Think about that tank sequence from the GoldenEye movie, and you'll get an idea. This portion of the game is guaranteed to satisfy.

Like any good FPS, multiplayer modes will also be available. Up until now everything I've mentioned is a direct port of the PS2 version, but this, my friends, is where the Xbox version is promising to up the ante. You'll still be able to play with up to 4 people in some good Сole fashioned deathmatch action, but this time around EA wisely chose to include some computer controlled bots for your enjoyment. Therefore, if you don't have any buds to play with and you need a challenge, or if you guys just want to team up and whoop the computer's candy ass, it's possible. Best of all, you don't have to fork out $30 on a multi-tap to enjoy the 4-player experience because the Xbox's design isn't stuck in the past like some another console. Yeah, I said it; try not to look so shocked.

Cosmetically, don't anticipate anything too drastic from what is seen in the PS2 incarnation. Which really isn't a bad thing, as the PS2 version's graphics are quite exquisite. Yet, do expect a few minor enhancements, such as increased particle effects and sharper textures. Additionally, 5.1 Surround Sound is also going to be supported for those who like the best sound experiences around.