James Bond 007: From Russia With Love
Release Information
US: Fall 2005
Introduction
Electronic Arts have been listening to the fans and are finally giving gamers a chance to play as the world's favourite James Bond, Sean Connery. In a bold move that could either make or break the Bond gaming franchise, EA have resurrected the classic Bond film, From Russia With Love (FRWL). They are also shaking things up, promising the fans that the game will extend the movie by offering new levels and even an alternate ending. The game's director, Glen Schofield, has focused on recreating the 60's atmosphere by researching everything about the era, from lighting to camera angles. Gamers should expect a totally different Bond experience when they purchase this title, come late 2005.
Sean Connery has expressed a lot of interest in lending his hand to the video game industry. He sees this opportunity as an exciting way to extend his creative ability, even though he formally vowed never to don the black suit ever again. Gamers will be treated to new Sean Connery voice-overs and reanimated old school characters, like Desmond Llewelyn's Q, that are bound to cast a sense of nostalgia in the hearts of die hard Bond fans.
In an attempt to shutdown criticism that the game will no hold no surprises, EA have announced a brand new explosive introduction, the addition of new characters, a modified storyline, intriguing twists and an exclusive ending that will make any action junkie drool. The game itself aims to provide gamers with an interactive and intense experience which allows them to construct their own version of the character James Bond. The engine allows this by giving the gamer multiple ways to complete a level. Vehicles can be driven, jetpack's can be used and even the option of total stealth will have Splinter Cell fans smiling from ear to ear.
Preview
The storyline follows the original movie by having Bond sent to Istanbul to try and acquire a Russian cipher machine from a defecting Russian agent. The whole plot is a setup by the enemy organisation SPECTRE to ambush Bond in an act of revenge for killing Dr. No. Most of the levels follow the movie, with a few exceptions.
FRWL will contain a host of non-linear levels that allow gamers to flex their Bond muscles by giving them total freedom. The previous Bond game, Everything or Nothing, had split levels that saw Bond on foot sometimes and behind the wheel in others. This time around, gamers can do all this and more, within the one level, without massive load times. This has been done deliberately to keep the action flowing at a steady pace. However, this little gameplay upgrade forces the gamer to make more decisions about the best way to complete each level, thus increasing the strategic side of this title.
The gameplay has been drastically improved from Everything or Nothing (EON). Bond is more physical then ever and can now jump over things, traverse gaps and dodge incoming fire with ease. As a result of playing Sean Connery's version of Bond, the game contains a lot more fighting and hardcore brawling. Connery's Bond was more physical, rough and tough then Brosnan's smooth and suave Bond and this definitely shows up in the game. The brawling side of the game is lots of fun, thanks to the healthy array of boxing manoeuvres and throws EA have provided. Gamers who enjoy a bit of melee combat will surely be impressed with this gameplay change, especially when they notice the smooth animation involved in throws.
Expect the action to come thick and fast with promises that dialogue and cut-scenes will not slow the pace down. EA wants gamers to get totally involved in creating their own Bond, so the pace has been momentously amplified since EON. The demo levels show continuous action that allows Bond to exercise everything from furious combat to stealth kills, all in a matter of minutes. Once the jetpack is acquired, it's all up in the air, literally. The gameplay involved in the jetpack areas makes for a pleasant and relatively innovative experience. The jetpack comes with a powerful machine gun and devastating rocket launcher that make for some crazy air combat as Bond battles with helicopters and camped men in locations such as London's Big Ben. Controlling the jetpack looks like loads of fun with Bond being able to dodge enemies and move around anywhere he likes.
The graphics are pretty much exactly the same as EON, with a few semi-noticeable tweaks here and there. The crew that made EON and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is on board, so you can expect the highest quality. FRWL does contain larger levels that are jam-packed with more enemies and obstacles then anything seen in EON and the whole package seems to come together pretty smoothly, with no visible flaws graphics-wise. The most dramatic graphical improvements can be seen in the way of lighting, with the cold and dark 60's environment flawlessly captured, giving the game a retro look and feel. The detail in the surrounding environment is simply astounding; everything from haircuts to clothing have been immaculately researched and replicated to give a truly authentic experience to the gamer.
The shooting system has also received some attention by letting Bond focus on his enemies using 'Bond Vision'. Using pinpoint accuracy, Bond can now actually target specific enemy places to unleash maximum carnage. To do this, simply approach an enemy, wait for Bond Vision to appear and choose one of three directions, triggering a certain response. For example, if an enemy decides to fire a rocket, Bond can focus on it and let loose a flurry of fire that hits the rocket, sending the enemy and anyone in the vicinity to their fiery death. Once again, this gameplay upgrade makes the game a lot more tactical and strategic then previous Bond titles, making it a suitable challenger to the likes of Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell.
Multi-player mayhem is back and better then ever! EON brought a new and interesting multi-player mode to the table and FWRL takes that and pretty much doubles it. Customisable Bond's, expansive levels and a host of other options should make those gamers who feel the need to relieve the Goldeneye era, very happy.
FRWL contains a new upgrade system that sees gamers rewarded with weapon enhancements, inventive gadgets and unlockable items. Some form of currency is gained throughout the game that can then be spent to unlock these groovy items. EA have noted that there is a huge variety of special features in FWRL that should keep gamers on their toes for quite some time. The focus on upgrading and customising Bond's character is something that should interest role-playing fans, hopefully allowing EA to target that gaming market as well as offering action fans and driving fans something to scream about.
Anticipation
Overall, FRWL is shaping up to pick up exactly where EON left off. EON did a great job of redefining the Bond series by switching to third-person and FRWL will aim to take that a step further by providing gamers with fully integrated levels, customisable characters, non-linear gameplay, a greatly improved shooting system, better upgrade system and a focus on strategic action gaming. Zooming around massive levels in the jetpack, blowing up the scenery, makes the game worth buying in itself.
FRWL will explode onto the Gamecube, X-Box and PS2 in the fall of 2005.
Preview by: REC
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