bit-tech Shopping: Electronic Arts James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing (GC)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 5

Strengths: Voice acting was great, game play is solid

Weaknesses: The targeting system could have been better

Summary: I have enjoyed the previous Bond games, and this was no exception. The switch to third person perspective is fine, though the targeting system definitely could have been refined. The graphics were great for the Cube, and the voice acting was well done. I enjoyed the variety of missions. Overall, a great game.

Rating: 2

Time with product: 4

Strengths: The whole gang is here, Brosnan, Dench, Cleese, they all make it for the voice acting.

Weaknesses: Poor object detection means the target lock-on is frustrating. Objectives aren't clearly stated, or even obvious. Gameplay is uneven. Missions are too linear.

Summary: Everything or Nothing would love to be the 21st James Bond film. They have the stars from the films to reprise their roles. They even got a few new ones like Willem Defoe and Heidi Klum to add a bit of Hollywood sparkle. But they forgot that Everything or Nothing is supposed to be an interactive video game FIRST! The game tries so ridiculously hard to be a movie, its linear story line, its mind-numbing pace, that it sacrifices its opportunities. There's car chases, sniper shots, a little stealth, a pinch of this and a pinch of that. It does so much, but it doesn't do any of it that well. The 3rd person is aggrevating since you can't aim at anyone until the game allows you to lock on to the target. This sucks since the object detection is pretty buggy in the game. Stealth is pretty weak since you have no way of telling when you are concealed and when you aren't. No Splinter Cell light bar, no Metal Gear Solid camo index. And through it all you get the feeling of being force feed down a tube. There's no time to look around and go a different way James, hurry! Look there's a corridor, go down it. They spent so much time and money making sure the game produced the world of Bond, and then made sure you didn't get to play around in it.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: 3rd person view, graphics, variety of missions

Weaknesses: gameplay, multiplayer mode

Summary: Nice change from first person shooter to 3rd person, though I still prefer first person view. Game is a lot of fun, being able to ride different vehicles and the big environment was refreshing. Graphics are really a step up from previous games in the franchise. The voice acting was surprising above average too. Though I am not done finishing this game, unlocking all the secrets will keep me busy for a while. Recommended!

Rating: 8

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: Nice graphics, you get to fly a helicopter!

Weaknesses: Clunky controls, disappointing multiplayer

Summary: For a single player game, 007 Everything of Nothing is great...perhaps the best Bond game since Goldeneye. The graphics are visually stunning. The game now has James Bond is a 3rd person perspective, which takes some getting used to but works well overall. Also, the game now uses a targeting system that lets you lock onto enemies. The missions are challenging, but not overly so. The one area of the game that I find very lacking is the Multiplayer, which is one of the most important parts of any Bond game. Instead of the normal 4-player split-screen look, you're simply put in an arena on a single fixed screen.

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Entertaining third person shooter

Weaknesses:

Summary: James Bond - Everything or Nothing is a enjoyable third-person shooter using the Bond license. The game has transitioned from a first person shooter to a third-person over-the-shoulder viewpoint. In my view, this change is welcomed and provides a better experience. Like the movies, Bond has his share of gadgets, such as a rappeling gun that allows him to walk up and down walls. The game also has car chases and stleath missions. So, there are plenty of things to do and people to shoot. The game controls are troublesome at times; the controller layout makes it easy to hit the wrong button which can really leave Bond vulnerable to attacks. Electronics Arts did a very good job bringing fun back to the Bond series; I recommend this game.