007: Nightfire

I remember this being an okay game. It was pretty difficult but once you got the hang of it, you could move along quite nicely. The graphics were pretty stunning for the time and the environments were fun to explore.

Working with another agent, Bond uncovers a plot by millionaire businessman Drake. Investigating his supposedly above board operations with Phoenix Corporation, Bond uncovers things that point to a bigger plan that threatens the security of the world as Drake seeks to control the world powers from his outer space base; can Bond save the world again?

Having clocked Agent Under Fire in a few days I went out and hired this thinking that it would be fun but simple like AUF. However this game is much better than the first Bond on the PS2. Nightfire starts well with a title sequence which is cool (despite an awful song) and even a pre-credits stage in the game! The graphics are much improved but still have a real quality `Bond' feel to them. The biggest improvement on AUF is the fact that I didn't finish the game within a few days! This thing is difficult, even on the easiest level. It takes practice and learning what to do whereas AUF was just run in blasting this is the opposite – do that here and you'll be dead quickly in most cases.

A fine example is the sniper level. In AUF all snipers had infrared beams to show you a) where they were aiming and b) where they were! It made them no problem to avoid. In Nightfire (the snipers level in the old nuclear plant especially) the snipers are really hard to get until you start to work out roughly where they are. All you have to go on is the fact that they shout `I see him' and `where'd he go' when you move in and out of their line of sight – but given that you're in an open industrial area that still covers a large area. The stages prior to this are quite easy but still require work. After this it is gets harder and is a good learning curve.

The multiplayer is also better. The levels involve a lot more running around in complex areas as opposed to quite open areas as in AUF. Also, thankfully, you can have computer controlled characters so you can be as sad and lonely as you want but still have this challenge to keep the game alive long after you finish it.

Overall I really enjoyed this game as it was a challenge for me even on the easiest level. The is really only one level that I would class as a simple `run and gun' blasting level where you can just let rip – the rest require a certain degree more finesse – just like Bond himself! I was a little let down by how easy AUF was, with this I had no complaints (apart from yelling at my TV when I couldn't spot the snipers on that flippin' level!)

I couldn't wait to rent this game, even though it disapointed me a little bit. The gameplay relates a lot to Agent Under Fire, which really ticked me off. Even the Multiplayer is identical. However, it wasn't that close to a faliure. The graphics were a hell of a lot better and I loved how they made Bond look exactly like Brosnan, except for a s****y lie about having Brosnan voice this one. The women were pretty good, except that they just couldn't resist to kill the hottest one. Damn. Anyway, the levels were very good and the car chases are aplenty, and that made me feel ecstatic. Overall, it is better than Agent Under Fire and I hate it when they said that the multiplayer levels in Auf were better than TWINE, they sucked. It rates third in my books. Oh, and I liked how it had its own theme song at the beginning. I just hope when Die Another Day becomes a game it will be as good as GoldenEye, but so far, nothing has beat that game. 7/10

Before I say anything, if you're looking to play the free PC version, do yourself a favour and Google ''007 - Nightfire (Windows 10 Compatible) archive dot org''. The install file is uploaded by user ''Electronic Arts / A White Bob Installer''. It has no bugs or crashes to desktop unlike the other modified copy with updated multiplayer support patched to v5.91 that's made widely available on ''nightfirepc'' website.

Here's my review, so I had the chance to complete both version of this game on the Console PS2 via PCSX2 Emulator for PC followed by the PC version. It's an engaging Action/Adventure FPS game with all the usual Bond gadgets made ready for the player to use in different situations. I highly recommend that you play the console version first because it has the ''Car Driving Missions'' that was removed in the PC version for reasons unknown. Unsure why the Devs made this terrible decision? The PC port is a completely new experience, feels like another game imo. The graphics, the gameplay mechanics, cinematography etc. Alot of stuff in the PC version feels rushed or remove. I rate both versions an 8 out of 10.

I have rented it. Loved it, and am about to buy it. The graphics here can rival any game cube title (but I don't know about Metroid Prime). They made Bond look exactly like Brosnan, and almost everyone here looks too real (but they made poor old Q un-funny and cartoon-like! Look at his bow-tie!) The sound is very good, I would swear a gun-fight is being fought in my living room! The gameplay is pretty easy to understand and you can just pick up your controller and blast away at things!

Now, the bad parts.

Who exactly though this illogical Moonraker/Golden Eye/Tommorow Never Dies/World is Not Enough story would work anyway? I mean come on! I have written better stuff than this in school essays! And the theme (while it is nice the game had one) totally bombs! Ever since Tommorow Never Dies there have been no good Bond themes! Anything else I can think of...yes. Two words: Raphel Drake. The worst James Bond villian since Charles Grey played Blofelt! He is as threatening as Leo Bloom for crying out loud! Hmm...anything else. Yes. Two ONE more word (since I forgot here last name): Alura. Never has there been a more irritating, annoying, ditzy, unatractive, unintellegent airhead since Dinese Richards play Christmas Jones (she is in the game too...AAAUUGGHHH!). Every other Bond girl was good (Kiko espically) but she was a major downpoint.

Overall: Buy it asap!