007: Agent Under Fire is a multiplatform action title that finally shakes, not stirs, its way to Microsoft's space heating system. Good things evidently come to those who wait though, because X-Box gamers have gotten the best of the bunch.
Unlike previous Bond games, AUF takes place outside the confines of any one of the suave one's many celluloid capers. This gave the developers lots of room to play around, and they took advantage of said room, all the while staying true to the Bond "feeling". An evil corporation is cloning world leaders and replacing the originals with their duplicates for not so honorable reasons. Naturally, it's up to you and a bunch of gadgets beginning with the letter "Q" to save the world once again.
Most of the game takes place within a first person perspective. Halo is still the top shooter on the system, and Goldeneye it ain't; but it's still a great game in its own right, and much better than those PSX Bond games that I'd rather forget all about. It's much slower paced than either of the two aforementioned titles, but there's hardly any stealth to be employed. There's emphasis on action, but there's not enough. Still, the inclusion of "Bond moves" such as shooting explosive barrels or crates to take out enemies is a nice touch, and the FPS aspect really is well done all around.
Not content to just make the entire game FPS based, EA included a few driving levels. I groaned when I first heard this, knowing that "variety gameplay" usually translates to "sucky gameplay". I'm happy to report that's not the case here. The driving levels are well designed, and more fun than the Spy Hunter remake that was released last year. You pretty much chase objectives down while destroying enemy vehicles. That may sound simple and mindless, but these levels get the highest compliment any gamer can give: I wish there were more of them.
Now that we're done singing the praises of Mr. Bond, let's see where he does what his lovely ladies never do: falls flat. For one, while the game looks very impressive (particularly on X-Box), why do the bullets look like yellow plastic BB bullets? In addition, the game is very straightforward. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, it is when you have M telling you where to go and what to do at every twist and turn.
Despite its shortcomings, the X-Box has the best version of the best 007 game since Goldeneye. Just don't go in expecting the Master Chief with martinis, and you'll be very satisfied with your purchase.
-George
Company Line
James Bond 007 in… Agent Under Fire is a must-have action game for the Microsoft XBox with a unique combination of girls, gadgets, and guns that only James Bond can deliver.
Next generation console technology thrusts the player into the role of 007 like never before. Complete with high-tech weaponry, state-of-the-art gadgets, exotic sports cars, and beautiful women, this is the ultimate James Bond experience. The game's mix of intense first-person action and white-knuckle driving levels transport the player to exotic locations where they come face-to-face with the world's most dangerous villains. Only the clever use of firepower and tricks of the spycraft trade allow them to save the world. Are you up to the task? Of course you are. You're Bond… James Bond.
James Bond 007 in… Agent Under Fire is the complete James Bond experience with:
An all-new, original single-player storyline.
12 action-packed missions,including intense first-person action and white-knuckle driving levels.
Support for up to four player split-screen multiplayer action.
Beautiful Bond girls -The alluring Zoe Nightshade, the deadly Carla the Jackal, and the bomb-shell "Killer Twins."
State-of-the-art gadgets – The Q-Claw, Q-Jet, Q-Laser, and more.
High-tech weaponry – The Wolfram P2K rocket launcher, sniper rifle, assault rifle, and more.
Exotic automobiles – The Aston Martin DB5, BMW 750iL, and BMW Z8.
Helpful Allies – The authoritative M and omnipresent R.
Devious villains and dangerous henchmen.
Thrilling locations – Hong Kong, the Swiss Alps, Romania, a deep sea oil rig atop a secret under-water base and more.
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