When I first opened No One Lives for Ever (The Operative), it seemed like just another first person shooter (FPS). I consider myself somewhat of an aficionado in this gamming genre. From my early days of Wolfenstein, DOOM, Duke Nuke'em, to my latest obsession, Unreal Tournament, I have enjoyed this genre more than any other. So, initially The Operative seemed just another rehashing. It SEEMED. While I am not ready to proclaim No One Lives For Ever the next great leap in FPS, it is close. Real close.
What makes it so special? Three things really. The first is the unbelievable AI. Not only do the computer characters NEVER get confused or stuck behind objects, they use objects for cover! They will even hide behind objects and raise their weapon and spray a blind medley of bullets in your general direction. This AI is so good; you could easily convince yourself that you are playing multiplayer when you are in single player mode. The enemy characters actually seem to care if they live or die! Crazy idea, huh?
Secondly, the story line is very entertaining. It takes a while to start enjoying and appreciating the plot, but there are lots of twists and turns that make the game-play more enjoyable. The game includes close to 60 levels spread over 15 environments. The story's motif is a cross between James Bond, Austin Powers, and a little Tomb Raider thrown in for marketability. The result is an intriguing and humorous story that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Lastly, the attention to detail is noticeable. I'm not necessarily talking about graphics here, but aspects like the subtle use of decision points and wound physics. Through out the story, there are very carefully placed decision points that determine the outcome of your mission. Not so many that it interferes with your shoot'em up fun, but they make you remember where you are and what you are trying to accomplish. Also, the physics engine is wonderful. If you hit an enemy high, he will fall back, hit him low and he falls forward. A head shot will result in a kill, an arm shot has little effect. These little things seem to make all the difference.
So what did I NOT like about The Operative? Not much, but if I had to pick a weak point, it would be with the multiplayer game. It is so-so at best. The graphics engine may be the culprit here; my complaint is in the way the online players move and react in multiplayer. They are choppy unrealistic movements. It falls short of trying to compete with a Quake III or UT multiplayer game. My hopes are high for future releases.
Whatever shortcomings there are in No One Lives Forever are made insignificant by the technical expertise and sheer creativity that went into it. The fact is that Monolith Productions has delivered an undeniably enjoyable action game.
-Jeff
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