Anytime you follow a legend, there's bound to be problems. Goldeneye on the N64 is certainly a gaming legend, and will go down in history as a game that changed the FPS genre for the consoles. It was an incredible game with a huge single player mode, excellent gameplay elements and game design, and some of the best multiplayer action around. Many people have kept their aged N64 systems for that game alone.
Forget the fact that Agent Under Fire (AUF) is made by a different developer and is found on a different system. Anyone who picks up AUF will immediately put it to the Goldeneye test, and in that respect AUF certainly can't compete. Still, regardless of how inferior it is to the old James Bond game, it still has some positive aspects and just might be worth your money.
The graphics and sound are both pretty good. The environments are detailed, and some of the cut-scenes are certainly stylish enough. The weapons all look and sound good, and the explosions are satisfactory. As far as the audio visual department goes, Agent Under Fire holds its own.
However, once you start playing the game, it's just so painfully obvious that AUF brings us nothing really new. Now, they've got some variety here. In addition to the standard FPS levels, we also get some driving ones and "rail" levels (where you're in a vehicle and merely move along as if on a "rail" destroying the bad guys in your path). The good part is that some of these levels are extraordinarily fun. The action is intense at times, and the driving levels are surprisingly well done.
So well done, in fact, that you just wish there was a bit more. AUF is an extremely short game. Twelve levels in all, with only a few driving and rail missions included. Even beyond that is the fact that the levels are extremely short, most of them can be completed in a matter of minutes, and even the more difficult levels are far too short.
Also, the Bond name probably could have been dropped from the game altogether. While the cut scenes are stylish and very Bond-like, the rest of the game is so standard you'll quickly forget it's a Bond game. The gadgets seem like nothing but afterthoughts and add nothing to the value of the game. Instead they are used mostly for breaking open locks and downloading information from computers.
Thankfully the multiplayer is still a blast. With four players, AUF makes up for the lacking single player mode. While it can't touch Goldeneye's level of options and customization ability, it still has enough maps, weapons, and characters to make most people happy. The frame rate is also rock solid on all of the multiplayer maps, making it extremely playable.
Agent Under Fire could have been so much more. As it is, however, it's just an average FPS with decent graphics and a few good levels. Definitely pick it up though, if you you're into the multiplayer thing. Other than that, it's a sure bet as a fun rental you can beat in a day or two.
-Jerred
Company Line
Bond fans rejoice... MGM's blockbuster international superspy is coming to the popular next generation console system. James Bond 007 in...Agent Under Fire™ for the PlayStation® 2 will deliver a unique and complete game experience that thrusts the player into the world of secret agent 007.
The game will feature a completely new and original single player storyline - exclusively designed for the platform - that stays true to the Bond film legacy. Agent Under Fire, a first person action title, promises to deliver a well balanced mixture of missions/levels filled with furious action and stealth, as well as whirlwind driving that is complimented by state-of-the art gadgets and sophisticated spy-craft that Bond fans expect.
As Bond, players must defeat the evil criminal mastermind Malprave, head of a rising terrorist organization that is bent on ruling the world with their clone technology and army of clones. Helping Bond along the way will be the gorgeous Zoe Nightshade and a cast of familiar characters. Each of the more than 10 exotic locations around the world will contain a generous offering of challenging missions and objectives.
The player can choose to blast their way through each level using hi-tech weaponry, quietly rely on spycraft tricks and gadgets to accomplish objectives - or do a little of both. The driving levels will offer an array of 007-inspired exotic cars and daredevil combat from the movies. Only through the clever utilization of Q-lab weapons and gadgets along with Bond-style wit, will the player be able to defeat Malprave's minions... and get the girl.
The game will utilize next generation console technology to help bring to life the detailed 3-D environments such as a massive deep sea oil rig set atop a secret underwater base. Agent Under Fire will feature strikingly beautiful women characters and the thrilling Bond moments that distinguish the 007 films from all others.
Agent Under Fire for the PlayStation 2 will feature both single and up to four-player multiplayer split screen modes.
Key Features
Engage in a completely immersive first person Bond experience built exclusively for the next generation console system.
All new, original single-player storyline that builds on the Bond legacy with villains and allies, both new and familiar.
Three well-balanced gameplay experiences: action, stealth and driving.
A full arsenal of Q-lab weapons, gadgets and autos to utilize.
Fast, fluid action and spy-packed gameplay inspired by the 007 films.
Fantastic detailed 3-D environments that can only be experienced through the eyes of Bond.
Single and up to four person multi-player support.
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