by Matt Kelly

Created on: June 18, 2010   Last Updated: June 20, 2010

For every console released, there is one game that defines it. For the N64, it is the stupendous Goldeneye.

Goldeneye is a first person shooter based on the James Bond film of the same name. The game was developed by Rare and released 2 years after the film, in 1997, the game is still a must have to this day.

As you would expect from a Bond game there is a wide selection of weapons to choose from, pistols (including the classic ppk), Grenades, assault rifles (Including the unstoppable AK47) even a laser can be found and used. Alongside James' extensive arsenal is a few gadgets thrown in for good measure including an electro magnet, a watch mounted laser and a remote mine detonator.

There is an extensive single player campaign to undertake with numerous and varied levels. From evil villains arctic bases to deep in the sweltering Jungle there's a load of levels to get through. At one point in the game, James even jumps behind the controls of a mighty tank (laden with explosive shells I might add), enemies create a pleasing squishing sound as they are effortlessly run over by the tanks tracks.

A lot of locations will be recognised from the film (such as the huge damn that Pierce Brosnan leaps from in the beginning of the film. The graphics are great and the locations are nicely realised.

The soundtrack is driving and atmospheric and really complements the games feel. Sound effects sound realistic with meaty explosions and cries of pain as you mow down scores of evil henchmen.

As with all of the best examples of the FPS shooting your enemies in the head will drop them quicker than a body shot (especially when body armour is worn).

A nice little touch is that there is a slight element of auto aim present in Goldenye, while it's not enough to take away from the challenge of the game, it's just the right amount to make taking on hoards of enemies a little more manageable, (as it's a Bond game you know there are gonna be waves and waves of enemies).

You need to aim directly at your enemy before the auto aim kicks in, any less and mass shootouts would become too difficult, any more and it would feel too easy and like the game is doing all the work for you.

The single player experience is superb all round but it's in the games multiplayer that Goldeneye really comes alive. Many playable characters are available all recognisable from the film, there are 8 at first but as with all great games plenty more can be unlocked as you progress through the single campaign (25 new characters can be unlocked).

There are a nice choice of multiplayer modes, including classic deathmatch (of course), the man with the golden gun where a single golden gun (capable of one shot kills anywhere on the body) is located at a point on the map, when a player acquires the gun the drawback is that they then appear on all the other players radars. Also a version that sees each player trying to obtain and keep a little flag, you drop the flag when you are killed and the idea is to accrue the most points by being the one who holds the flag for the longest time.

All round an amazing game, it has everything. A good story, tons of gadgets & weapons, great graphics, simple yet effective controls, a lengthy campaign complete with unlock-able content and a massively coherent and well expanded multiplayer experience.

An absolute triumph, reccomended to anyone and everyone, fun on your own or pitted against your mates, Goldeneye is truly one of the top 10 games of all time.

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