GoldenEye 007

Game review

Released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, GoldenEye 007 is a groundbreaking first-person shooter that set new standards for video games in its genre.

GoldenEye 007 allowed players to step into the shoes of the iconic spy, James Bond, engaging in a series of missions that closely followed the movie's plot. The game was lauded for its engaging narrative and how effectively it translated the cinematic experience of a Bond film into an interactive format. Each mission was crafted with attention to detail, offering a variety of objectives such as reconnaissance, rescue, and sabotage, which added depth and diversity to the gameplay beyond mere shooting.

The levels were not just linear paths to be followed; they offered multiple routes and strategies to complete objectives. This design encouraged exploration and replayability, as players could discover new ways to approach each mission. The game also included a variety of difficulty levels, with higher difficulties adding extra objectives, providing a challenge for players of all skill levels.

The AI of the enemies in GoldenEye 007 was advanced for its time. Enemies would react to sounds, sight, and even the alarms players triggered, making the combat experience more dynamic and realistic. This added a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players had to be mindful of stealth and tactics in addition to their shooting skills. However, it was the game's multiplayer mode that truly cemented its legendary status. GoldenEye 007 offered a split-screen multiplayer experience for up to four players, featuring a variety of characters from the Bond universe and customizable game modes. 

This game is also one of the most popular games to do a speed run. Speedrunners, dedicated to completing the game as fast as possible, have continuously pushed the boundaries of what was thought achievable in the game. The speedrunning community around GoldenEye 007 is vibrant and highly active, with players around the world constantly discovering new techniques, shortcuts, and strategies to shave (mili)seconds off their times.

GoldenEye 007 is not just remembered as one of the best games on the Nintendo 64 but also as one of the most influential games of all time. It redefined what was possible in a video game adaptation of a film and set new benchmarks in level design, AI, and multiplayer gameplay for the first-person shooter genre.