Activision have announced details of their upcoming James Bond videogame, a re-imagining of the classic "GoldenEye 007"...

Activision Reveal "GoldenEye 007" Videogame Details

14th June 2010

At the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, California today, Activision announced a new James Bond videogame for release later this year. The news will not come as much surprise to regular readers, as both "James Bond: Bloodstone" and the re-imagined remake of "GoldenEye 007" had been credibly leaked for some time.

Now Activision has confirmed the widespread rumours that the classic first person shooter, "GoldenEye 007", is making a long-awaited revival. The game has been developed conjointly by UK-based Eurocom and US-based n-Space. Eurocom are no strangers to the James Bond franchise, having worked on several titles when the rights were held by EA, notably "Nightfire".

At the end of this year fans will be able to relive all the legendary moments from the original game; globe trotting from St Petersburg to the Caribbean and numerous other levels fans will recall from the original game will be included in Activison's remake.

Developed from the ground up solely for the Wii, "GoldenEye" takes advantage of the latest technology to deliver the same intense experience with today's graphics and physics. Play a modernized version of the classic story, with Daniel Craig's likeness as 007, more lethal and cunning than ever, as you take on missions around the world. As a Wii exclusive, the new GoldenEye 007 gaming experience will reflect modern technology advancements, while channeling nostalgia for fans of the franchise.

The trailer, leaked earlier today by gaming website IGN, hinted at some remixed features, including the ability to play as up to 8 Classic Bond characters from the James Bond franchise including Jaws, Odd Job and Scaragmanga.

This 1:39 preview begins by asking a focus group if they thought the original "GoldenEye 64" videogame was the greatest shooter of all time, to which the group responds positively. The trailer proceeds to show fans a series of tightly-edited in-play shots which give fans a glimpse of digital Daniel Craig in look and sound. Many of the signature moments are retained, including the dive off the dam and sneaking through the ventilation system to surprise the guard in the rest room.

 

Gameplay Features include:

  • Play as the likeness of current 007 actor Daniel Craig.
  • Released exclusively for the Nintendo Wii
  • 4-Player Split Screen gameplay
  • Online multiplayer modes
  • Retro graphics
  • Locations recreated based on 1995 film and 1997 game
  • Players fight adversaries including Trevelyan and Onnatopp

16 in-game modes, including:

  • Paintball
  • Melee Only
  • You Only Live Twice

Whilst the trailer begins "This November...", the release date of "GoldenEye 007" is yet to be confirmed and according to the Activison website, it is pencilled in for the Holiday season, 2010. It is expected to retail for US$49.99.

Split-Screen Multiplayer / Classic Bond Characters
"GoldenEye 007" features an unprecedented lineup of four-player split-screen MP options, including 40 total characters, 8 classic Bond characters, 5 maps, 3 standard modes and 16 special modifiers that allow gamers to create hundreds of game combinations. GoldenEye 007 also features online multiplayer for up to 8 players designed for seasoned FPS online gamers with unique modes and a robust XP system for unlockables and achievements.

Choose the Way you Play
Blending fast-paced first-person shooter (FPS) action with covert gameplay, GoldenEye 007 epitomizes the modern "thinking man's shooter" by offering varied ways to complete each mission, destructible environments, the use of cover and multiple control scheme options, including the Wii Remote™, Nunchuk™, Classic Controller Pro™ and the Wii Zapper™.

In addition to the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, "GoldenEye 007" also supports the Classic Controller Pro for gamers who want to play with standard FPS controls and the Wii Zapper for "point and shoot" gamers; players will have several control scheme options, allowing them to experience GoldenEye on Wii any way they want.

The Legacy of "GoldenEye 007"
The original "GoldenEye 007" was a a two and a half year project for its team, ultimately released in July 1997, over two years after the film it was based on hit the cinemas. "GoldenEye" was met with modest success that year, but year after year the popularity grew and grew and today, "GoldenEye 64" has sold over 8 million units. Gamers admired its comprehensive stealth and varied objectives as well as its multiplayer deathmatch mode.


Above: Screen shot from the original Nintendo 64 version of the game; the tank chase can be seen in the trailer for the forthcoming Activison "GoldenEye 007".

Not only was it popular with the fans, but the critics lapped up the work as well. The game's original developer, Rareware won the award for "Best UK Developer" at the 1998 BAFTA awards whilst a poll conducted in 2000, Computer and Video Games readers voted "GoldenEye 007" into first place in a list of "the hundred greatest video games". Back in 2008, rumours circulated about an Xbox 360 remake, but sources reported that the project was cancelled after Nintendo put in a request to Activision that the project not be released on a rival platform.

"James Bond: Bloodstone"
In addition to the "GoldenEye 007" trailer making its way into the public domain, the official announcement of Activision's other 2010 title, "James Bond: Bloodstone" is expected to be forthcoming. Back in April 2010 the title was circulating the retail outlets on a pre-order sheet and inevitably got scooped up by the internet blogs. Racing-focused studio Bizarre Creations, the team behind "Blur" and the "Project Gotham Racing" franchise, are understood to have been developing the game since late 2007 and English actor Adam Croasdell will provide the voice of James Bond. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick promised fans in 2007 that the company was committed to revitalising the brand. Despite general understanding that their second title would be a racing game, it wasn't until December 2008 that Activision confirmed their plans.

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