James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing (PS2/Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * * * )

The influence of Ian Fleming's Bond franchise is far-reaching, not just in the world of video games, but in everyday life. Back before the X-Men and Han Solo, Bond stood alone as the archetypical male role-model. As a child, I have vivid memories of raising a single eyebrow as I sipped coolly at my Raro, shaken, not stirred!

Just like the big screen, Bond has enjoyed mixed success in video gaming. GoldenEye 007 was a hit on the N64 (back in the 1990s) but the franchise has been somewhat squandered since then.

However US software giant Electronic Arts spent an arm and a leg (plus probably another leg) securing the Bond licence so it would only be a matter of time before they got it right.

With no Bond film being released this year EA hired Bond writer Bruce Feirstein, the man who brought us GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World is Not Enough. Even without a movie to drive it James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing is the best Bond title since GoldenEye and marks a stunning return for the series.

It is hugely dynamic, with eye-popping production standards and a star-studded cast that make it feel almost like a film. Bond himself (Pierce Brosnan) was on hand for motion capture and voice duties.

Also appearing are Willem Dafoe (as the evil Nikolai Diavolo), Shannon Elizabeth, Heidi Klum, Mya, Misaki Ito and John Cleese as Q.

Like every self-respecting Bond, Everything or Nothing opens in a remote and dangerous location. Players spend the next 10 minutes blowing everything up (including tanks and harrier jets) and shooting anything that moves with a missile-launcher, and that's before the opening credits!

The game's 20-odd levels can be a little brief sometimes but they roll along at a good pace, divided into third-person action shooting (reminiscent of Kill.switch with its patented duck, lock on and fire option), vehicular combat (car or motorbike) and other typically thrilling Bond-like pursuits, such as flying helicopters, abseiling down walls and even base-jumping off a huge cliff.

The differences between the PS2, Xbox, and GameCube versions are trivial, so it's a matter of picking your favourite controller. Like the best of the Bond films, Everything or Nothing is a no-brainer, action extravaganza, and good enough to make us forget all about the old FPS Bond.

$99.95

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