James Bond 007: From Russia with Love
by Electronic Arts
Our Price: $9.99
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Category: Video Games
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Product Summary
Brand: Electronic ArtsRelease Date: 2006-09-08
Platform: Xbox
Model: XBEAG 014633151077
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Product features:
- Build your own Bond, based on Sean Connery, in a retro, 1960s Cold War era setting -- complete with classic cars, architecture, fashion, and exotic locations
- Innovative gameplay, wider variety, non-linear missions, introduction of new focus/zoom function
- RPG elements - Invest in your character by equipping, upgrading, scoring and rewards
- Intense action, driving, jetpack and stealth missions
- Features movie-based missions as well as original, action-intensive sequences
- Xbox xDream Pro Controller Green
- Xbox Wireless iGlow Controller Black
- Xbox 8MB Flash Memory Card
- Xbox iGlow Controller White
- Universal Battery Pack Charger
Video Game Reviews of James Bond 007: From Russia with Love
Customer Review: EA thinks you're dumb
Summary: 3 Stars
The beginning of From Russia With Love is a pretty indicative sign of the troubles to follow. It not only is incongruous with the story of either the movie or the remainder of the game, it's emabarrasingly easy and dull. I was struck by how restrictive and blocky the environment felt, and insulted by the bright red glowing ammo boxes and blue glowing armor vests. Have I grown stupid since my last Bond game? Do I need neon lights to point out power-ups? No, but I would have appreciated a more thoughtful attempt at this tribute to one of my favorite movies.
The worst crime EA committed was entirely misunderstanding the theme and pace of a classic Bond game. Challenge is presented through wave after wave of charging soldiers, each one as easy to mow down as the last. Exploration and discovery are nonexistent; the few sequences of varied gameplay are constricted to no more than pushing the A button (which alights on the screen for you) in proximity to a glowing onscreen "action" indicator. And the left trigger lock-on mechanic just emphasizes EA's inability to balance gameplay: every level is little more than running and repeatedly tapping the lock and fire triggers. The total lack of challenge in the gunplay evaporated my enthusiasm within the first two levels. This isn't James Bond, this is Sean Connery in "Die Hard". Yawn.
Speaking of Mr Connery, this vocal performance is pretty inexcusable, even for a 75 year old. He sounds less like our robust young hero than an old codger rushing through work just to grab a quick check and hit the Sizzler buffet. Though he may fancy himself as a guy who could still beat up Alex Trebek, the truth is that at this point Darrell Hammond is a better Sean Connery impersonator that Connery himself.
The sights and sounds of the game are impressive. A few of the movie's locales are re-created, and the developers generally did a solid job of conveying the atmosphere of the original sets. Watching the game over the shoulder of a player would give the impression of a fantastic world. Picking up the controller, however, reminds you what a dull and crushing path James must tread. Environments are tiny and heavily restricted, for example crates can be climbed using the action button, but only the ones which the developers deem necessary to advance movement. EA gave a half-hearted attempt at building an "upgradeable" weapons and gadgets system. The player earns "research points" by searching for information strewn thoughout the environment. These points can be used to upgrade your arsenal slightly, though I honestly couldnt see any benefits. And some flaw in the game prevented my from using "special" ammo on my weapons even after upgrade, leaving the excercise largely a waste. Idiotically, EA again used a glowing signal to mark each one of the valuable documents and drawers, completely rendering the search joyless.
I fully understand the need to expand and fabricate large portions of a film's story to build it into a video game. But the way EA butchered and bastardized the movie's plot is unacceptable. The chase scene in the Aston Martin is turned into an endless fragfest, with Bond exploding wave after wave of paper mache enemy cars. (Did I mention how cartoonish and awful the driving mechanics are?) And the climactic, terrifying fight scene in the train car is reduced to a dumb mid-game cutscene in a dining car, where Red Grant escapes and Bond is left to -surprise!- fight off wave after wave of generic henchmen. Grant reappears in what may be one of the dumbest, cheapest, cruelest boss fights I've ever endured.
If FRWL has one saving grace, it's the jetpack. The flying levels feel and sound like a jetpack should, and while little more than a button mashing fragfest like the rest of the game, it at least provides a sense of verticality and creative control that the rest of the game doesnt attempt. So in conclusion, if you love James Bond, Sean Connery, and the classic From Russia With Love...DON'T PLAY THIS GAME.
Description of James Bond 007: From Russia with Love
James Bond 007: From Russia With Love is the first game to put players in the universe of the classic James Bond films. Set in the original 60's Bond era, you'll create and manipulate Bond in a living world, based on the classic James Bond movie. Invest in your character and customize the ultimate Bond for a whole new level of gameplay options. Fully integrated vehicles, over a dozen weapons, and classic gadgetry with modern mechanicsAll Games
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