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With the release of this title, Electronic Arts takes its lucrative 007 licence full-circle. First came games based on hit movies, then EA opted for an original Bond-like adventure featuring a generic, if pretty characterless, 007. Bond’s latest incarnation, the fifth since EA snapped up the franchise, is perhaps the most convincing, since it features the best of both worlds. This is an entirely original Bond story with lead characters based on, and voiced by, the cast of today’s blockbusters.

Everything or Nothing stars Dame Judi Dench, John Cleese and, of course, Pierce Brosnan in a tale worthy of Ian Fleming himself. The all-new plot sees Bond taking on the villainous Russky Diavolo (voiced by Willem Defoe), who is intent on restoring world power status to his homeland.

The game employs a healthy mix of playing styles across the levels and the super-spy is well equipped with weapons and cutting-edge gadgets from the Q-Lab. Bond also gets behind the controls of several vehicles, including a tank and an armed helicopter. In some scenes Bond brazens it out, fists flailing or guns blazing, to pick off the enemy, but most of the time greater cunning is needed. He must lurk in the shadows, dodge behind crates or don disguises to slip past security guards.

Graphically rich, with great sound effects and music, the game also has some very tough levels. The biggest departure from the norm is that this is a third rather than first-person caper, which makes the “lock-on” targeting action less satisfying. Still, the over-theshoulder style does allow for the seamless integration of glossy scenes to drive on the plot and add a more genuine movie-like feel to the game.

Tim Wapshott