From Russia With Love

The film is stuffed full of action and adventure, something EA are clearly trying to recreate here. Gone are the days of a Bond game meaning running around, shooting and winning. This game requires you to use your brain, if you don't you die. Viewed from a third person perspective, this game is a mixture of Splinter Cell, Metal Gear Solid and GoldenEye. Whilst at times all the game asks you to do is shoot like it is going out of fashion, you can also enjoy hands on fighting and cool 'Bond Moves', but also tactics, defending and quick thinking. Just like James Bond, you need to keep your brain in your cranium, not just your trousers...

Be warned though: this game has all the depth and complexity of an episode of Trisha. Fun and entertaining it may be, but multifaceted and challenging like Half-Life 2, it is not. More than ever though, this game really is a labour of love. You can really see the high production values this title brings with it. Across the 14 varied and expansive missions that make up the main game (along with some special bonus levels) you will experience some wonderfully classic Bond moment, all intersected with some genuinely entertaining and beautifully animated cut-scenes.

 

This game is a real looker. The environments in which you play are outstandingly created with some lovely lighting effects and animations. In one early level you get to drive around the streets of a city. Not only are there other cars, but people and expansive scenery too. Whilst it might not have too much depth to it, the look of the game is very impressive. We were particularly amazed at the extent of the detail on Bond's face. In fact, all of the characters have been treated to some great animation work and when they talk, their mouths move accordingly! Speaking of talking (confusing

 

The shooting mechanics are also very impressive. Using what is now becoming the 'tried and tested' mode for this sort of title, EA have implemented the 'lock on and shoot' method in FRWL (hilarious acronym

 

This game also excels through its use of gadgetry. The standard laser watch is included, along with the Q-Copter, Briefcase Turret and Sonic Cufflinks. The best of the lot is the Q-Copter, a flying miniature explosive helicopter fitted with a camera (designed like the cutest little bomb you ever did see) that you can zoom through air-ventilation systems to blow up obstacles or locks on doors that are preventing you from progressing. Essentially pointless, but wonderfully good fun. We didn't even mention the jetpack in all that, this is perhaps the best addition to the game. There is just something undeniably stylish about flying around Big Ben shooting baddies and saving the girl! Sadly, the boat and car sections are fairly horrific. The controls for both are painfully unresponsive and confusing. Even after a good hour practising the driving sections, we still couldn't get the sodding car to go round corners without hitting something...

Make no mistake though, this game is very easy. The enemy AI is more akin to 'enemy stupidity'. For the most part your foes will just stand about waiting to be shot. Occasionally they will duck for cover behind something or they might attempt charging straight down the barrel of your gun (clever stuff