While not a perfect game, one of the first things that I said while playing "Nightfire" is, "this is better than a couple of the recent Bond movies." One of the most enjoyably "cinematic" games I've played in recent months, "Nightfire" even offers a pre-credits action sequence that serves to not only introduce the game's beautiful graphics, but also as a tutorial. This sequence has Bond flying over Paris, providing cover for another agent into a car, then Bond hops into a car and speeds off after a truck.



The story itself - something about a corrupt businessman who plans to take over the world using a weapon - isn't anything that Bond fans (or action fans in general, for that matter) haven't seen before. It's the little things that distinguish the game and make it a Bond-ian adventure: trying to break into a party in a castle in the mountains, Bond eventually has to make an escape with a briefcase. Briefcase is in a safe? No problem, cut through it with your pocket laser. Plenty of larger weapons are included, as well and Bond also picks up the ammo and weapons of the enemies he's killed. As for ammo availability, it's just right - there's not too little and there's not too much as to not have to think about conserving it.



As noted before, the game is made up of a mixture of driving (a level after the castle has a particularly chaotic snowmobile chase). The other variations hold up pretty well, but the basic first-person shooter levels are certainly the most involving. Quite a few well-done cut-scenes are present at various points in the game to present story elements - that's one definite positive about "Nightfire"; while it's overall story seemed a bit cliche, I liked the surprises and style that these scenes presented.



While I had fun with the game in general as a basic actioner, there were some concerns that I had. Early notice about the game made it seem like there would be multiple ways to approach certain tasks, but there really didn't seem to be that much variation on how players proceed. I'd also like to have seen a bit more frequent use of the gadgetry that Bond has available. Lastly, the game is rather easy - hardcore gamers will likely have not much difficulty with the game's 12 missions (although multiplayer does add additional value/features to the experience). Overall, "Nightfire" is a fun game that I found enjoyable, but it's not quite as intense and consistently action-packed as "Red Faction 2" and not as fast and full of options as "Timesplitters 2".



One other note: EA was able to secure the likeness of Pierce Brosnan for the game, but someone else - who sounds way different than Brosnan - does the voice. It's a bit odd, but I was able to get past it.



"Nightfire" is rated "T" (Teen). There's nothing particularly graphic about the game - it simply presents the same kind of action as any Bond movie.




Gameplay:

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Although I hated the default controls of "Nightfire", I was very pleased by the fact that the controls seemed wonderfully customizable. Within a matter of a minute, I was able to find a set-up that worked for me. It's also quite easy to switch between weapons or gadgets, while targeting isn't a problem, either.




Graphics:

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"Nightfire" is a delight in the graphics department. The cutscenes throughout the game provide stellar animation, while the in-game graphics are surprisingly good, too. The locations often (although not quite always) have a pleasing amount of background details, while the characters that you run into also look well-constructed. Lighting is also superb, while no instances of slow-down or choppiness in the presentation were spotted.




Audio:

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Aside from the weirdness of having someone who sounds totally different than Pierce Brosnan voicing a character with Pierce Brosnan's face, "Nightfire" has terrific audio. Gunfire is loud and crisp and may surprise in some of the levels where things had been quiet for a moment. Of course, there's also the music and plenty of great lines of dialogue.




Conclusion:

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I liked "Nightfire"; it's not without some concerns and there are games out that are better examples of the genre, but it's very cinematic, very stylish and often fun and exciting. The game's graphics are quite pleasing and audio/controls are also well-done. "Nightfire" is certainly worth a look.