James Bond 007: From Russia with Love Review (no fat)

The game is heavily licensed; people who have seen the movie will surely be able to recall spots in the game instantly. But that which would usually make games bland has given this game a novelty type coating, the icing on the cake being Sean Connerys’ authentic voiceovers.

There are a lot of stages to go through, all of them with a variety of ways to complete. This style of play ensures a player never just shoots his way through a stage, enhancing the replay value a couple of notches.

One part of a stage may require you to be in a car, and suddenly in the other part of it you are on foot. The controls are easy to master, and a steady hand usually means a good shot. The difficulty level is not too high and for good reason, as this title is about flair and fun more than extreme strategy.

Players can upgrade their weapons and arsenal with Research points, and who won’t not be interested in dressing up Bond character with the finest of clothes. There are plenty of add-ons, as well as secret footage, artwork, and much more for anyone who wants to get their moneys worth of the game.

From Russia with Love-And, From Russia with Love

This game is the digital version of the full movie, likely to attract a lot of non gamers attention and likely to put off players not interested in a 60’s Bond. Throughout the game there are the usual Bond references that fans have come to know and love, with a few surprises around the corner for everyone.

The welcome third person perspective gives a lot of freedom to movement, and shows off the fantastic and highly interactive environments. Little skill is required to get through the game besides accurate aiming-which is easily accounted for. The fast pace has slowdowns in many areas, where action takes a backseat to stealth. This is where the style and class of James Bond really shines, as players get a first hand view of what it is all about to be a smooth agent.

James Bond 007: From Russia with Love Graphics

Top notch for the PS2, EA did not skimp on the facial models nor the view. Correctly detailed environments and clearly marked button prompts during action sequences will visually bring the gamer into the Sean Connery role. But due to some PS2 limitations that everyone has come to know and love, there are slowdowns in heavy sequences that mimic a turtle in quicksand. Well not that bad, but it is noticeable in some of the most graphic intensive areas and may or may not hamper the gameplay for some individuals. Bond girls are shapely, as they should be, and easily put the over-polygonal Lara Croft in her place. A nice bit of work went into Eva (played by Maria Menouno).

James Bond 007: From Russia with Love Sound

Exciting special agent music on cue at the right times, the music is classic in every way. But it is not the music itself that is the standout but the timing of it. Timing is a nice element in action games, that if done right can get that adrenaline pumping and give the player that extra oomph. James Bond 007: From Russia with Love hits the right notes at the right times and should please all age groups.

James Bond 007: From Russia with Love Summing Up

From Russia with Love is a savior to the EA Bond license. A dying one which should be quickly revived not only with a solid and fun game, but a real life movie with a new James Bond (Daniel Craig ) will give fans even more to talk about.

The game itself is nothing revolutionary, and is nothing more than playing a role that has already been cast. Many of the in-game elements are computerized, and sometimes out of a player’s hand. Tipping over a table or using a special bond ‘martial arts move’ seems rehearsed. But the fun factor of the game does not suffer as it serves its purpose as a great time waster, and one can’t ignore the coolness factor of being Sean Connery.

If anything, it would have done the title a lot of good had there been an online gameplay mode. As it turns out, there is only a split screen multiplayer that pits you against other Bond aspirants in some enjoyable battles. Despite the lack of online gameplay, and some minor glitches with frame rates in hectic onscreen events, this game is fun for all ages… even for those who actually went to the theater to see Sean play Bond.

James Bond 007: From Russia with Love Cost

The game currently retails for $43.00US.