GoldenEye 007 (N64)

Original Release: 1997
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo 64

The classic, popular game. I will be looking at a few different versions of GoldenEye, including playing it in an emulator specifically made for GoldenEye, so to be able to compare I opted for a close-to authentic experience, playing in the original resolution with the original controls, not taking advantage of some of the special options that I didn’t experience originally with the game.

GoldenEye took the world by storm, being one of the most famous Nintendo 64 games, particularly for its multiplayer, which was added at the last minute. Four people can kill each other in custom built arenas (some unique, others adapted from main levels) with different weapon selections and character choices. A lot of my time was spent with the singleplayer campaign.

I had very vivid memories of the Dam level. I got the N64 and the game for Christmas when I was 10 years old. I read all of the briefings and instructions and set about playing the game. I instantly loved it, even though I died a lot. I did encounter a frustration which most other players didn’t, which meant I spent all day on the one level.

The briefing said to use bungee rope to jump off the dam. This wasn’t in the inventory like other gadgets (like the covert modem), so I figured you had to find it. I scoured the level many times. Eventually, I gave up and just ran off the dam to kill Bond, which triggered a successful mission.

Next up is Facility, which felt colossal to me. There was so much to explore, including lots of side rooms, not to mention the joy of trying to headshot the guard in the toilet only to shoot his hat off, with him not reacting. Getting from the first area to the second area felt like a puzzle, even though it was just using a console to open a door.

Because I was playing on easy, I kept bumping into Dr Doak on some attempts, but not others – he seemed to be in different places. I had no idea what his purpose was until much later. GoldenEye is all about solving objectives and then reaching the end of the level. I love the idea of extra difficulty being done via extra objectives, but I personally dislike that this is also tied to stronger and deadlier enemies.

After a few more great levels, giving us some unique locations, we get to the level I replayed the most as a kid: Frigate. The idea of a having access to a full ship was great, and it felt like there were lots of ways to approach this one. The Phantom gun was also ultra cool. Here you have to reuse hostages, but luckily you have time to react, even with the N64 controls.

Playing GoldenEye when it came out felt great. Playing it using one of the default control schemes now feels extremely awkward. Dual analogue controls feel great for FPS games, but this used a stick and C-buttons. Even then, a setup close to now isn’t possible. turning left and right is linked to the the same section as moving forwards and backwards. GoldenEye did have something very close to modern day shooters – however, you needed to play using two controllers.

Each level manages to create a unique feel, either through level design or objectives – even when returning to Surface and Bunker. Another highlight was Archives, which looked great. Loads of people complain about protecting Natalya, but the main trouble was finding her when she ran away or accidentally shooting her yourself. Incidentally, Natalya is absolutely deadly in the Jungle episode, taking out enemies relentlessly with her super powerful magnum.

The train level is another favourite level. Even though it’s a straight line, there’s just a charm about it. Not even my complete inability to aim properly with the laser watch at the end dampens my fun of the level.

On that note, the weapons are very satisfying to use (apart from the KLOBB). They have great sounds and all have a unique feel to it. I loved the RCP-120, especially when you could duel wield them. You could only duel wield if you killed an enemy that was doing so, but it felt so satisfying using two guns at once.

After a great climax in the sky, I was very happy with GoldenEye. However, there were two bonus levels. Over the next few years, I finally completed Secret Agent and got access to the Moonraker level (my favourite non-GoldenEye Bond film when I was younger, mainly because of space). I never managed 00 Agent as a child, though, so the final level (plus the customisable difficulty mode), was stuff I only read about in N64 Magazine. Of course, there was still the multiplayer to play, and some cheats to try and unlock.

Finish levels on certain difficulties in certain times and you’ll unlock cheats. The game was clever in that most players would likely unlock some simple ones – such as DK mode – by playing normally, while things like invincibility and all guns were very difficult. Eventually, cheats to unlock the cheats were found and I was able to mess around with them.

I think the level and objective based structure of GoldenEye still holds up, and I wish more modern games would utilise it. Aspects of Goldeneye have definitely aged badly, such as the controls, but the game oozes charm that helps to counter it. With a few small tweaks, even those aspects can be fixed for a very enjoyable game.

One last thing I do need to mention: Grant Kirkhope’s soundtrack for this game is phenomenal, with a ton of great tracks. While the graphics may have aged, GoldenEye still sounds amazing.

Where to buy GoldenEye 007

GoldenEye is currently the only James Bond video game currently available officially. An emulated version original N64 version is available for rent on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online Plus subscription, while an Xbox Series port is about as part of an Xbox Game Pass subscription, or you can buy a digital version of Rare Replay, which includes a copy of the Xbox Series version of GoldenEye as an additional download.

Other versions

These will all have their own articles