007 - AGENT UNDER FIRE

Reviewed By: Scott MacDowall
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PlayStation 2
Produced by: Electronic Arts
Price Range: $50
Learning curve time: 1 hr.
Age level: 11+
ESRB Rating: Teen

Genre: FPS
Christian Rating: 2 of 5
   (offensive)
Gameplay: 4 of 5
   (good)
Violence: 2 of 5
   (heavy)
Adult Content: 3 of 5
   (mild)

It's a testament to the quality of Rare's "Goldeneye 007" that four years later developers are still trying (and failing) to better it. Since acquiring the James Bond license, Electronic Arts has already released one Goldeneye replicate in the form of “The World is Not Enough” but sadly it failed to captivate gamers. With the PlayStation 2 at their disposal, they're about to try all over again.

Screenshot from '007 - Agent Under Fire' Based upon a completely original plot regarding a dastardly villain trying to take over the world with a band of clones, you assume the role of the world's most famous spy. Over 12 missions you'll fight against a legion of dangerous henchmen, and utilize enough weaponry and gadgets to take on an entire army. It won't be long before you'll feel truly immersed into Bond's exciting world. From the opening level onwards the game exudes atmosphere.

All the action is perfectly encapsulated by some superb graphics. The levels are brimming with nice details and the frame-rate remains pleasantly high. Not that's there much time for sightseeing, as your attention will be firmly focused on the onscreen action. Polished cut-scenes and some absolutely superb music round off presentation so slick even James Bond would be impressed.

Nicely there's no definitive way to complete a mission. Why risk fighting a guard when you can simply shoot out the support above his head and send a crate tumbling onto the unfortunate fool? Frustratingly, the harder missions become vague about what exactly is and isn't allowed, forcing the player to waste time discovering which parts of the scenery are interactive. Special mention must however be given to the driving levels. It might seem risky trying to blend two different genres together but congratulations to E.A. for pulling it off. They're a thrill ride from beginning to end.

Naturally Christians should be cautious of this game. James Bond has never been a good ambassador for Christianity and this game is no exception. Thankfully Electronic Arts have a reputation for toning down the violence in their games so you won't see blood when you kill someone, and dead bodies fade away to nothingness in seconds. Christians may have a problem controlling such a violent, sexually loose, man. Guys, beware of cleavage-revealing women in this game, unfortunately an ever-present staple of James Bond's world. Perhaps someone should remind Mr. Bond, too, that he does not have a license to kill from God.

Despite its dubious missions “Agent Under Fire” is still one of the greatest shooters money can buy. Engrossing and exciting from start to finish, it suffers only from a lack of originality and a lackluster multiplayer mode. Even the controls, usually a problem with this genre, are easy to tackle. Strip away the Bond atmosphere and you may be left only with an average game, but with it we finally have an equal to the fantastic “Goldeneye”.

Year of Release—2001

Comments from Young People…
Positive—This game is violent but it also has extremely good gameplay at the same time. I think that it is an overall great game. My Ratings: [3/5]
—Chris, age 13

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.