When GoldenEye 007 was released for the Wii last year, it proved that it is possible to successfully reimagine a classic. By combining the spy elements that made the Nintendo 64 original so engaging with modern amenities, it created a great experience that didn't use on nostalgia to be entertaining. One year later, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded comes to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 with updated visuals, as well as a few other changes, and it remains an enticing change of pace from other shooters. Thoughtful missions force you to complete diverse objectives as you slink through enemy territory, and when you're spotted, Reloaded transforms into a hectic action game with razor-sharp mechanics and a variety of deadly weapons. GoldenEye 007: Reloaded doesn't rely on the memories of an aged shooter to be great; it earns that distinction on its own merits.
A handy missile launcher takes down a pesky helicopter in a pinch.
GoldenEye 007: Reloaded is entirely different from the Nintendo 64 version, but that doesn't mean it has turned its back on everything that made the original distinct. James Bond is a world-class spy, and both games dramatize this fascinating profession by putting you through the rigors of globe-trotting espionage. There is a strong emphasis on stealth in Reloaded that rewards patient players who would rather silently avoid a firefight than rush in guns blazing. Whether you favor a sure shot from your silenced pistol or a quick melee strike when you move in close, quietly killing off your enemies is a thrilling rush that serves as your main tactic for most of this campaign. Occasionally, the AI becomes aware of you even when you swear you're safely behind cover, but that inconsistency is rare. For the most part, using stealth is your wisest strategy, and you can discreetly kill off a small platoon without having anyone notice that something's wrong.
Of course, a spy is more than just a silent assassin. After all, James Bond doesn't travel around the world just to satiate his bloodlust; he's on a mission to discover some kind of horrible truth. And to acquire these facts, you have to do some sleuthing along the way. Every level has objectives you must complete in between bouts of killing, and they provide an interesting diversion from the core gameplay. Most of them involve utilizing your handy smartphone to do things like snap a photograph or hack a device, and it's just a matter of lining up your target and hitting a button. But these moments make just as much of an impact as the shoot-to-kill action, thanks to the problem solving that goes along with them. For example, in the first level, you need to access a room that is seemingly sealed shut. But if you poke your gun through a small opening in the window, you can shoot off the lock barring your entry. Though these puzzles are easy enough if you just take a quick peek around the environment, they do a good job of reinforcing the fact that you're a spy.
James Bond has no problem gathering vital information and certainly knows how to avoid a fight, but when the action heats up, he's not afraid to take advantage of his license to kill. The Xbox 360 version doesn't get the precise aiming option offered on the Wii and PlayStation 3 (via Wii Remote or Move pointer controls) versions, but the standard pad works well no matter which console you use. You can easily target whatever vital organ or flailing appendage you prefer of an oncoming enemy, and the dull impact of a bullet that strikes pay dirt is exhilarating. Sharp controls aren't the only reason that the shooting is such a satisfying endeavor in Reloaded; your impressive loadout gives you plenty of firepower with which to play around. Pistols, rifles, shotguns, and more come with all sorts of different attributes, and it's easy to find one you like because they all feel so good. James Bond has plenty of options beyond firing his gun, but the smooth shooting mechanics ensure you're immersed no matter which path you take.
The single-player campaign lasts for more than 10 hours, and a good deal of variety banishes any chance of having repetition ruin your enjoyment. Some levels are designed with stealth in mind while others force combat to the forefront, but you ultimately have the choice in how you play. The tempo changes in a heartbeat if you accidentally alert the guards, and though you may kick yourself for being so clumsy, it's always a blast to loudly gun down your enemies when you were so quiet just a moment earlier. There are other gameplay twists that ensure the campaign doesn't tread predictable waters: Brief vehicle sections thrust raw destructive power into your hands, a frantic escort sequence pushes your reflexes to the edge, and even an intense boss fight is thrown in for good measure. The only misstep comes in the form of tedious quick-time events that are overflowing with cinematic flair but aren't any fun to play because there's a disconnect between your button presses and the on-screen action. Aside from those moments, Reloaded stays engaging all the way through.
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