Goldeneye 007: Reloaded Review for Xbox 360

System: Xbox 360, PS3
Dev: Eurocom
Pub: Activision
Release: November 1, 2011
Players: 1-16
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence

But even with all of the hiccups, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded's campaign is incredibly entertaining. It deviates enough from the original (and the movie) to make for an interactive and compelling experience, while staying true to the subject matter in a way that's both modern and classical. In short, it's the perfect renovation for hardcore fans of the original single-player campaign, and the multiplayer offers a similar experience.

Goldeneye 007: Reloaded Screenshot

I'm actually not sure how they did it, but they managed to capture the look and feel of the original multiplayer experience in a way that seems entirely authentic. Reloaded includes many of the same maps and classic gameplay modes (like Golden Gun and Escalation), but the throw-back experience really hits its climax when you switch on classic mode. In this mode, the Modern Warfare-style health regeneration is removed in favor of health packs. Your dad will love it.

However, some would say that this nostalgia comes at a pretty significant cost. Reloaded often feels dated right out of the box. Even though all of the models, maps, and movement have been reworked, it all feels familiar in a way that's slightly disheartening. Yes, Activision has managed to shrink wrap nostalgia in a way that's almost picture perfect, but it feels like spending time with a hot girlfriend who moved away years ago. Sure, she's still hot, but you've learned to live without her. Plus, you know about an even hotter girl named Modern Warfare 3 who's moving in next week.

Overall, I must admit that even with all of the overly nostalgic conciliations, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded is a genuinely fun game in and of itself. Activision has made some incredibly intelligent decisions in their revision strategy (Daniel Craig is the first Bond actor who can believably kill a Russian since Sean Connery), but in the end, nostalgia just isn't a strong enough foundation to build a truly great game on.

By Josh Engen
CCC Contibuting Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.5

Graphics
High quality graphics. Daniel Craig is a pretty man.

4.3

Control
Good, though often jittery in multiplayer.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Quality, authentic soundtrack, but in-game effects had problematic placement in the stereo field.

4.0

Play Value
Fun in short bursts, but probably won't kidnap 12 months of your life.

4.3

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Upgraded Multiplayer - Replay the multiplayer game that defined a generation but, now, with all-new enhancements.

True Next Gen - Experience GoldenEye on the next gen platform with stunning visuals, fast frenetic action, covert stealth gameplay, and unforgettable characters.

Playstation Move, Sharp Shooter, and Top Shot Elite support.

Customize single-player for the first time with campaign modifiers: infinite ammo, Golden Gun, Paintball, RPG, and many more.

MI-6 Ops challenge levels: covert, elimination, download defense, and assault modes across 11 unlockable challenge areas.

Classic conflict multiplayer mode features brand new additional classic characters, signature weapons, gadgets, and abilities.