James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing (PS2)

• Platform:   PlayStation2
• Media: Video Game

In terms of gameplay though Everything or Nothing is far less extravagant. In contrast to previous Bond games it's viewed from a third-person perspective and looks and plays not unlike a more action-packed version of Splinter Cell. There are problems with the entirely manual camera system though--particularly the lock-on for the aiming system, which is frustratingly random in choosing which bad guy you target.

The vehicle sections, which use the same graphics engine as Need for Speed Underground, are less obstreperous and offer some of the most genuinely enjoyable moments as you hurtle in pursuit of bad guys riding heavily armed cars, motorbikes and helicopters. Additionally, both on foot and when driving, the game gives you the chance to trigger "Bond moments" when you find shortcuts or dispatch bad guys in particularly imaginative ways.

Everything or Nothing is perhaps the ultimate example of style over substance in video games, but there's just enough of the latter to ensure that everyone but the most pernickety of gamers will find something to enjoy. --David Jenkins

Product Description
In James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing the world's greatest secret agent returns in his fifth interactive adventure. First, you will think like Bond, using espionage, tactical skills, and gadgets from the Q-Lab to analyze your situation. Then you will act like Bond, using his stylish physical skills, clever subterfuge, and bold personality to once again save the world. Finally, you will see every Bond moment from the new third person perspective that shows the Hollywood cast playing out a real-time cinematic action adventure that could only come from the world of James Bond.

Returning as James Bond is Pierce Brosnan, who will lend his cyberscanned likeness and voice to the character. The rest of the cast will include new Bond girls as well as old and new Bond villains. The original script will take players through exciting locales in four continents including the Valley of the Kings in Egypt and the French Quarter in New Orleans.

To play out the challenge of thinking and acting like Bond, players will make choices ranging from direct confrontation to subtle misdirection when interacting with enemies. When it comes time for combat, Bond can engage in hand-to-hand fighting, using objects from game environments as weapons, as well as accessing a guns and gadgets. The discerning player, however, may find a multitude of different options ranging from disguise to distracting guards to using cover--and using these Bond-style tactics to outsmart the bad guys will reward the player with special enhancements including Q-Lab gadgetry. Other new features include two-player coop missions and four-player multi-player arena modes, all set in third person views and featuring multiple playable characters.

• PC & Video Games > Games > Action & Shooter