James Bond 007

Release Date - January 29, 1998 (EU)

Developer - Saffire

Publisher - Nintendo

Platform - Game Boy

Nintendo 64’s stellar first person shooter GoldenEye wasn’t the only cool James Bond game of the late 90s! While the Game Boy was getting positively geriatric by console standards in 1998 (having launched all the way back in 1989) it still managed to host some truly excellent games at the end of the decade. James Bond 007 shows that Nintendo’s warhorse handheld had some surprises left.

The title screen sets the mood immediately with a surprisingly good rendition of the classic James Bond theme. Much like the films the game is based on, players find themselves in an exotic location and in the middle of a top secret espionage mission. Specifically, James Bond is in China, trying to uncover a major arm dealing cartel. 

Despite the simple graphics, the game manages to convey a nice variety of locations.

James Bond 007 plays (somewhat surprisingly) like an action-adventure game in the vein of the Legend of Zelda series. Taking a top down perspective, James Bond can punch, kick and shoot, but this hardly is the main focus of the game. Exploration and puzzle solving, finding new tools to reach new areas is the order of the day here with James being encouraged early on to search each location for hidden items and speak to the locals for hints.

The mission in China does a good job of easing players into the game, while the plot advances with Bond uncovering a much larger conspiracy behind the arm dealing involving a few familiar rogues. Following the usual Bond formula, 007 is then transported back to MI-6 in London to report back to M and pick up some new gadgetry from Q. You even have the opportunity to flirt with the lovely Moneypenny in the lobby, great stuff!

“You’ll have to show me your secret moves sometime, James.”
”Sorry, they’re classified".

The game soon has you flying all around the world from Marrakesh to Tibet and more, all tied together with some nice map screens to give you a real sense of exploration. Being a hand-held title, the levels are thankfully not too long and the checkpoints are frequent enough that you can play in relatively short bursts without having to commit to long sessions. Each location has its own theme music that fits the Bond style and location. Best of all, you get the iconic James Bond theme sting (you know the one I’m talking about) whenever you complete a major milestone! The fact it's usually paired with a classic James Bond one-liner makes it all the more satisfying.

Be ready to travel all around the world, you are an international man of mystery, after all.

The graphics are a great example of what the Game Boy can do, with very simple, small sprites that are quite functional and still manage to convey a different feeling for each environment and character. Each location has its own feel and enemies are easily identifiable despite the small screen and limited graphical capability of the Game Boy. Bond himself is notable for his suave hand-in-pocket walking animation! Bikini clad Bond-girls also make an appearance, and James will waste no time in flirting with them at every opportunity.

James Bond is a keen baccarat player, and it the card game plays a key role in the Marrakesh mission.

As you progress through the game, players will discover that some items will carry over from location to location. Sometimes hidden items can be found that will make your future missions easier and/or unlock new locations that you might otherwise have missed. Likewise, Bond’s arsenal of weapons will grow from just his quick wits and fast hands to his signature Walther PPK pistol, a rifle and even explosives.

CVG#197 was very positive about James Bond 007, awarding it a 4/5 score!

It wouldn’t be a James Bond game without the gadgets though, and thankfully James Bond 007 doesn’t disappoint in that regard. Q is quick to provide you with items like electrified keychains and a laser-shooting wrist watch. These will be essential to getting through certain segments, and sometimes have multiple uses. The combat is basic but works well for this type of game, where using the right item or weapon is usually more important than being quick on the draw. 

Overall, James Bond 007 is an unassuming title that will surprise a lot of players for a unique blend of spy thriller setting and action-adventure puzzle solving gameplay. It remains a testament that sometimes lesser powered hardware is no limiting factor to good game design. Best paired with a vodka martini… shaken not stirred.

“Don’t touch anything, 007!”