The increase of bonafide gurus of the genre was afoot, as Black Ops/EA stepped into the spectrum of the Bond quotient with the debut of Tomorrow Never Dies for PlayStation. Goldeneye, as anyone who's experienced it would agree the standard for console first-person shooters were set. Delivering a wholesome blend of rich gameplay, innovative AI, and an extensive degree of replay value (notably in multi-player mode), Black Ops worked diligently to meet the standard established by its predecessor.

Reloading the barrels of action and success, Black Ops returns to deliver The World is Not Enough, the latest 007 film featuring the suave international spy James Bond. Like the outset of the film, players will immediately jump into action as Bond is sent to investigate the mysterious murder of an MI6 agent, who held possession to a classified file based on the Russian Atomic Energy Department. The file was accidentally purchased by Sir Robert King, an old friend of M; believing the contents to contain information on the terrorists that attacked his pipeline. Meanwhile, a Swiss banker named Lachaise, a middleman in this affair, has offered to return the money to Sir Robert. Bond must in turn, reach Lachaise in order to determine the agent's killer, acquire the money, and most importantly - escape from the Swiss bank.

Anyone who's familiar with the film will find it easy to associate with the stages divided into ten mission objectives. To enhance the entire "Bond experience", TWINE features mission briefings complemented with audio/video sequences that relay pertinent information to aid players in their upcoming mission. M, Bond's commanding officer outlines your objectives; while Q breaks down the functions of the various sophisticated gadgets such as the Cell Phone Stunner and VLF Disruptor that will be at your disposal. For added novelty, Moneypenny also throws in brief tasteful comments which are casually amusing, if at the very least, mildly insignificant to your briefing.

Unlike Tomorrow Never Dies, which notably, was filled with an unstable frame rate, TWINE remains smooth at all times. Thanks to an all new 3D engine, Black Ops has scored an impressive display of high-res textures, detailed environments which expands upon the motion picture's action highlights, and solid visual angles that never comprises your point-of-view. Even when the action begins to rise and you've got a trio of enemies greeting you with guns in tow, be assured that frustration will be derived from other factors. Perhaps it was the fact that I am just scrubby at the draw, as one could find me slinging obscenities left and right...and I was only on the third level! Patience is a virtue friends...believe me. As you make your way throughout the game, mission objectives will gradually increase in difficulty, which makes one wish the game was actually a bit longer; the levels are actually pretty short, and won't require much thought to complete them. Though in any case, TWINE radiates with fun and continues to remain challenging as you advance throughout the game.

During the initial era of first-person shooters, AI was anything but sophisticated; specifically in the manner of actual awareness and displaying some degree of, well...intelligence. Nothing disheartens an avid gamer of the genre more than engaging dull AI. Gone are the mindless characters that run around the entire game environment like they're all vying to be candidates of cannon fodder. I for one, am certainly pleased to see Black Ops took notes and substantially upgraded the enemy AI's diversity. I especially took note once I engaged the fifth level (Night Watch) and couldn't help but feel that Electra King's guards were inspired by the Genome Soldiers from Metal Gear Solid. See, they weren't just walking aimlessly on patrol, they're quite thorough and exceptionally surreal. Not only do the enemies react to you (as they've possess a keen field of vision), but they'll communicate with each other, clear their throats, investigate ambient noises, retreat, and utter various phrases. Suprisingly, I couldn't help but get chills as my only means to impede their actions consisted of a limited supply of tranquilizers and my cellular stunner...ah, the trials of a spy.

The World is Not Enough is full of elements that induce the stunning experience that remains constant, not stirred. The various musical compositions featured throughout the game set the tone and fit like a glove, although the standard Bond theme is quite overused. Throw in practical use of PlayStation's high-quality FMV capabilities, and be ready to experience movie-like cinematics that ensue before and after the missions are successfully completed. TWINE rewards assiduous gamers that go beyond the call of duty. Upon attaining a predetermined mission score, new modes can be unlocked, thus expanding the gameplay value and the overall enjoyment of the game within.

With all this gushing of praise, does TWINE succeed in being the best Bond to date? Not exactly. While the character models are significant texture details, they animate in a stiff fashion. Evidence of this didn't become apparent to me until I reached the Russian Roulette stage, talked to Electra King and one of the security dames. It was quite humorous to note that...they represented the only female model types for the entire level, as if you've seen one, you've seen them all. In addition, if you stop to watch them pull back a strand of hair...you'll discover that they're pulling invisible strands...not good Black Ops. While there are an abundant number of gadgets at your disposal, most will only have a use of one or two instances...VLF disruptor is a perfect example. While level design is certainly to be commended, gameplay features like this should be utilized to their full potential, much like any standard FPS.

Lastly, while John Cleese thankfully was able to lend his voice talents for the role of Q, the other voice actors are just a bit shy of hitting the mark. While the acting isn't by any means disappointing, the roles played for Electra and other supporting characters are just a wee bit off. A minor setback at best, that would only give attention to itself provided you've actually seen the film.

From start to finish, the action never disappoints due to the complement of diverse missions, sharp AI, and a tight control system. Ironically, as a gamer that generally hasn't had an appetite for titles of this category, The World is Not Enough featured the basic elements integral for an impressive game...which has thus inspired me to play more in the future! Admittedly, I was quite impressed with the overall execution as it truly creates the atmosphere of a Bond adventure. It's ashame the game lacks a multi-player mode (as featured in the N64 counterpart), or this could come marginally close to unseating Goldeneye as the best Bond FPS to date. Nevertheless, I am quite pleased with Black Ops, as they clearly stand out amongst the pack in contrast to developers more interested in the profits then looking towards the end result - consumer satisfaction. While developers continue to bank on the success of movie franchises (regardless of their popularity factor at the box office), it's great to see that TWINE shines on the spectrum of right and wrong, as to the making of a solid entertaining title.

· · · Bahn