The adventure begins in Cairo, where Bond is dispatched to assist Zoe Nightshade, a CIA agent engaged in an investigation to determine the link between a Hong Kong bio-technology Identicon with its parent company Malprave Industries. Moreover, suspicion indicates that a crimminal mastermind of the same namesake is planning to take over the world through the use of cloning technology. Players will travel throughout 10 exotic locations, giving host to myriad of villians, mystery, and intrigue in a plight to prevent Malprave from acheiving his diabolical scheme and save the world before it's too late.

Agent Under Fire is a impressive installment to the Bond pedigree. As highlighted earlier, Agent Under Fire builds its innovation and character upon a variety of elements featured in previous Bond editions, which embodies a immersive adventure that can be enjoyed by fans and newcomers alike. From the stylized menu screens which typify the Bond atmosphere, complemented by the classic 007 theme - the mood remains vigilant as you navigate throughout the various mission objectives. Upon selecting a new mission, M will outline your mission objectives, followed by a brief recap of the available gadgets which can be used during that level. Agent Under Fire features a bevy of weapons and gadgets. Much of the weapons you acquire will be collected within a respective level, but Agent Under Fire also rewards players based upon their performance, which varies from accuracy, completeness of all mission objectives, damage incurred, difficulty and a new feature to the series - "Bond Moves" in which you must complete a predesignated number of Bond-like actions for additional bonuses. Each round, players will receive a bronze, silver or gold rating, or the most elite rating - platinum. Sharp-shooters which earn gold or platinum bonuses will in turn be able to unlock special bonuses which include new multiplayer maps and hidden weapons to use in single/multiplayer sessions. I found this aspect to be immensely challenging, which is not only great for seasoned FPS types, but to casual players who gain additional incentive to play through the game in multiple game sessions to acquire new perks.

Aside from the star character, M and the master inventor R, the entire cast of allies and enemies are entirely new. Among them includes the surly Malprave, the feisty Zoe Nightshade, an infinite trio of enemy soldiers, and of course the sensual ensemble of Bond girls, complete with an ample dose of Bond wit and suave mannerisms (most which are evident in his expressions alone). Agent Under Fire delivers a much richer atmosphere that totally immerses players. Unlike previous editions which solely focused on exclusive FPS action, Agent Under Fire is also the first title to introduce driving and stealth elements, which creates a more virtual Bond-like experience similar to that which was defined in Metal Gear Solid. Those who experienced the travesty of 007 Racing needn't worry about shoddy play mechanics as the driving levels are based upon the Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit engine. The levels are exceptionally interactive, allowing players to practically go anywhere they choose - complete with interactive elements including pedestrians and live traffic! The result is a solid, arcade experience which immediately comes into play during one of the first levels of the game. Moreover, the game also includes a variety of rail-shooting missions that serve as a modest transition from various levels in which Bond gets behind the wheel (or rather…some heavy artillery) to diffuse the enemy element. In all, there's plenty of diversity that's circulated in a unique manner which truly makes the game enjoyable from beginning to end.

Of course, no Bond game can truly be complete without a multiplayer feature in which you and your friends can engage in some intense four-player split screen action (which requires a compatible PS2 multi-tap). Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to truly appreciate how excellent this feature has been acknowledged to be, although I can note from the experience of others that Agent Under Fire missed a few areas to unseat Goldeneye as the ultimate Bond multiplayer. There are a series of multiplayer games which can be accessed, consisting of "Capture the Flag", "Golden Gun" (one shot from your opponent takes out your opponent), "Top Agent", "Anti-Terrorist Training" and "Combat Training". Options are quite extensive, allowing players to customized the multiplayer game settings accordingly to adjust the time, point limit, number o f players, friendly fire, modifiers, to name a few. Unfortunately, among these host of features, it lacks one significant feature - bots. While it's enjoyable to go against your fellow comrades, the action can be substantially more enjoyable when there's a computer element involved, and sadly, Agent Under Fire doesn't offer what easily has been regarded as a highly sought option.

But to its credit, Agent Under Fire is an enjoyable game throughout, both in its single and multiplayer forms. While much of the action is pretty straightforward, the game's true appeal comes in the form the assorted bonuses awarded to diligent players that go beyond the "call of duty". Addittionally, it's features a diverse blend of gaming elements which expand the typical horizons of the earlier Bond gaming titles. Purists may have some reservations, but the first run on the PS2 certainly qualifies it as an impressive title. It's my opinion that EA recognized that it was time for a change, in which they'd no longer be bound by the restrictions of adhering to the outline of a feature film. And as I see it, entering the foray into this new avenue of original adventures can pave the way for future titles that can breathe new life into the traditional FPS model.

· · · Bahn