Video Games Based Off Movies: 'GoldenEye 007' Review for Wii

Video games based off of movies can be a doubled-edged sword for gamers, simultaneously allowing players to trek into the familiar landscape of their favorite movies, while often employing disappointing and lackluster game play. "GoldenEye 007" for the Nintendo Wii manages to be one exception to this rule, and the latest visit to the world of "James Bond" by game developers picks up where the Nintendo 64 (N64) version left off. A difficult act to follow, considering the N64 version of "GoldenEye 007" remains one of the most popular titles that system ever released.

One nice feature of video games based on movies is that, if correctly done, players can enjoy the video game adaptation whether they are fans of the film or if they have never seen the original movie prior to playing. Both the original and the new version of "GoldenEye 007" take place during the storyline of the "James Bond" film "GoldenEye" from 1995, beginning in Russia and following James throughout the trials and ordeals he endured on the big screen.

"GoldenEye 007" Pros:

The Wii version of "GoldenEye 007" replaces Pierce Brosnan as the voice of James, instead utilizing the sophisticated yet rough voice of the latest actor to step into the famous shoes, Daniel Craig. Although the original "GoldenEye" movie did star Brosnan, the substitution of Craig for the retired "James Bond" personality lends a much more modern feel to the latest chapter in the franchise. With the upgraded audio capabilities of the more advanced Nintendo console, "GoldenEye 007" truly comes to life with a believable cast of voice actors.

Another nice upgrade to this new release version of "GoldenEye 007" is a surprisingly higher amount of challenge. The N64 version, at least on the easiest mode, was fairly quick to defeat-even the levels you had to unlock. However, the Wii version manages to keep the formula which worked in the former version, while upping the challenge to keep veterans of the N64 version interested. Stealth works much better in the new version-much, much better-which gives players more options in their personal style of game play.

Considering the "James Bond" films adequately portray James as a master spy, it's only fair to expect the video game adaptation to offer enough satisfying puzzles to make players feel they're acting out the espionage element. Gamers can opt to try the silent assassin technique, or go into most settings with guns a 'blazing.

"GoldenEye 007" Cons:

Unlike the original "GoldenEye 007" title on the N64, this latest video game adaptation of the popular "James Bond" movie manages to have awkward controls. Although the game designers incorporated multiple options as far as controlling James, including the Wiimote and Nunchuck, Wii Zapper gun, or the Wii Classic Controller, mastering the mechanics of the game takes up a good portion of the first few levels. Multiplayer is even more brutal, although equally inexperienced players will be equally frustrated with the learning curve. "GoldenEye 007" masters can certainly exploit this disadvantage the first few sessions against new players.

Being unable to skip cut scenes is a major disadvantage for any video game worth playing through a second time; it was obnoxious and unnecessary even the first time through. Another featured which was a downgrade from even the vintage N64 version is the regenerating health. This detracted considerably from the overall difficulty of this video game adaptation, and it only disappears on the hardest difficulty. It also makes it easier for players to opt-out of the stealth techniques, though such could be considered a boon for anyone against the challenge of subtly.

"GoldenEye 007" Verdict: 4/5

Ultimately, the Wii version of "GoldenEye 007" takes most of the fundamental appeal players first discovered in the N64 version, and converts it into the modern gaming era. With the voice acting changes, the challenge upgrades, supberb graphics and audio, "GoldenEye 007" feels just as novel and new as it did on the N64 following the success of the "James Bond: GoldenEye" film. With the popularity of both versions remaining strong, and the general receipt by video game enthusiasts, "GoldenEye 007" is a great example of how video games based off movies can be enjoyable all-around, balancing the task of paying homage to the movie which inspired the game, without making it impossible for gamers who haven't seen-or didn't like-the original film to appreciate the title.