CommanderBond.net
  1. Natasha Bedingfield, EA Bond Girl

    By righty007 on 2005-08-01
    Natasha Bedingfield

    Natasha Bedingfield

    According to an article at Billboard.com, Natasha Bedingfield, an up-and-coming British singer, will appear as a Bond girl in Electronic Arts’ newest Bond game, From Russia With Love, coming this fall. She may even perform the game’s title song a la Mya in 2003’s Everything or Nothing.

    Bedingfield’s debut album, “Unwritten,” has sold 1.5 million copies internationally. On 2 August, the album will be released in the United States of America. (natashabedingfield.com)

    Will Natasha Bedingfield be the voice of Tatiana Romanova, the character Daniela Bianchi played in the 1963 James Bond film of the same name or will she be the voice and appearence of a new Bond girl that wasn’t featured in the film version? That is unclear, but Game Informer mentioned that “EA is planning on adding in additional content so they can get some big-named talent involved.

    • Purchase Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” from Amazon.co.uk
    • Pre-order Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” from Amazon.com

    Pre-order From Russia With Love

  2. 'From Russia With Love' Level 2 Screenshots

    By Athena Stamos on 2005-06-24

    EA Games has once again provided us with 3 CBn-exclusive From Russia With Love screenshots. Last month we got a preview of Level 1: The London Level. Today we have screenshots from the game’s second level, Hedgemaze.

    From Russia with Love Hedgmaze Screenshot 4 From Russia with Love Hedgmaze Screenshot 5 From Russia with Love Hedgmaze Screenshot 6

    Hedgemaze is the first level adapted directly from the 1963 film. It’s a recreation of the famous From Russia With Love pre-title sequence in which we see James Bond (Sean Connery) being stalked by Red Grant in the gardens of SPECTRE island (in reality the gardens of Pinewood Studios). In this nighttime level of From Russia With Love, there is more of an emphasis on stealth gameplay since there are guards everywhere patrolling the OCTOPUS hideout.

    OCTOPUS hideout? Yep, you got it… in From Russia With Love SPECTRE will be known as OCTOPUS because according to EA there are still legal issues in regards to the use of SPECTRE.

    Stay tuned to CBn for the latest breaking news on From Russia With Love.

  3. 'GoldenEye: Rogue Agent' for Nintendo DS Reviewed

    By Devin Zydel on 2005-06-16

    As with the original release of EA’s GoldenEye: Rogue Agent, the game for the Nintendo DS has again met with some very mixed reviews. Gaming sites have given their reviews of the game; which site do you trust?

    One of the most successful games of all time was “GoldenEye: 007” for the Nintendo 64, released in 1997 by Rare. The game was way ahead of other first-person shooters of the time, offering many missions, zany cheat codes and some of the best multiplayer action for up to four people to compete in. Many people today still play.

    That said, it’s no wonder that a sequel has been produced. The sequel was released on Nov. 15, 2004, for the XBox, PS2 and GameCube. But now we have an altered version making its way to your beloved Nintendo DS.

    Rouge Agent” certainly lives up to its name by casting you as a secret agent who has been disgraced by MI6 and expelled from the British Secret Service. Since then, you have fallen in with a nefarious businessman, Auric Goldfinger. Dr. No, it would seem, has shot out your eye. In its place you have a golden eye that gives you a lot of new abilities, including the power to see through walls, a limited telekinetic ability and a shield.

    All of this has been preserved from the console version of the game, along with the story line. Additionally, you will find a very nice multiplayer game.

    One question that comes mind is whether the graphics are intact. The graphics aren’t 128-bit, like they would be on the XBox, PS2, or GC, so they have been reduced to the 64-bit level of the DS (think Nintendo 64, but a bit better). The graphics are certainly nice for a handheld system, and one thing that is definitely good is the fact that the frame-rate is up to par. The game runs at a solid 60 fps for the most part, which is important if you want to enjoy the game without it lagging on you.

    Full Review – Sun Herald

    On the console, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent was a very “meh” first-person shooter where FPS games are in wide abundance. On the Nintendo DS, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is master of the domain if only because of the lack of any competition in the genre. Other than the basic Metroid Prime Hunters demo that came packaged with the first round of Nintendo DS units, the handheld’s been lacking in the FPS genre, and Electronic Arts is there to fill the void. The final product is a valiant effort, but it really does have a distinct “We need to rush this to market NOW!!!” feel from start to finish. It’s certainly fun for what it is, but the loose ends and overall lack of polish are too obvious to ignore.

    GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is a James Bond game in license only. The storyline weaves through situations featuring familiar characters such as Dr. No, Goldfinger, Pussy Galore, Odd Job, and others, but Bond is nowhere to be seen. That’s because you’re playing as an agent dismissed from the MI4 agency, now buddied up with Goldfinger to assist in this evil mastermind’s feud with Dr. No. Whether the plot was successful on the console, it’s completely forgettable on the Nintendo DS version because of the poor storytelling through lame text cutscenes and talking heads.

    Full Review – IGN

    As with its console ancestor, Rogue Agent sports both a single-player campaign and multiplayer deathmatch. The single-player game is as uninspired as it was on the consoles, with a few downgrades unique to the DS. For example, enemies don’t move or flinch when they’re hit or spawn in suspiciously, and have downright brain-dead AI. That said, the weapon selection manages to cover the bases and the eye-based powers and a unique hostage-taking mechanism add a tiny bit of extra flair.

    Since it apes the previous console versions so closely, the single-player action seems decidedly mediocre. But midway through level two, something strange happened: I began to have a bit of fun. I played off and on as I chatted online, and found it vaguely enjoyable to mosey through the ultra-linear levels, taking breaks every now and then to rejuvenate my waning interest. I attribute this odd enjoyment to the game’s portable nature. Being able to play it in little bites while doing something else lets the game shine as a moderately engaging little time waster. Don’t get me wrong; it’s still a middling FPS at best. However, the transformative power of context allowed me to squeeze out some enjoyment that I was unable to find in its completely boring, plodding, over-produced, under-delivering big brother.

    Full Review – GameSpy

  4. Go 'Rogue' on Nintendo DS

    By Matt Weston on 2005-06-12

    Having hit Xbox, GameCube and PlayStation 2 late last year, EA’s GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is finally ready to make the transition to Nintendo’s handheld DS console.

    The Nintendo DS' unique dual-screen gameplay

    The Nintendo DS’ unique dual-screen gameplay

    Like the earlier versions, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent on DS sees you playing not as James Bond, but rather an aspiring 00-agent who is cast out of MI6 for reckless brutality. Recruited by Auric Goldfinger, you take part in a brutal war against Dr. No for control of the Bond underworld. Along the way, you will cross paths with a number of classic Bond characters, including Xenia Onatopp, Pussy Galore, Francisco Scaramanga and Oddjob.

    Despite last year’s releases of the game being panned critically and commercially, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is an eagerly-awaited addition to the Nintendo DS catalogue. The system’s dual-screen capabilities (hence Nintendo DS) will provide a whole new villainy experience for gamers. The upper screen will feature the main gameplay, as your character, GoldenEye, blasts his way through six single-player missions. The touch screen will provide all the information you need in your quest to control the Bond underworld, including ammunition levels, security codes and more.

    The game also features a number of new additions to last year’s console versions, including a “Virtual Training” mode, where players can finetune their shooting skills by defeating familiar Bond villains in a virtual reality simulator. GoldenEye: Rogue Agent also offers a unique multiplayer mode, in which up to eight players can face off against each other. Only one game cartridge is needed, thanks to the DS’ wireless capabilities.

    GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is available to pre-order now, with its release just around the corner.

    • Pre-order GoldenEye: Rogue Agent on Nintendo DS from Amazon.com (released 15 June)
    • Pre-order GoldenEye: Rogue Agent on Nintendo DS from Amazon.co.uk (released 1 July)

    EA’s next Bond game, From Russia With Love, which is currently in development, is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.

  5. 'From Russia With Love' Available for Pre-Order

    By Matt Weston on 2005-06-06

    Amazon.co.uk has placed EA’s next Bond game, From Russia With Love, up for pre-order, listing a tentative release date of 28 October 2005.

    A CBn-exclusive screenshot: Bond fights at the Thames

    A CBn-exclusive screenshot: Bond fights at the Thames

    A re-imagining of the film of the same name, From Russia With Love will see Sean Connery reprise his role as James Bond by providing his voice and likeness (circa 1963). The game is being crafted as a third-person shooter in a similar vein to last year’s hit, Everything or Nothing, in which gamers assumed the role of Pierce Brosnan’s 007, only in From Russia With Love, players will have the opportunity to slip into the original Bond’s tuxedo.

    EA are recreating a number of key moments from the film, but the game will also incorporate several original sequences, including a fiery face-off between a helicopter and a jetpack-sporting Bond set high above London’s Big Ben.

    The game’s release date is subject to change, however Amazon.co.uk has placed UK listings online for three console versions.

    Pre-order ‘From Russia With Love’

    From Russia With Love is also in development for Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.

  6. New 'From Russia With Love' Screenshots

    By Athena Stamos on 2005-05-27

    As a thank you to CBn for our ‘From Russia With Love’ at E3 report, EA Games has provided us with 3 CBn-exclusive screenshots from the London Level of the game.

    The party at the Thames River is interrupted James Bond fights at the Thames River Jet Packing around Big Ben

    + Left Pic: The party at the Thames River is interrupted
    + Center Pic: James Bond fights at the Thames River
    + Right Pic: Jet Packing around Big Ben

    London is the very the first level in the game. James Bond is attending a party near the Thames River during which there is an attack on Parliament and the Prime Minister’s daughter is kidnapped. 007 is called in. After much ground maneuvering and taking out enemies while on top a chandelier you will use your jetpack (which is equipped with both rocket launchers and machine guns) and fly up around Big Ben to take out more enemies and then face off with the Helicopter that contains the prime minister’s daughter and her captors. The rescue scene is Bond movie spectacular as 007 flies through the firey falling helicopter to rescues the girl.

    London level description
    from CBn’s ‘From Russia With Love’ at E3 article

    Also visit:

  7. 'From Russia With Love' at E3

    By Athena Stamos on 2005-05-22
    L.A. Convention Center

    Los Angeles Convention Center

    During the E3 Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Electronic Arts showcased their new James Bond video game. You couldn’t miss EA’s booth as it was the first thing you saw when you stepped inside South Hall. Connery’s portrait towered above you as a widescreen TV replayed the special From Russia With Love E3 trailer. Four computer monitors were set up under this display, each hooked up to an Xbox where you could demo 2 regular levels from the game and one multi player level.

    In the center of EA’s booth was a huge 360 degree projection screen where short previews of their new games were played. I spoke with Producer, Steve Papoutsis, and two EA representatives, Brent Dady and Tyler Vaught, about From Russia With Love. Here’s the info I received:

    • Story: From Russia With Love will follow the movie’s story line though there will be some additions as well as some twists and a new ending.
    • Team: The same team who worked on Everything or Nothing and Lord of The Rings are working on this game. The game is built around the Everything or Nothing engine, but has been dramatically improved.
    • Environment: What’s really cool is that you can interact with the environment by doing thinks like climbing or jumping over fences, boxes, debris, etc. The Environment is also more destructible, even the smallest details like bullet holes appearing in the wall when you shoot at it will show up.
    • From Russia with Love booth

      ‘From Russia With Love’ booth

      From Russia with Love booth

      ‘From Russia With Love’ on display

      EA representatives: Brent Dady and Tyler Vaught

      EA representatives: Brent Dady and Tyler Vaught

    • 60’s Style: Cars, environment, clothes, props, and 60’s James Bond action — ie shooting from the hip, judo. EA said that because Connery was a much more phyical Bond, the game is in 3rd person to show this.
    • AI: The AI is smarter. For example – if your enemy is hiding for cover you have to make him come out, he will not come out voluntarily.
    • Clothes: James Bond has different suits that you can change in and out of during the game. For example, you can switch between his classic white dinner jacket and his stealth suit whenever you like. Changing clothes is not just for looks, the stealth suit is actually useful when needed.
    • Gadgets: The Q Copter is one of the cool new gadgets in this game. It is similar to the Q Spider in Everything or Nothing acting as an sneak attach explosive. The enemy at first won’t be bothered by it but eventually will start swatting and shooting at it — the Q Copter can take a certain amount of damage before it will self destruct. There will also be gadgets and vehicles from other James Bond movies as well, like the Aston Martin DB5 (Goldfinger) and the Jetpack (Thunderball).
    • Targeting: Auto-aim, manual aim or, lock-on targeting. Lock-on Targeting is the way to go. You’re given different options on how to kill your opponent. Shoot him in the head, the chest or just shoot the grenade on his belt and have that blow him up. By using lock-on targeting you’re actually earning more points for skill which gets you more points that can be used for upgrades on such things as: guns, armor, ect. New guns are available on each level.
    • Characters: James Bond, of course! Donald ‘Red’ Grant, Tatiana Romanova, Sylvia Trench, Miss Moneypenny and Rosa Klebb. There will also be two present day Bond Girls in the game (like the girls from Everything or Nothing) who will be announced at a later date.
    • Connery’s Reaction: “[Sean Connery] loves the game; he wants to do another one!” -EA Rep

    E3 Demos

      EA's 360 degree screen

      EA’s 360 degree screen

    • London is the very the first level in the game. James Bond is attending a party near the Thames River during which there is an attack on Parliament and the Prime Minister’s daughter is kidnapped. 007 is called in. After much ground maneuvering and taking out enemies while on top a chandelier you will use your jetpack (which is equipped with both rocket launchers and machine guns) and fly up around Big Ben to take out more enemies and then face off with the Helicopter that contains the prime minister’s daughter and her captors. The rescue scene is Bond movie spectacular as 007 flies through the firey falling helicopter to rescues the girl.
    • Zurich Factory is a level that takes place near the end of the game. This level is a car factory and has one of the most destructible environments in the game — you can choose to be as destructible as you like as it doesn’t mater as far as points go. You can jump in and out of the jetpack as you please and you’ll also be able to drive around in the classic Aston Martin DB5. Your goal in this level is to plant explosives to blow up the factory.
    • Multiplayer: Venice Level — Up to 4 people can play in a tournament. Your character choices will be villains from From Russia with Love and other classic Bond villains (ie: Dr No). There will also be some female characters, but none from any James Bond movies, as most of the Bond Girls weren’t running around and shooting each other (this is something they had to work with Danjaq on). Something different: Jetpacks, vehicles & Q Copters will be usable in the multiplayer levels. If someone has a lock on you, you will be able to get out of it by rolling, ducking, etc. There will be upgrade boxes around the levels that you can pick up. Upgrades of things like, armor, guns, the golden gun, etc. but be careful sometimes these upgrade boxes will actually be booby traps and contain a bomb.

    Into the Pixel: An Exhibition of the Art of the Video Game

    From Russia with Love: Big Ben at Night by Jason Courtney

    ‘From Russia With Love’: Big Ben at Night by Jason Courtney

    • Into the Pixel showcases examples of the worlds of the world’s best art from computer and video games. Each year’s ITP collection is selected from a field of more that 100 submission by a jury of experts from both the game industry and the traditional art world. This year a piece from From Russia With Love by Jason Courtney made the cut.

    E3 Conclusion

    All in all I was very impressed with the game demos. I really felt the Connery vibe in this game. It was as if I was actually “playing” Connery’s Bond — it’s very hard to explain. If you loved Everything or Nothing you’ll definitly love From Russia with Love too. Thank you EA… once again you’ve done it right.

  8. Official 'From Russia With Love' Trailer

    By johncox on 2005-04-30

    Electronic Arts (EA) has released a teaser trailer for their upcoming James Bond video game, From Russia With Love.

    CLICK HERE to download/view the Quicktime trailer (4.8 megs)

    From Russia With Love will be based on the classic 1963 Bond film but will also feature new plot twists, gadgets and characters. Sean Connery lent his voice and likeness to the project.

    Visit EA’s official From Russia With Love website.

  9. James Bond Goes Classic

    By Athena Stamos on 2005-04-27
    EA's From Russia With Love

    EA’s ‘From Russia With Love’

    Electronic Arts (EA) launched the website teaser for their new James Bond video game, From Russia With Love on April 8th with a promise of more to come on April 27th.

    Well… more has come. Only minutes ago, the full official website was launched. Not much is there yet, but check out the games features and sign up for EA’s James Bond 007 Communique’ Newsletter. There are also 18 screenshots and six pieces of concept art that make you wish the game was in your hands now. Sorry, you’ll have to wait, but not long.

    EA GOES RETRO IN JAMES BOND FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE VIDEOGAME
    Sean Connery to Reprise Role as Bond

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 28, 2005 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced the latest installment in the widely successful James Bond videogame franchise, From Russia With Love, starring Academy Award-winner, Sir Sean Connery. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to ship this fall on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube under the EA GAMES brand.

    From Russia With Love, the game, will be based on the classic Bond film but will also feature new plot twists, gadgets and characters. Sir Sean Connery, appearing in his first-ever videogame, lent his voice and likeness to the project.

    “As an artist, I see this as another way to explore the creative process,” said Connery. “Video games are an extremely popular form of entertainment today, and I am looking forward to seeing how it all fits together.”

    Officially licensed by MGM Interactive, From Russia With Love is being developed by EA’s Redwood Shores, Calif. studio. This game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

    – Official EA press release

  10. EA Launches Official 'From Russia With Love' Website

    By Athena Stamos on 2005-04-08
    Sean Connery is back!

    Sean Connery is back!

    Electronic Arts (EA) and MGM Interactive have today launched the official website for their new James Bond video game, From Russia With Love.

    The new website currently features a teaser page sporting the official From Russia With Love logo, and promises official news on April 27, 2005 (coincidently the same day as the U.S. release of Ian Fleming Publications first Young Bond novel, SilverFin).

    Sean Connery will return to the role of 007 in both image and voice in the new game due out late 2005.

    Game Informer magazine recently ran 10 pages of coverage of the new EA Bond game, including the first pictures. CLICK HERE for CBn’s full coverage of that article.