'Spud' has written in to let us know that Amazon US is now listing the PC Version of NightFire for sale.
Amazon have it listed for the 'Windows 98 / Me' platform, what happened to Windows XP I don't know, and are selling it for US$44.99.
Thanks to 'Spud' for writing in with the info!
Amazon UK have listed all four versions of NightFire for pre-order and given them all a release date of August 11, 2002. No other details have been listed except for a rating of 11+.
Follow the links to the corresponding version:
PC Version £29.99
XBox Version £39.99
GameCube Version £39.99
PlayStation2 Version £39.99
Thanks to Spud for letting us know!
IGN Games have scored videos from the XBox version of NightFire which has been previewed at E3 in Los Angeles.
There are three different videos of different segments in the game. They are called "Skydiving cut-scene", "Pretty Girl" and "Awesome Footage". IGN has noted that the game has a long way to go before it is complete in terms of polish and graphics, however, "it's already looking great, sporting a huge draw distance, high-res textures, and a slick framrate of 60".
You can follow this link to the videos.
The official Electronic Arts website has updated to reveal some great screenshots from the forthcoming gaming title, NightFire. The screenshots show some of the amazing graphics that will appear in the game, and also a new glimpse of the digital form of the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish.
'Three Blind Mice' has also pointed out that GameSpot has screenshots of the game here and here.
This year's E3 has seen some great upcoming games; Command & Conquer Generals, Age of Mythology and many more (well, them two are my most eagarly awaited games!).
…oh, and not forgetting Nightfire – by Gearbox Software (creators of Half Life)!
Top PC gaming sites, IGN and Gamespot have both given their impressions on the game featured at E3, so check them out:
Here are some small tasters:
IGN:
There are tons of scripted events in the game, but the play is by no means linear. In fact, gamers can attack the same objective in several different ways. For example, in the first level, Bond must gain access to the castle in the background and sneak inside to attend a party, but he can't just walk through the front door as it's heavily guarded. Smart players will quickly notice that a nearby bridge enables their agent to jump down and onto a moving truck below — the vehicle will drive right into the enemy compound and Bond will be inside. However, there is another route: players can alternatively walk out into the woods and to the edge of the castle. From there, they can skirt around the structure, careful to avoid guards and enemy helicopters, until they come to a second-story ledge and a window that grants them access inside. Either way works — it's just a matter of player preference. Indeed, on some levels, Bond will need to be stealthy while in others he might find it beneficial to straight out attack the enemy.
This gives me some great faith in the game. With all the other console games (other than GoldenEye), I felt that the gameplay was very linear. With GoldenEye, you was given a level area, and you had to work here completing the objectives – running back and forth. With The World Is Not Enough (as an example of the other four), you had a path, and that path had to be followed if you wanted to complete the missions, you couldn't make big choices on your actions.
Gamespot:
We're told that the game will have more than 20 missions, focusing on both single-player and multiplayer, and that the PC version of the game will have bonus content that the Xbox version won't.
That's just a small snippet from the article on Gamespot, but points out one of the advantages to having the game on the PC, rather than a console version. Although it sounds as though this "bonus content" will come with the game, additional content, such as multiplayer levels will hopefully (depending on the mod capabilites) be available for download. Also a level editior, which will allow for fans of the game to create their own custom maps. Many other "extras" are available to PC versions of games over consoles, the main reason why I've refused to buy a console. However, this is my own speculation, but most game developers nowadays do include the option for mods. We'll just have to wait and see – fingers crossed.
This year's E3 has seen some great upcoming games; Command & Conquer Generals, Age of Mythology and many more (well, them two are my most eagarly awaited games!).
…oh, and not forgetting Nightfire – by Gearbox Software (creators of Half Life)!
Top PC gaming sites, IGN and Gamespot have both given their impressions on the game featured at E3, so check them out:
Here are some small tasters:
IGN:
There are tons of scripted events in the game, but the play is by no means linear. In fact, gamers can attack the same objective in several different ways. For example, in the first level, Bond must gain access to the castle in the background and sneak inside to attend a party, but he can't just walk through the front door as it's heavily guarded. Smart players will quickly notice that a nearby bridge enables their agent to jump down and onto a moving truck below — the vehicle will drive right into the enemy compound and Bond will be inside. However, there is another route: players can alternatively walk out into the woods and to the edge of the castle. From there, they can skirt around the structure, careful to avoid guards and enemy helicopters, until they come to a second-story ledge and a window that grants them access inside. Either way works — it's just a matter of player preference. Indeed, on some levels, Bond will need to be stealthy while in others he might find it beneficial to straight out attack the enemy.
This gives me some great faith in the game. With all the other console games (other than GoldenEye), I felt that the gameplay was very linear. With GoldenEye, you was given a level area, and you had to work here completing the objectives – running back and forth. With The World Is Not Enough (as an example of the other four), you had a path, and that path had to be followed if you wanted to complete the missions, you couldn't make big choices on your actions.
Gamespot:
We're told that the game will have more than 20 missions, focusing on both single-player and multiplayer, and that the PC version of the game will have bonus content that the Xbox version won't.
That's just a small snippet from the article on Gamespot, but points out one of the advantages to having the game on the PC, rather than a console version. Although it sounds as though this "bonus content" will come with the game, additional content, such as multiplayer levels will hopefully (depending on the mod capabilites) be available for download. Also a level editior, which will allow for fans of the game to create their own custom maps. Many other "extras" are available to PC versions of games over consoles, the main reason why I've refused to buy a console. However, this is my own speculation, but most game developers nowadays do include the option for mods. We'll just have to wait and see – fingers crossed.
EA have announced that the next Bond game; James Bond 007: 'NightFire' is due to be released in Late 2002 for the PC. Gearbox Software, based in Dallas, TX, is developing the PC version. EA will publish and distribute the game worldwide in late 2002 under the EA GAMES brand.
The other versions for the Microsoft XBOX, Sony Playstation 2 and Nintendo GameCube consoles, will be released at an earlier date, hopefully in time for the summer.
The first preview of NightFire will be featured at the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2002 that begins in Los Angeles, California in less than two weeks. CBn will report the information of the different versions when revealed at Expo 2002.
This Morning, Electronic Arts announced that the Next Bond game is in development;
James Bond 007: NightFire,
Will ship for GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox and the PC! in time for the summer holidays.
NightFire will feature a completely original storyline written exclusively for the game, similar to what has been done for Agent Under Fire.
The title has been reported to borrow elements from more than 40 years of Bond's legacy, and will take players through locations and scenery such as the snowy Austrian Alps, into the underwater depths of the South Pacific and aboard space stations above the Earth's atmosphere.
We know at the moment that the plot and characters will contain a criminal mastermind called Rafael Drake, the head of a mysterious environmental corporation seeking world domination, CBn will report to you as soon as more is known about this.
The UK developer Eurocom Entertainment, which created the N64 The World is Not Enough game, will be behind the GameCube, Xbox and PS2 versions of NightFire, while Gearbox Software, creators of the very popular Half Life series, is dedicated to the PC version. NightFire is reported to be primarily a first-person shooter, including action and stealth objectives.
We are told that exotic locales, beautiful women, a wide arsenal of weapons, spy gadgetry and spy craft will appear, but a third-person view is also used for specific puzzle areas and to show off 007's good looks during the in-game cut-scenes.
The title will challenge players to determine when to go out blasting, when to use special spy craft to accomplish goals and when to play it sneaky.
It will feature 10 exotic locations in detailed 3D environments and next-generation graphics.
The game will also draw upon the last 40 years for a cast of villains and allies that will be both familiar and completely new to players.
The console versions of the game will feature exclusive driving experiences created by the Need for Speed team, (The same team behind the spectacular driving missions in 007 Agent Under Fire) and will incorporate such classic cars as the Aston Martin Vanquish (As Being Featured in Die Another Day) equipped with the latest Bond gadgetry. The PC version will boast exclusive single-player levels and a more robust multiplayer option. It is unsure at this time if the PC version will contain online/ LAN multiplayer support, but this information should come soon.
Earlier reports of the next Bond game have been referring to it as 'Phoenix Rising', but at this stage CBn is sure that 'NightFire' is the same game development but with a title change.
NightFire has been reported to have been in development with Eurocom and Gearbox for a considerable amount of time and will be up for show first on various platforms, at the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2002 which begins in Los Angeles, California in less than two weeks. CBn will report the information of the different versions when revealed at Expo 2002.
New Title To Deliver The Most Complete Bond Game Ever on Multiple Platforms
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 9, 2002 – Electronic Arts unveils plans for its new James Bond game that promises to deliver a complete 007 experience filled with action-packed excitement and intrigue that will leave players shaken… and stirred! James Bond 007: NightFire will take Bond fans higher and deeper than any previous Bond game with breathtaking locations and intense gameplay on multiple platforms. NightFire is currently under development and scheduled for worldwide release in late 2002 for PlayStation2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox video game system from Microsoft and PC platforms.
NightFire will feature an original single player storyline – written exclusively for the game and borrowing from the rich 007-legacy that spans 40 years. As Bond, players will operate in the snow capped Austrian Alps and the far reaches of outer space as well as underwater in the depths of the South Pacific to defeat the evil criminal mastermind Rafael Drake, the popular head of a supposedly benign environmental organization who secretly is bent on world domination.
NightFire will offer a deep and rich gameplay experience that epitomizes the Bond universe. The game is primarily seen through a fast-paced, first person perspective. The camera will switch to a dynamic third person perspective for particular interactive game mechanics or to show off heroic Bond moments. NightFire will feature a large variety of missions filled with furious action and stealth, gorgeous women exotic locales, and sophisticated spy-craft gadgetry that Bond fans expect. The console versions will offer action packed driving experiences with a host of exotic vehicles to bring the best Bond-like stunts to life.
NightFire features more than 10 exotic locations from around the globe and outer space. Each of the mission levels will offer enormous, highly detailed 3D environments that can only be experienced through the eyes of Bond. Level designs challenge players to determine when to blast their way through using high tech weaponry, keenly employ spy-craft tricks and upgradeable gadgets, or stealthily maneuver their way as they accomplish mission objectives and strive for the maximum agent ratings. NightFire will also offer an all-star cast of villains and allies, both new and familiar to the Bond universe.
Each of the platforms will offer unique features catering to that platform’s audience. For example, the console versions will feature exclusive driving levels – developed by the award winning team behind the Need For Speed racing games – that feature an array of 007-inspired exotic vehicles, including the Aston Martin Vanquish, equipped with weapons and gadgets. The PC game will offer exclusive single player levels for extended excitement and robust multi-player support.
NightFire for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox and GameCube is being developed by UK-based Eurocom Entertainment Software. The PC version is being developed by Gearbox Software, based in Dallas, TX. EA will publish and distribute the game worldwide in late 2002 under the EA GAMES brand.
James Bond was first introduced to movie audiences in 1962 when Danjaq, LLC and United Artists, released Dr. No. The 20th film in the franchise, Die Another Day, is currently in production and scheduled to debut nationwide on November 22, 2002. More information about the films can be found on the official James Bond Web site from MGM at: www.jamesbond.com, or at the Danjaq site at: www.007.com.
About MGM Interactive
MGM Interactive, a unit of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (NYSE: MGM), manages business development and production of interactive products for a variety of multimedia platforms, as well as talent and developer relationships. MGM Interactive's upcoming games include this fall’s latest installment to the James Bond videogame franchise, James Bond 007: NightFire, from Electronic Arts,; Rocky, from U.K.-based Rage, based on the unforgettable Academy Award-winning film; The Great Escape, from SCi, derived from the action-packed cult classic; and The Pink Panther, which casts the world's coolest cat in all-new games from France-based CRYO. For more information about MGM, visit MGM Online at http://www.mgm.com.
About Eon Productions/Danjaq, LLC
Eon Productions/Danjaq, LLC is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced nineteen James Bond films since 1962. The Bond films make up the most successful franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films, Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World Is Not Enough produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Eon Productions is currently in production of the twentieth James Bond Film, Die Another Day, which is due for release in the UK in November 2002. Eon Productions and Danjaq, LLC are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts (EA) posted revenues of more than $1.3 billion for fiscal 2001. The company develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide for the Internet, personal computers and video game systems. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, EA GAMES and EA.COMSM. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://www.ea.com.
An article from the latest issue of NGC Magazine, #66 released on Thursday 14th In the U.K, reports that EA's latest Bond game title 'Agent Under Fire' may not appear on GameCube and XBox consoles in Europe. Playstation 2 has a six-month exclusivity deal, and as Agent Under Fire was released in November in America on the PS2 console, it cannot be released until May time in Europe. The problem is caused because 'Phoenix Rising', EAs next Bond game, is out in November to coincide with 'Die Another Day' being released in Cinemas.
As NGC puts it, "Launching two Bond games within six months of each other would only ever be considered by a publisher consumed by a nauseating greed for cold, hard cash"
We have to remember that the game is being published by EA, who release the same title every year, with minor changes–FIFA 200X. This may suggest that NGCs theory is correct. Hence the secrecy of the plans to include Die Another Day plot and scenarios in Phoenix Rising, I believe it will contain elements of the movie in the game–it would suggest this by releasing the game at the same time as the movie and causing strains on contracts by doing this.
CBn will report more on this matter as soon as more information is available.
Thanks to Richard who notified us about this story in the NGC magazine.