CommanderBond.net
  1. Sony announces plans for another James Bond mobile game

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-07

    Following up their releases for both Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced plans for another James Bond mobile game (specifics to be announced at a later date)…

    OCT. 7 | MOBILE (Video Business): Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is preparing a new batch of mobile games that’ll take advantage of the latest generation of smart phones, announcing a slate of games based on movies and TV shows, including James Bond, Jeopardy! and The Three Stooges.

    Sony unveiled its mobile game slate today at the International CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment convention. Games will be available worldwide on everything from the iPhone and Blackberry to the new Palm Pre.

    The studio will update two of its most popular games—Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!—with new social networking features that allow users to compete against friends on Facebook and other networks. Sony also will occasionally push new content to gamers tied to theme weeks on the TV shows, allowing the studio to cross-promote the games and TV shows. Wheel is slated for a February release; Jeopardy! is due in March.

    Also due are games tied to some of next summer’s tentpoles. In The Three Stooges iPhone game, not tied to the movie being released by MGM in the U.S., players can join the gang and punch, poke and slap Larry, Curly and Moe with video clips from Stooges shorts. The app is due in May.

    In June, the studio will release a Karate Kid game tied to the new Kung Fu Kid with Jackie Chan. Angelina Jolie spy thriller Salt will get a game spinoff on the Fourth of July. Sony also is planning a new James Bond: 007 game, but hasn’t announced a release date or details.

    SPHE VP of worldwide mobile entertainment Kara Bilkiss said the studio is focused on creating games for four to six TV and movie titles each year, rather than putting out a high volume of games. The studio also has licensed properties from others for games, if the property doesn’t compete with Sony’s movie and TV lineup.

    Over the last year, the studio has released a slew of games tied to its theatrical movie slate: 007: Quantum of Solace, Angels & Demons, 2012 and Zombieland.

    Bilkiss said the latest generation of smart phones has changed the games business. Not only that, the mobile install base is so big that the studio can reach a much broader base of users than it can through game consoles.

    “Everyone has a mobile device,” Bilkiss said. “What’s really critical is the experience people are able to have from the game now. Two years ago, devices were so limited.”

    Pricing on mobile games vary by phone and mobile carrier. For example, Wheel of Fortune is available for a one-time fee of $4.99 on the iPhone, but through other carriers, its price ranges from $2.99 to $7.99.

    Keep your browsers pointed to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Twitter feed for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

  2. MGM debunks rumours of Fox takeover of James Bond

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-07

    James Bond will be staying with the lion.

    A few days ago, the We Are Movie Geeks website ran a report claiming that 20th Century Fox was supposedly in line to acquire the marketing and distribution rights to the 007 series from the troubled MGM studio (and current home of Bond).

    That report, which met with some skepticism amongst online Bond fans, has now been debunked by MGM itself.

    Film School Rejects reports that an official source has confirmed that the James Bond franchise remains with MGM and that they will announce the release date and distribution strategy [of Daniel Craig’s Bond 23] in due time.

    As always, keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Twitter feed for the most up-to-date Bond coverage on the net.

  3. Quantum of Solace Game Walkthrough (PS2) – Haitian Docks (3)

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-07

    Stuck on a level? Not sure where to go next? Use this CommanderBond.net walkthough as your guide to Activision’s debut James Bond 007 game, Quantum of Solace.

    This Quantum of Solace: The Game walkthrough is applicable for the Playstation 2 platform.

    NOTE: To access the CommanderBond.net walkthrough for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii and Windows PC platforms, click here.

    Quantum of Solace: The Game (PS2)

    Mission 3: Haitian Docks

    Walkthrough by: CBn Forum member Jaws0178

    1. Crouch and sneak past the secretary (Warning: if you do not crouch or you take too long, she will see you and your mission will fail). Once you have snuck past her, go right after the chainlink fence and take the door on the left.

    'Quantum of Solace' Game Box Art

    Quantum of Solace

    2. As soon as you have control of James Bond, use the wall in front of you as cover. You will notice in the distance a wooden box hanging in front of the barn. Shoot at this box, and the patrolling guard will go investigate. Once he has done this, while still using cover, move to the end where the ladder is. Once you are there, ascend the ladder. Remember to remain crouched and use the wall underneath the windows as cover. If you use the wall as cover, you do not have to worry about waiting until the guard is not watching.

    3. Once you have vaulted into the window that brings up the next check point, use the wall beside the door as cover and open the door. You are going to have to work fast because there is an alarm box on the eastern wall. Wait until the guard walks to the window, and shoot at the fire extinguisher that will be between them. I do not recommend shooting blindly because nine times out of ten, you are going to miss. As soon as the fire extinguisher blows, run in and shoot both guards. Once you have shot them, exit out of the double doors to their left.

    4. Once the cut scene has ended, crouch and run to the door. Do not run through the door. There is a security camera that will be facing you. Use the wall as cover and watch the camera as it rotates. When it is not looking, run to your right to the end of the walkway. There will be a hacking station right in front of you and a set of stairs to your left. Hack the camera. It is four digits and you have twenty four seconds to complete it. Once you have successfully hacked it, turn around and you will see an exhaust fan with a red starburst on it. Fire at this fan and it will fall on to the two guards. Warning: do not shoot the fan before you hack the camera or the camera will see the fan fall. Once the two guards are out of the way, descend the stairs and go through the door across from you.

    'Quantum of Solace'

    Quantum of Solace

    5. This next area involves you going from cover to cover. Make sure, as usual, you use the cover system. While crouched, and in cover, move to the left until you reach the end of the barrels and watch the guard on the other side of the chain link fence. There is an alarm panel to his left so make sure he does not see you. He is a standard patrolling guard who walks basically in a square. Once he turns right to begin his patrol, jump to the next cover. Repeat this action until you have reached the barrels by the fence and then come to a stop. The guard should have by now completed his patrol and come back. If he has not, move to the barrels on your left and use the cover of the building to get to the pipe. Climb the pipe and it will go into a cut scene.

    6. Now, you can pretty much toss stealth out the window. As soon as you get control of Bond, duck into cover behind the box directly in front of you. Warning: The box will not hold. If you look straight ahead and to the right, you will see a propane tank at the other end of the room. Fire at the tank with satisfying results. Once you have dealt with the opposition, run towards the shack at the end to the left. A cut scene occurs where you and Camille are informally introduced.

    7. Once you have regained control, you will noticed that Camille has run off. Exit out of the shack, and turn right at the end of the dock. About halfway, you will notice a door. Open this door and go through it. You get a quick break because there are no enemies in this room (on Operative and Agent modes). Once you are ready, go out the door and immediately turn right. You will see a large box. Use it for cover. If you look around, you will find that you have come out on the other side of the chainlink fence that was in part 5. Once you have dealt with the opposition, move forward cautiously. Now, here you have two choices. You can either run to the board that makes a covering spot, vault over it, and immediately vault back, using the board as cover, or alternately, you can run or crouch run to the far left side where there is a boat leaning up against some boxes. I recommend the latter for the simple fact that it is difficult to vault back across the board and use it for cover However, it is your choice. The same thing happens. Two more bad guys come out of the door. Once you have assisted them in their journey from this world, make your way to the door that they vacated.

    8. Now, as soon as you open this door, there is a guard waiting for you on the other side of the room, so I would recommend using the wall next to the door for cover. He will run as soon as you open that door as well, however, he won’t go far. Dispatch him and his partner at your leisure. Now, coming up is what I consider to be the most enjoyable “Bond Brain Scenario”. You will notice that you are in a room full of shelves. If you look at the second set of shelves, you will notice a connecting rod that goes from the shelf to the support. It has everyone’s favorite starburst that tells you “Shoot me!” Well, don’t just sit there, help the shelf fulfill its destiny to help James Bond. Oh, admit it, you’re jealous. There should be one more henchman for you to take care of. Once you have dispatched him, gather the weapons, and head for the door.

    'Quantum of Solace'

    Quantum of Solace

    9. Now, here you have a choice. There are three snipers. One is on the balcony of the garage right in front of you. (You will be entering the section from step 2), and there are two more snipers on the top of the building to your right (this would be the building where you climbed the ladder.) Your choice is this: either open the door, aim at the balcony, and send the goon to… well, you know, or you can use the right side of the door for cover, open the door and do pretty much the same. It’s your call, I have done both. The two snipers on the walkway are easy to dispatch. There is a giant fuel tank that you can make go boom. However, do not think you are done with just those three. You’ll have more company. They are coming from the left side out of the fence beside the garage. Dispatch them, and run to the staircase. Run up the staircase and use the fence for cover. I know that sounds crazy. There is a propane tank on your left. When you duck out, two guards will come running out; one left and one right. Fire at the propane tank, and it takes the one on the left out, leaving your odds at a better point. Once they are gone, run into the door that they came out of. Bear left down the ramp. Now, before you get to the door, use the wall for cover and crouch. Sneak to the end of the way. Try not to be seen because there is one goon standing behind a box across and kind of to the left of you. There is also a goon with a rifle on the balcony, and another fine example of humanity directly below the sniper. If you do happen to get spotted, it is okay. Now, you will notice a motor hanging on a rope. If you fire at it, it will fall. Once you have taken care of the three misguided mercs, climb the ladder that is across and to the right of you. Once you get to the edge, you will have to move across the ceiling with the assistance of a beam on the roof. Once you reach the other side (which coincidentally, is the balcony) step outside. You will be treated to a cut scene which proves why 007 is way cooler than that Bourne guy. What was his name again?

    10. You will find yourself at another one of those “rest areas” as I like to call them. This particular “rest area” extends all the way to the bottom of the staircase. You get the new Checkpoint at the bottom, so I would save there. When you are ready, open the door in front of you . Be sure you are crouched, and move forward, using the boxes directly in front of you as cover. There are boxes and a boat in this room. The goons will use both, so be careful. There is also a small tank in here between the boat and the boxes on the left. It will take out anyone on the left hand side. Just FYI. Dispatch of these “gentlemen”. There are I believe five or six of them that come in. Once your company have departed, gather up their weapons, and move to the door.

    11. Using the left side of the door as cover, peek your head out. You will see that you have made it to the section from step 1 of this walkthrough. Know what that means? You are almost done. Two more rooms to go. Use the boxes in front of you as cover and dispatch of any arch villains. Once they are gone, sneak to the end of the wall where the fence is from the room that you started at. One more goon awaits you there. Once he is gone, run for the door where you are treated to a cut scene, and you are done!

    Mission Complete.


    Quantum of Solace is currently available on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2, Nintendo DS and Windows PC platforms in the UK and US. Click here to order.

    Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date coverage of Activision’s Quantum of Solace.

  4. An evening with Bond girl Valerie Leon

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-06

    007 Magazine alerts us to an upcoming event in the UK featuring Valerie Leon.

    The ever glamorous icon of the 70’s Valerie Leon, Hammer Horror star, twice Bond girl and six times Carry On girl talks about her life and career during this golden age of British Film and Television. The talk will be illustrated with vintage stills and other items from her association with some of the 70’s classics.

    007 fans best remember Leon for her roles as the hotel receptionist opposite Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me and as the lady in the bahamas who ‘catches’ Sean Connery in Never Say Never Again.

    The event is expected to last approximately 75 minutes.

    This will take place at The Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, London, SW1. (Nearest tube Piccadilly Circus.) on Sunday, 1 November at 8:00pm.

    Tickets cost £12.00. To purchase tickets or for further information, phone the box office at 0207 287 2875.

    CommanderBond.net will keep you updated with all the latest James Bond-related news (be sure to check out our Twitter feed as well!).

  5. Daniel Craig to star in Courage for Concert benefit performance

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-06

    James Bond star Daniel Craig will be joining several other notable Hollywood names for a one-night benefit performance of Courage in Concert at New York’s Public Theater later this month.

    Daniel Craig

    Daniel Craig

    Theatre Mania reports that Craig will star alongside Kevin Kline, Meryl Streep, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Linda Emond and Mike Nichols for the show. They will be joined by original stars Jenifer Lewis, Austin Pendleton, and Frederick Weller, as well as cast members from the Broadway revival of Hair.

    The concert, which will take place on Monday, 19 October at 8:00pm, will use songs and poems from the 2006 Shakespeare in the Park production of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children. A live viewing party of the concert will be hosted at nearby Joe’s Pub, beginning at 7:30pm.

    Proceeds from the concert will benefit American Jewish World Service and Partners in Health.

    The Public Theatre is located at 425 Lafayette Street, New York, New York 10003.

    Tickets to the event are priced $250 and $2500, while viewing party tickets are $35. They can be purchased by calling 212-967-7555 or by visiting the official website.

    Keep your browsers pointed to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Twitter feed for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

  6. Win Titan's Ian Fleming James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1)

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-05

    CommanderBond.net is giving away a free copy of the just-released collection from publisher Titan Books: The James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1).

    Titan's 'James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1)'

    Titan’s James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1)

    The James Bond Omnibus (Vol. 1) is the definitive collection of James Bond’s adventures in comic strip form, collecting together for the first time eleven of Bond’s most thrilling and dangerous missions, adapted from Fleming’s novels that inspired the James Bond movies. Featuring an introduction from former 007 star Sir Roger Moore.

    The first bumper volume of its kind from Titan, ‘Volume 001’ presents Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds are Forever, From Russia With Love, Dr. No, Goldfinger, Risico, From a View to a Kill, For Your Eyes Only and Thunderball.

    This competition is open to all members of CommanderBond.net (CBn). You must be a registered member of the CBn Forums and answer the following question correctly to be eligible to win. Not yet a member of CBn? Register here now—it is free and only takes a minute!

    How To Enter:

    To enter, fill out the following questionnaire and send a Communiqué/Private Message on the CBn Forums to ‘CBn Competition’ (Subject: CBn Oct09 Titan) by Midnight EST on 23 October 2009 (simply click on the link in this paragraph).

    1. Which of the following James Bond comic strips was aborted prematurely during its original Daily Express run?

    1. Moonraker
    2. Goldfinger
    3. Thunderball
    4. Octopussy

    2. What is your CBn Forum Screen Name?
    3. What country/state do you live in?

  7. Official James Bond 007 Store opens

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-05

    Ever wanted to gear up like 007? Here’s your chance with the opening of the official James Bond 007 Store

    Now for the first time ever, James Bond 007 branded merchandise is available for you to purchase exclusively from RT Marketing, Inc. This merchandise was originally used to promote the 007 movies, DVDs and video games including such recent box office hits as Quantum of Solace, Casino Royale, Die Another Day and more. Many are limited editions and will never be sold again.

    Featuring clothing, accessories, gadgets, plus daily product specials, the official James Bond 007 Store is broken down into the following categories:

    • Apparel
    • Business Accessories
    • Bags and Travel Accessories
    • Drinkware
    • Eco Friendly Products
    • Electronics
    • Gift Sets
    • Key Tags
    • Sports & Leisure
    • Time Pieces
    • Writing Instruments

    Visit the official James Bond 007 Store

    Keep your browsers pointed to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Twitter feed for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

  8. Double shot of 007 all month long on Universal HD

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-05

    Tune in to Universal HD all month long in October and early November for a double dose of 007 every Thursday night.

    Beginning this past Thursday, 1 October and running through 13 November, two James Bond films will play back to back. CommanderBond.net brings you the complete schedule:

    'Diamonds are Forever'

    Diamonds Are Forever

    • Thursday, 8 October – 8:00pm:
    • GoldenEye: James Bond teams up with the lone survivor of a destroyed Russian research center to stop the hijacking of a nuclear space weapon by a fellow agent believed to be dead. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean and Famke Janssen.
    • Thursday, 8 October – 10:30pm:
    • Tomorrow Never Dies: James Bond heads to stop a media mogul’s plan to induce war between China and the UK in order to obtain exclusive global media coverage. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Jonathan Pryce and Michelle Yeoh.
    • Thursday, 15 October – 8:00pm:
    • From Russia With Love: James Bond willingly falls into an assassination ploy involving a naive Russian beauty in order to retrieve a Soviet encryption device that was stolen by SPECTRE. Starring Sean Connery, Daniela Bianchi and Pedro Armendariz.
    • Thursday, 15 October – 10:30pm:
    • Diamonds Are Forever: A diamond smuggling investigation leads James Bond to Las Vegas, where he uncovers an extortion plot headed by his nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Starring Sean Connery, Jill St. John and Charles Gray.
    • Thursday, 22 October – 8:00pm:
    • Live And Let Die: 007 is sent to stop a diabolically brilliant heroin magnate armed with a complex organization and a reliable psychic tarot card reader. Starring Roger Moore, Yaphet Kotto and Jane Seymour.
    • Thursday, 22 October – 10:30pm:
    • The Man With The Golden Gun: Bond is led to believe that he is targeted by the world’s most expensive assassin and must hunt him down to stop him. Roger Moore, Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland.
    • Thursday, 29 October – 8:00pm:
    • Thunderball: James Bond heads to The Bahamas to recover two nuclear warheads stolen by SPECTRE agent Emilio Largo in an international extortion scheme. Starring Sean Connery, Claudine Auger and Adolfo Celi.
    • Thursday, 29 October – 10:30pm:
    • You Only Live Twice: Agent 007 and the Japanese secret service ninja force must find and stop the true culprit of a series of spacejackings before nuclear war is provoked. Starring Sean Connery, Akiko Wakabayashi and Mie Hama.
    • Thursday, 5 November – 9:00pm:
    • GoldenEye: James Bond teams up with the lone survivor of a destroyed Russian research center to stop the hijacking of a nuclear space weapon by a fellow agent believed to be dead. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean and Famke Janssen.
    • Thursday, 5 November – 11:30pm:
    • For Your Eyes Only: Agent 007 is assigned to hunt for a lost British encryption device and prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Starring Roger Moore, Carole Bouquet and Lynn-Holly Johnson.
    • Thursday, 12 November – 9:00pm:
    • The Spy Who Loved Me: James Bond investigates the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads with the help of a KGB agent whose lover he killed. Roger Moore, Barbara Bach and Curd Jurgens.
    • Friday, 13 November – 12:00am:
    • The Spy Who Loved Me: James Bond investigates the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads with the help of a KGB agent whose lover he killed. Roger Moore, Barbara Bach and Curd Jurgens.

    For additional details, visit the Universal HD official website.

    As always, stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest news from the world of 007. Be sure to check out our Twitter feed as well.

  9. Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming's World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction released in US

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-04

    Nigel West’s Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction is now available in the US.

    Fusing together entries on Fleming’s famous 00-agent James Bond and detailed information on cases of espionage, real-life spies, MI5, SIS, CIA, KGB, and others, Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction asks the question: What proportion of Fleming’s output is authentic, and what comes directly from the his imagination?

    Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction is published in hardback by The Scarecrow Press and retails for $80.00. An Amazon.com order link follows at the end of this article.

    Ian Fleming

    Ian Fleming

    Twelve novels and nine short stories define one of the most extraordinary fictional characters of all time, creating the basis for the most successful movie series in cinematographic history, watched by more than half the world’s population. The single person probably more responsible than any other for glamorizing the murky world of espionage is Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, who himself lived a remarkable double life of spy and writer. Everyone has an opinion on why 007 became so successful, but one possible explanation is the ingenious formula of fact, fiction, and sheer fantasy. Certainly the author drew on friends and places he knew well to provide the backdrop for his drama, but what proportion of his output is authentic, and what comes directly from the author’s imagination?

    These questions and more are examined in the Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction. This is done through a chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on actual cases of espionage, real-life spies, MI5, SIS, CIA, KGB, and others. It also contains entries on Ian Fleming’s novels and short stories, family and friends, his employers and colleagues, and other notable characters.

    Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest literary 007 coverage.

  10. Charlie Higson interviewed: from Young Bond to The Enemy

    By Devin Zydel on 2009-10-04

    As many literary 007 fans are well aware, last month saw the release of Charlie Higson’s non-Bond adventure novel The Enemy in the UK.

    Although best known in the world of Bond for his (so far) five Young Bond novels, in a new interview with the Irish Times, Higson discusses some of the themes in this new horror story that aren’t so different from his past adventures featuring the young British spy in the making.

    ‘Obviously, there are things kids are interested in and not interested in,’ Higson states. ‘They’re not interested in mid-life crises and marriages breaking up, but that still leaves a huge range of human emotions they are interested in. You’ve got to take a subject that is going to be relevant to them. I don’t think there necessarily has to be kids in it for them to like it, but it helps for them to have someone to identify with. I didn’t approach it differently to the four adult thrillers I wrote in the early 1990s. You have to watch the language, of course, but that’s it.’

    He continues: ‘As a kid, if I read something I liked, I tried to write something like it. I enjoy the process of writing—the idea of creating something that wasn’t there before. In my teenage years, I’d be writing big, long fantasy books instead of doing my homework. Back then, there was very little of that kind of Tolkien-style medieval romance around; it hadn’t taken over the world like it has now. I loved myths and legends, King Arthur and Robin Hood. I used to like to read things where the hero had a sword. That to me was a good book.’

    The scent of danger and violence is often a winning formula for drawing in young boys to stories like The Enemy and the Young Bond books. As Higson explains, he had to push this point when embarking upon his 2005 Bond debut, SilverFin: ‘Children’s publishing is run almost entirely by women, which is by no means a complaint, but occasionally they can lose sight of what it is boys want in fiction. I had early meetings with Puffin, and they’d say: “It’s quite violent. Does it need to be?” I’d say: “It’s James Bond!” Even a 10-year-old is going to come to it with certain expectations about violence. You have to give them that or they’ll be bored and won’t accept it. And when [Puffin] saw the effect it had, and the fact that boys loved them, they relaxed. They were concerned that the teachers, parents, librarians and booksellers were going to say “We’re sorry but these books are too violent.’ But because boys did like the books, they all got behind it.’

    ‘Since I started, a lot more people have come into the boys’ action-adventure field and now you get guns on the cover, which was absolutely forbidden before.’

    He further credits Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling for generating a new level of respect for children’s novels. ‘The children’s book chart was originally created because books for children wouldn’t show up in the bestsellers’ list,’ Higson states. ‘They created their own list, and now they have to keep the children’s chart because if they put them back together there would be no adult books on it—apart from people like Dan Brown. All of us kids’ writers are eternally grateful to JK Rowling for opening the eyes of publishers and of the media generally. Now, kids’ books are respectable.’

    There’s much more. Head over to the Irish Times for the complete interview.

    Be sure to keep checking the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest Young Bond-related news.