Rare. (1997). GoldenEye 007 [Video game]. Nintendo.

GoldenEye 007 is a first-person shooter developed by Rare and released for the Nintendo 64 in 1997. Based on the 1995 James Bond film "GoldenEye," the game casts players as the iconic secret agent, James Bond, on a mission to thwart a criminal syndicate's plan to deploy a satellite weapon.

The gameplay is structured across multiple levels, each presenting specific objectives such as retrieving items, destroying targets, and neutralizing adversaries. Players start with limited equipment but can acquire additional weapons and ammunition from defeated enemies. The game boasts a diverse arsenal, including pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, and grenades, each with unique attributes. Notably, the Klobb—a submachine gun inspired by the Škorpion—features a high rate of fire and wide bullet spread but is underpowered with significant recoil. Stealth mechanics are integral; excessive noise can alert enemies, and certain weapons come equipped with suppressors to facilitate discreet eliminations.

GoldenEye 007 offers three difficulty settings: Agent, Secret Agent, and 00 Agent. Higher difficulties increase enemy resilience and the complexity of mission objectives. Completing the game on these settings unlocks bonus levels and cheat options, enhancing replayability. A standout feature is the multiplayer mode, accommodating up to four players in split-screen deathmatch scenarios. Modes like "The Man With the Golden Gun," where a single powerful weapon is contested, and "Licence to Kill," where players are eliminated with a single hit, provide varied and engaging multiplayer experiences.

The development of GoldenEye 007 was led by Martin Hollis, with a team that included designer Duncan Botwood and programmers Mark Edmonds and Steve Ellis. Initially conceived as an on-rails shooter akin to Sega's Virtua Cop, it evolved into a free-roaming first-person shooter. The team drew inspiration from various sources, including the film's sets and other video games, to create immersive and realistic environments. The game was well-received, selling over eight million copies and earning critical acclaim for its depth, variety, and pioneering multiplayer mode. It is frequently cited as one of the greatest video games of all time and has significantly influenced the first-person shooter genre on consoles.