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This year two new handhelds have hit the market. Both have their pluses and minuses, and both have wireless online capability. Even though the PSP is more powerful and provides iPod like features, the DS is holding its ground nicely doing games like only the big N can. What both systems do have in common is a hefty amount of launch titles, then falling flat for months. In Nintendo’s defense, their drought has almost ended and the games are rolling out, slowly now, but plenty due by year’s end. One of those games recently released is by none other than the mecha-giants themselves, EA Games. Goldeneye: Rogue Agent comes to us for the DS and for once, many gamers will be upset that this is NOT a port of an N64 title. Much like the console versions, you are a villain set out to rule the world and rid it of 007.
Visuals are very slick and we are finally seeing some of the graphic capabilities of the DS. While the cut scenes themselves aren’t much more than in game fly bys that move the plot along, the FPS engine is what shines here. There are some nice touches in the level design that give the world life, and everything moves by at a silky smooth framerate that never slows down. Sure, there isn’t much to the textures and the enemy designs are repetitive, but this still is a solid looking FPS. Audio is not as impressive. Providing awful MIDI music that gets more on your nerves then you into the mood, you’ll sure to be turning down your DS shortly after playing a few minutes into this one. Hey, at least you will be saving battery life! Sound effects are also very poorly produced and seem to use the lowest of sound qualities. From the gunfire, to the explosions, to the grunting and dying of your foes, the sounds hurt the game more than help it. To compliment the slick visual style is some grabbing gameplay that is not only great on the controls, but is challenging and addicting as well. The enemy A.I. on mid to hard levels will move, duck, cover, call for back up, set off alarms, and more, to keep you from charging into a room in a blaze of glory. The controls are also tight, responsive, and most importantly adjustable. Whether you prefer the stylus to aim, or the buttons, or even if your are a lefty (like me) you can set up your control scheme to buttons or the touch screen or however you like. The touch screen also provides a map feature and weapon select feature that will help gamers navigate and change weapons on the fly. I was curious without dual analog how a FPS would hold up on a hand held, but now I know…very well. Goldeneye: Rogue Agent offers a variety of modes. The single player campaign is much like the home versions. You go though a series of levels, complete objectives, kill tons of bad guys, fight bosses, and win the game. A virtual training mission mode familiarizes gamers with the mechanics and control schemes. Of course, once you have mastered the game, it is time to head to your favorite hot spot and take on other Goldeneye fans from all over the globe. The game supports up to 8 players on one card, which in this early life of the system, is very impressive. For the first DS FPS out the door, Goldeneye: Rouge Agent will more than fit the bill on both the lack of titles that have been offered the last couple months, and the lack of any real action titles too. If you are waiting on Metroid, this will also hold your attention until Nintendo decides that game is ready. Why wait for Metroid when you have the first great FPS on the DS now?
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