007: Everything or Nothing GameCube

It seems that video game tie-ins of massive cinema releases are becoming more and more common in the games industry. This is largely thanks to massive software houses such as Activision and - more specifically - Electronic Arts. The world's most prolific developer and publisher, EA's own Bond series has been given with a predictably warm reception. There have been four previous outings for 007 under the EA banner, but let's now look at the fifth instalment, Everything or Nothing. Another brand new story, Everything or Nothing tells the tale of a bunch of microscopic metal-eating 'bots that unsurprisingly bring the threat of world destruction with them wherever they go. Okay, it's the usual end-of-the-world scenario in which an insane villain must be brought to his knees, but it's worked in the movies for years, and it works well here too. With regards to gameplay, similarities can be drawn with several other well-known console offerings. Splinter Cell and perhaps even Syphon Filter may have been used for the inspiration of Bond's latest virtual outing, but ultimately it's a game that EA itself has crafted, and by the looks of it, it's the company's best Bond game yet. The game entails players infiltrating a number of top secret bases via some well executed stealth tactics, but this game may be best known for its diversity. As well as the classic third-person adventure, Everything or Nothing offers several other gameplay elements, including mission-based bike racing. Very cool. This 007 outing is very much like its predecessors, and because it's the fifth Bond game from EA, all that know-how makes it the most refined and playable.