007 Legends Review PC

Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise, 007 Legends promises a nostalgic trip through some of the most iconic moments in Bond’s history. However, while the premise is ambitious, the execution leaves much to be desired. Let’s break down how the game performs across several key areas.

Gameplay and Mechanics

From a gameplay perspective, 007 Legends feels more like a standard first-person shooter than an authentic James Bond experience. The game covers six classic Bond films, yet it doesn’t capture the essence of what made those films unique. Instead of using stealth or gadgets – hallmarks of Bond gameplay, the missions tend to rely on generic shooting mechanics, which grow repetitive after a while.

Quantitatively, the game performs well in terms of shooting mechanics, but falls short on level design. Enemies are often predictable, and the cover system feels clunky at best. The AI lacks intelligence, making the game too easy for seasoned FPS players, yet frustrating due to its repetitive nature.

Graphics and Sound

Visually, 007 Legends looks dated, especially on PC. Released in 2012, it hasn’t aged well, with textures and environments appearing flat and uninspired. Characters, including Bond himself, are stiff, and the animation quality pales in comparison to other shooters released around the same time.

You play as the current James Bond in Daniel Craig in this latest instalment of the franchise. At the very beginning of the game you are on a moving train and you fall into some water which makes Bond have flashbacks about he’s past experiences. So you will be playing in all these levels of all the classic Bond movies with Daniel Craig.

The voice over is not done by Daniel Craig himself, but rather a terrible impressionist who has decided to step in. The voice for Bond on this game is one of the worst of all time and they really destroy some of the classic lines that were made so famous.

A lot of the actors and actresses who played the classic villains have stepped in to do the voice overs of some of the characters in the game which is good.

The soundtrack and voice acting are functional but not standout. The Bond theme is present, but the sound design doesn’t create the tension or excitement you’d expect from a Bond game. The dialogue, too, can feel forced, detracting from the overall immersion.

Unique Attributes

One of the key selling points of 007 Legends is its use of multiple classic Bond stories, but this could be seen as both a blessing and a curse. While you can relive iconic moments from films like Goldfinger and Die Another Day, the disjointed narrative fails to tie these segments together in a meaningful way. There’s little sense of progression or cohesion between missions, leaving the player feeling more like they’re playing a series of movie clips than a complete game.

Comparisons and Competitors

When compared to other Bond entries, 007 Legends doesn’t hold up well. GoldenEye 007 set the gold standard for Bond titles, with its mix of innovative multiplayer modes and thrilling single-player campaign. 007 Legends attempts to recapture that magic but falls flat due to its lack of originality and uninspired design.

Even compared to contemporary first-person shooters like Call of Duty or Far Cry, 007 Legends feels lacklustre. While those games offer open environments, tactical choices, and deep storytelling, this entry sticks too closely to a linear, on-rails approach, offering little in the way of replayability or tactical depth.

Benefits and Drawbacks

One potential benefit of 007 Legends is the variety of environments and scenarios. From moon bases to underwater lairs, the game gives players a whirlwind tour of classic Bond locations. However, these environments don’t translate into compelling gameplay, as each level feels like a rehash of the last.

On the downside, 007 Legends feels like a missed opportunity. The game’s reliance on tired FPS tropes without innovating or embracing what makes James Bond special, makes it hard to recommend, even to die-hard fans of the franchise. It offers little in the way of replayability, with a lack of multiplayer options and shallow unlock systems.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, 007 Legends fails to live up to its potential. What could have been a celebration of Bond’s legacy ends up feeling like a forgettable, run-of-the-mill shooter. If you’re looking for a true Bond experience, you’re better off revisiting older titles or watching the films themselves.

For fans of first-person shooters, there are better options available, and for Bond fans, this entry likely won’t satisfy your need for a genuine 007 adventure.

Rating: 5/10 – A game that fails to capture the charm and style of James Bond, despite its ambitious setup.