In a few days’ time, Activision will release their latest James Bond game, 007 Legends. But rather than basing it entirely on the super spy’s latest caper, Skyfall, which releases in theaters next month, they’re bundling that particular movie along with four others into one massive game. Yep, instead of following one plot line, like last year’s Goldeneye Reloaded, you’re following five.
But it’s not confusing, not in the least. Each chapter will be separated and feature their own heroines and villains, though Daniel Craig will be at the forefront for each one, replacing the likes of Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan from the films. Scripted by Bond vet Bruce Fierstein, the story should move along rather well, and give fans something to appreciate.
However, if you’re not familiar with some of the characters appear (and you’re scratching your head going, “Wasn’t Jaws a shark?!”), here’s a primer to break down who you can expect in the game, and what they’re up to.
James Bond – obviously the guy you’re playing as, carrying his traditional PPK along with other great weapons and gadgets. Like in the past three movies, he’s portrayed in voice and likeness by Daniel Craig.
M – James’ commander-in-chief of sorts, who fills him in on missions with a cavalier, no-nonsense attitude. Like the films, her likeness and voice are provided by Judi Dench.
Hugo Drax – first introduced in the 1955 novel Moonraker (later adapted into a film that released in 1979, with Roger Moore as Bond), Drax is a billionaire with a nasty killing streak. He devises a plan to go into space and wipe out humanity using some sort of biological attack, only to return to Earth with carefully chosen males and females to reinhabit the planet – under his control, obviously. Players follow a similar mission in the game, setting out to stop Drax and his henchmen with the help of Holly Goodhead, 70’s motif and all. Like the film, Drax is portrayed in likeness and voice by actor Michael Lonsdale.
Pam Bouvier- in the Licence To Kill chapter of the game, 007 abandons his usual duties in order to seek revenge on drug lord Franz Sanchez, who attacked his buddy Felix Leiter and left him for dead. Along the way, Bond meets up with this ex-CIA agent, who’s also on a mission to infiltrate and bring down Sanchez’s operations. She’s a useful ally, though a little headstrong in certain situations – mainly her romantic involvement with Bond. (Ain’t that always the way?) Like the 1989 film the levels are based on (which at the time featured Timothy Dalton as Bond, replaced by Craig here), Pam’s likeness and voice are provided by actress Carey Lowell.
Gustav Graves- The supervillain introduced in the 2002 Bond film Die Another Day (which his levels are based on here, but with Craig replacing Brosnan in the lead role), this British billionaire is hiding a major secret. It turns out he’s actually a North Korean military colonel named Tan-Sun Moon, who’s actually reconfigured himself with surgery and is now hellbent on using a concentrated laser beam on certain targets – as demonstrated in the film during a thrilling car chase. This sets up some interesting scenarios in the game, particularly during the final battle with Graves. Toby Stephens, who played Graves in the film, returns for 007 Legends with his likeness and voice intact.
(Oh, and on a side note, in the Die Another Day levels, Halle Berry does NOT return as Jinx. She’s replaced by Gabriela Montaraz.)
Auric Goldfinger – the main villain of the 1964 film release Goldfinger (which featured a young Sean Connery as James Bond, replaced in Legends by Craig), Auric Goldfinger is a gold smuggler extraordinaire, and a fan who has no problem putting his foes in their place. In the film, he actually kills someone by dipping them in gold, and even leaves Bond on a table to die with the assistance of a moving laser beam. (“You expect me to talk?” “No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!” is an infamous movie exchange that is included in full in the game.) This sets up for some interesting levels in the game, so keep on the look-out. In the film, the character was portrayed by actor Gert Frobe, and his likeness is used here. However, since he did not speak English, his voice for the game has been provided by Tim Watson.
Oddjob – also making his debut in the film Goldfinger (and later as a playable character in the multiplayer mode of the Goldeneye games, both the N64 release and the re-releases), Oddjob is a speechless henchman who eliminates enemies either by using his massive strength or his razor-sharp bowler hat, which could decapitate anyone on a precise throw. Though he does not have a speaking role in the game, Bond has to deal with him before moving on in a level. However, if you remember the film, you probably have a idea on how to get rid of him in a shocking manner. Harold Sakata’s likeness is used in the game, just as it was in the film.
Jaws – probably one of the most infamous – and well-appreciated – henchmen in Bond history, Jaws makes an appearance in the levels based on the movie Moonraker. Like Oddjob, he relies on massive strength, as well as a set of metal teeth that can literally chew through anything. Jaws also appeared in the film The Spy Who Loved Me, and, unlike most henchmen that tussled with Bond, he actually finds a girlfriend. (In the film, mind you, not the game.) As he portrayed him in the movie, actor Richard Kiel returns to provide the likeness and voice for Jaws. Good luck dealing with him – we hear he’s hungry.
Be sure to check out 007 Legends for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 when it releases on Tuesday October 16th, followed by a Wii U release on November 18th.
Published: Oct 12, 2012 05:41 pm