James Bond: Agent Under Fire - 2001

In 2001, the video game world was abuzz with excitement over the next chapter in the James Bond franchise. Following the success of "GoldenEye 007," EA Canada aimed to build on that momentum with a unique twist. Unlike its predecessor, which was firmly rooted in the world of James Bond films, "James Bond 007: Agent Under Fire" introduced a fresh narrative and a blend of gameplay elements. This shift offered a new experience for players, combining first-person shooting with high-octane driving sequences.

At the heart of this ambitious project was a dedicated team working across continents. EA Canada's Vancouver studio, known for its innovative spirit, took the reins on the driving components of the game, while EA San Matteo handled the first-person shooting aspects. My role on this project was multifaceted and deeply engaging. I was involved in the design and implementation of various driving sequences, environments, and vehicles, as well as contributing to the game's destruction mechanics.

Crafting the Driving Experience

When tasked with designing the driving elements for "Agent Under Fire," my goal was to create a driving experience that felt as exhilarating and polished as the best in the genre. The game included a variety of high-speed chases and vehicular combat scenarios, echoing the pulse-pounding action of Bond films. This presented a unique challenge: to blend the excitement of high-speed driving with the narrative and aesthetic demands of the James Bond universe.

One of the standout contributions I made was the creation of the armored truck and helicopter used in several key missions. These vehicles were not just functional; they needed to embody the sleek, high-tech essence of Bond's world. I poured considerable effort into ensuring these assets were both visually striking and operationally compelling. Seeing these vehicles in action, central to the missions and prominently featured in the game, was a rewarding experience.

The destruction sequences, which I also worked on, were integral to the gameplay. These involved simulating and baking animations for exploding bridges, props, and environments. The challenge was to ensure these effects were not only visually impressive but also synchronized with gameplay. This required meticulous timing and the placement of markers to trigger these events at precise moments. The end result was a dynamic and immersive experience where the environment interacted seamlessly with player actions.

The FIFA Transfer and Team Dynamics

As I delved into the complexities of "Agent Under Fire," another significant development was unfolding in parallel: my transition to the FIFA team. My passion for soccer, fueled by my family's background in the sport, had been a driving force in my career. Conversations with the FIFA team producers were promising, but the internal logistics of transferring teams posed a challenge.

Each team at EA Canada operated with its own budget, staff, and project management. The transition process was not straightforward, particularly given that my departure from the Need for Speed (NFS) team would require investing time and resources in training a replacement. Thankfully, I had a vocal advocate within the FIFA team who championed my move, ultimately facilitating the transfer.

Analyzing "Agent Under Fire"

"James Bond 007: Agent Under Fire" marked a bold departure from traditional Bond games, focusing on an original storyline rather than adapting a specific film or book. The game featured a mix of first-person shooting and driving missions, aiming to offer a varied gameplay experience.

Development and Features

Developed by EA Canada, "Agent Under Fire" was released for the PlayStation 2 and later ported to the Xbox and GameCube. The game was set against a backdrop of exotic locations like Hong Kong and Bucharest, adding a layer of intrigue and glamour synonymous with the Bond franchise. However, despite the impressive visuals and innovative driving sequences, the game received mixed reviews. Critics praised the graphics and the multiplayer mode, drawing comparisons to the beloved "GoldenEye 007." However, the single-player campaign was critiqued for its linearity and repetitive AI.

Critical Reception

The critical reception of "Agent Under Fire" was a mixed bag. GameSpot rated it 6.8/10, reflecting some of the game's shortcomings. IGN provided slightly better scores, with 7.9/10 for the PS2 version and lower ratings for the Xbox and GameCube versions. The reviews highlighted the game's strong graphics and engaging driving segments but pointed out the linear progression and lack of depth in the single-player campaign as notable drawbacks.

The game's multiplayer mode, reminiscent of "GoldenEye 007," was generally well-received. However, the absence of AI bots limited its appeal, making it less engaging unless played with friends. Despite these criticisms, the game achieved commercial success. The PS2 version sold 1.5 million copies by July 2006, generating significant revenue and earning a "Platinum" sales award from ELSPA in the UK.

Content and Gameplay

"Agent Under Fire" featured a range of missions, from classic FPS levels with Bond's signature gadgets to high-speed driving sequences. The game's attempt to blend these elements was ambitious and, at times, effective. The driving missions, in particular, stood out as a highlight, reflecting the effort and creativity put into their design.

Reflecting on the Legacy

Working on "James Bond 007: Agent Under Fire" was a formative experience. The project allowed me to push the boundaries of what could be achieved in a game, blending different gameplay styles to create a unique experience. The armored truck and helicopter I designed became central elements of the game, and the destruction sequences added a dynamic layer to the gameplay.

The transition to the FIFA team marked a new chapter in my career, driven by my passion for soccer and the challenge of navigating internal team dynamics. This period of my career was characterized by growth and adaptation, as I moved from one project to another, each offering new opportunities and challenges.

As I look back on my work on "Agent Under Fire," I'm reminded of the collaborative effort that goes into creating a game. From the driving sequences to the destruction effects, every element was the result of teamwork and creativity. The mixed reviews and commercial success of the game reflect the complexities of game development, where innovation and execution must align to create a memorable experience.

In summary, "James Bond 007: Agent Under Fire" stands as a testament to the creative efforts of the team at EA Canada and EA San Matteo. The game's attempt to blend first-person shooting with driving sequences was ambitious, and while it faced some criticisms, it remains a noteworthy entry in the Bond video game series. My role in designing the driving components and contributing to the game's destruction sequences was a highlight of my career, showcasing my ability to blend creativity with technical expertise.