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Ah, glad you could join us Mr. Bond. We've been reviewing your track record in the field and frankly we think you've been slacking since the GoldenEye mission back in '97.

Your Agent Under Fire exploits were really nothing more than average and if you don't shape up into the polished example that we expect then you won't be getting a licence to kill, you'll be getting a P45. Oh, what's that you say? You want us to appraise your forthcoming NightFire adventure? Well, let's see if you still have what it takes or if you're just an old duffer in a snazzy suit.

Little more than six months since his last game, the world's most famous spy dusts down his tuxedo and sharpens his one-liners to take us on another secret agent romp. Following the lead from Agent Under Fire, the game is based on an original story and not a remake of any existing big screen action. The plot involves a typically foreign-sounding bad guy, Rafael Drake, who is the head of the Phoenix Corporation, an environmental protection agency that's about as much a Friend of the Earth as a five-mile oil spill.

The slick opening title sequence not only imitates but also rivals the big screen equivalent, providing the first indication that EA is looking to deliver its most polished Bond yet. In terms of style, NightFire is as sharp as the suave agent himself. A decent original story is supported by well-scripted cinematic cutscenes, good voice acting, great graphics, cooler tools than The Gadget Shop, and an epic backdrop that really captures the essence of Bond right down to his flirtatious double entendre comments and comic eyebrow raising.

Like Agent Under Fire, the game still adds a mix of driving and FPS action, with the emphasis falling mainly on the latter. NightFire successfully cooks the traditional FPS recipe in a number of different ways in order to keep the flavours interesting. For example, in the opening stage you start the level armed with a sniper rifle, aboard a helicopter and zooming in on a car chase involving the bad guys and a fellow operative. The action then switches to a castle that you need to infiltrate in order to rendezvous with other operatives. To do this, you have to mingle with guests at a cocktail reception held in the main building. Once you meet up with the other agents you need to spy on a secret meeting, find a guidance chip and finally escape in a cable car that gets attacked by a helicopter gunship.

It's classy stuff, and what really works well is the pace at which the action is delivered. From the frantic (the opening chopper sequence) to the more sedate (the party scene), it reproduces the traditional peaks and troughs of a Bond story very well. The locations are also pretty diverse, and over the course of events you can expect to travel through a variety of interesting backdrops as well as taking to the stars on board a space station - no doubt in a tribute to Bond movie Moonraker.

Control, movement and visual presentation have all been enhanced, and Bond no longer feels like he's travelling on rollerskates like he did in Agent Under Fire. The number of control options that can be selected from should also provide enough alternatives for the most dexterously challenged - and it needs to be, as most buttons and sticks are employed in one way or another. The enemy AI is passable, with the bad guys at least making token gestures to dodge bullets. But you do still feel like you're playing through a fairly railed experience with the same bandits popping up in the same places.

Multiplayer is good fun and can cater for up to four players. An imaginative number ofgame types, plenty of levels and customisable bot skills are all at your disposal. The rich menu of options highlights the difference between the multiplayer afterthought that was evident in the rather disappointing Medal Of Honor Frontline and a genuine attempt at delivering something worthwhile.

A title that includes the word 'Bond' will always be designed for the mainstream and there is no getting away from the fact that this is still a linear shooter/driver that lacks any really fresh gameplay ideas. But NightFire still tries to make a standard FPS as enjoyable as possible without actually being particularly innovative. And in the most part it works. In the same way that Rage succeeded in producing an authentic Rocky game, NightFire has delivered a true-to-theme 007 experience.

But innovations need to occur if Bond is to make further appearances. More open-ended missions, more freedom to use gadgets in non-scripted places, more meaningful character interaction and generally more bright ideas would be as welcome as a freshly poured Martini after a hard day saving the world. You've passed the test this time Mr. Bond, but we're keeping an eye on you. Dismissed.

1. Looks great
2. Feels like Bond
3. Fun multiplayer
4. Better than Agent Under Fire

1. But it's nothing really new!
2. And it feels a bit scripted

Power
As good-looking as a Bond girl. And you can even share her with three friends.

Style
Naturally dripping in the infamous 007 charm helped by professional cutscenes.

Immersion
Nothing that new, but good variations of tasks keep it interesting.

Lifespan
If you're into Bond, you'll definitely be into Nightfire - especially multiplayer.

Summary
Just like a repeat James Bond film at Christmas: entertaining but nothing particularly groundbreaking.