75 replies to this topic

[shady ginzo]

After Goldeneye Rogue Agent and From Russia With Love, EA was clearly going no-where with the franchise. In fairness each of those games had it's good points and its complement of fans, but not enough to turn a respectable profit. Activision wouldn't have been my first thought, you see their name attatched to a lot of flawed junk, True Crime to name just one. but as pointed out above they have a lot of good productions on their record along the lines of Call of Duty. they may not top Goldeneye 64 as far as historical popularity goes, but in honestly I think the franchise is better off in their hands. EA... LICENSE REVOKED!

[zencat]

Some hot info here...

First Activision Game Expected to be 'Bond 22' Tie-In
Variety reports cancellation of 'Casino Royale' factor in EA MGM split

[Qwerty]

Very cool. Good to see that things are already rolling with Activision and 007.

[K1Bond007]

At last someone has told EA that their days of sub-par cash ins are over. Seriously EA seem to secure licences and release any second rate crud mainly to cash in with the fans. 007 isn't the only franchise EA have just churned out crap with. They did the same with WCW and that horrible Marvel: Rise Of The Imperfects Game.

Activision seem to publish good playable games based on movie franchises (Shrek, Star Wars Battlefront II) so I'm really looking forward to this. But not getting my hopes up over seeing the true successor to Goldeneye 64.

Although I've been a harsh critic of EA and their handling of the franchise, I'm going to reserve judgement on Activision. At this point I can't say whether they'll do a better job or possibly even worse. I think it depends on the developer.

Hopefully they go with one of their better developers. Raven Software would be a good choice (Jedi Knight 2, Soldier of Fortune, Star Trek: Elite Force, X-Men Legends). Grey Matter would be a good choice (Call of Duty: United Offensive, Return to Castle Wolfenstein). I'm not too fond of their other owned studios including Beenox, Treyarch (who technically absorbed Grey Matter), and Vicarious Visions. Neversoft wouldn't be too bad, but I'm kind of middle of the road with them; some are good or decent like Tony Hawk and GUN.

They could of course get an outside dev to do it too. They do that quite often as well.

It'll be interesting to see who they get. Might be a number of the ones I named above - some of their games are developed by so-and-so for consoles, a different dev for the handhelds, and still even a different dev for the PC. I tend to think of this strategy as a bad thing (Nightfire for example).

[Semedi]

I wouldn't worry much about Beenox or Vicarious Visions. Beenox focuses on porting games that other developers have already made to different game platforms. Vicarious Visions focuses on handheld games, and in addition does some game ports.

There'd be more of a chance that Treyarch would get the chance to make a Bond game then those two, but I still think it'd be slim to none. Treyarch tends to get the lower profile titles that Activision uses to flesh out their lineup, but doesn't really drop a lot of money into. I highly doubt they'd be permitted to take on the Bond franchise.

I think the future is very bright indeed with Activision in charge. They will pair the license with a top notch FPS developer!

[00-FAN008]

The Tony Hawk and Spiderman titles are both very good too.

Imagine a Bond game like "Gun"... could be really cool.

Ooooh I'm drooling...

I'm excited about this news. It would be interesting to see what Activision does with the Bond franchise in terms of gaming. Hopefully, unlike EA, they won't go all over the place with new ideas and actually stick to what works for the fans. I'm not saying that's what will happen... but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[TonicBH]

Activision was a good choice. After the averageness of Goldeneye Rogue Agent (Seriously, a few more months in development and maybe it COULD be passable) and what I played of From Russia With Love (Why is Bond in England, why is the jetpack from Thunderball in there and why the hell am I fighting a helicopter around Big Ben?), I think EA is a poor company, and I'm glad they no longer have it.

Although, it'd be quite amusing if they made one last cash-in game sometime between now and September 2007. The only games I buy from EA are ones that are developed by other companies and not in-house. (Valve and Ritual, for example)

[Nimsworth]

At last someone has told EA that their days of sub-par cash ins are over. Seriously EA seem to secure licences and release any second rate crud mainly to cash in with the fans. 007 isn't the only franchise EA have just churned out crap with. They did the same with WCW and that horrible Marvel: Rise Of The Imperfects Game.

Activision seem to publish good playable games based on movie franchises (Shrek, Star Wars Battlefront II) so I'm really looking forward to this. But not getting my hopes up over seeing the true successor to Goldeneye 64.

Although I've been a harsh critic of EA and their handling of the franchise, I'm going to reserve judgement on Activision. At this point I can't say whether they'll do a better job or possibly even worse. I think it depends on the developer.

I'm not saying that Activision will bring Bond games back to the greatness of Goldeneye 64 but I'm absolutely sick of the tripe that EA churns out with their aquired licenses. Which is why I was sad to see them aquire the licence to the Simpsons video games. Basically video game publishers to me are like actors for Bond. Some may call Roger Moore their favourite over Sean Connery in the same vein some may regard GE: Rogue Agent better than GE64.

[Professor Joseph Penbrunner]

I welcome this news with open arms. While some of the EA bond titles we ok, the weren't exactly cult classics like Goldeneye. Hopefully these guys can bring a new spin to the world of 007 gaming and put bond games back on the map again. Lets push the envelope a bits, lets see a Bond game that appeals to the masses as well as stays true to the core of what Bond is about.

I can't wait to play a fully realised first person Bond shooter over Xbox Live on my 360. Come on Activision, give the fans what they deserve!

[Qwerty]

I'm excited by the news. It will be good to see something new hit the 007 video game line. Judging by the middle-of-the-road to poor reviews that both GoldenEye: Rogue Agent and From Russia With Love received, this could be a welcome change of pace.

[zencat]

I'm surprised no-one has yet mentioned that if Bond 22 is, indeed, going to be Activison's first game, then this leads some credibility to the Bond 22 in 2007 rumor. I mean, with a seven year deal, I don't think they'll wait for 2008 or 2009 to release their first game, do you?

[Qwerty]

Didn't think of that.

If so: I'd be amazed if we saw back-to-back Bond films once again.

[DLibrasnow]

I'm surprised no-one has yet mentioned that if Bond 22 is, indeed, going to be Activison's first game, then this leads some credibility to the Bond 22 in 2007 rumor. I mean, with a seven year deal, I don't think they'll wait for 2008 or 2009 to release their first game, do you?

It's just another piece of evidence that we can expect a Bond 2.2 in 2007. Why else would they have Purvis and Wade working on the script for Bond 2.2 before Casino Royale had even had one frame shot?

[Dmitri Mishkin]

Does the fact that the exclusivity deal begins in September 2007 refer to the release date? Or can development on the game begin well before that time?

[Jaws0178]

You know, you guys trip me out. I honestly hope that Activision runs the 007 game franchise under the ground. I don't see why all of you badmouth EA Games. I mean, am I the only person here who actually enjoyed Nightfire, Agent Under Fire, and Goldeneye: Rogue Agent, oh and I am hoping to get From Russia with Love, and Everything or Nothing for my Birthday. Again, I hope that Activision fills it 007 games with Zombies, the Occult, and Nazi's or bases it on Mars. Better yet, keep it on Earth. Make it an extreme sports game. But, can't change it so give 007 to ID soft

Edited by Jaws0178, 04 May 2006 - 07:51 PM.

[K1Bond007]

Does the fact that the exclusivity deal begins in September 2007 refer to the release date? Or can development on the game begin well before that time?

My understanding is that Activision can release a video game based on Bond tomorrow, but so can EA. Until September 2007. That's when Activision goes exclusive. Games take a long time to develop though so unless EA has one more go at it, you probably won't see one until at least September 2007. It's not to say they'll release a game right at that time either, but I can't imagine a game not being released in 2007. If the Bond 2.2 2007 thing is true, then you have a better idea when their first game will be released (November 2007).

You know, you guys trip me out. I honestly hope that Activision runs the 007 game franchise under the ground. I don't see why all of you badmouth EA Games. I mean, am I the only person here who actually enjoyed Nightfire, Agent Under Fire, and Goldeneye: Rogue Agent, oh and I am hoping to get From Russia with Love, and Everything or Nothing for my Birthday. Again, I hope that Activision fills it 007 games with Zombies, the Occult, and Nazi's or bases it on Mars. Better yet, keep it on Earth. Make it an extreme sports game. But, can't change it so give 007 to ID soft

Spiteful much? Seriously, you just said you hope to have no further fun with any future James Bond franchise game just because some fans of Bond thought the EA games weren't as good as you did. What does that accomplish for you? GG, you thought this idea out pretty well.

[Nimsworth]

You know, you guys trip me out. I honestly hope that Activision runs the 007 game franchise under the ground. I don't see why all of you badmouth EA Games. I mean, am I the only person here who actually enjoyed Nightfire, Agent Under Fire, and Goldeneye: Rogue Agent, oh and I am hoping to get From Russia with Love, and Everything or Nothing for my Birthday. Again, I hope that Activision fills it 007 games with Zombies, the Occult, and Nazi's or bases it on Mars. Better yet, keep it on Earth. Make it an extreme sports game. But, can't change it so give 007 to ID soft

Did you happen to enjoy EA's "007 Racing" as well?

[Jaws0178]

Actually, I never played it. True, there are some bad apples in the bunch. I heard it was bad, bt on that same token, I also heard there are Activision games that aren't the greatest. Yesterday, i don't know what happened. No, I am not spiteful. I just happened to enjoy most of the 007 games from EA.

Again, I hope that Activision fills it 007 games with Zombies, the Occult, and Nazi's or bases it on Mars.

Although ths wouldn't be a bad idea.

[K1Bond007]

Actually, I never played it. True, there are some bad apples in the bunch. I heard it was bad, bt on that same token, I also heard there are Activision games that aren't the greatest. Yesterday, i don't know what happened. No, I am not spiteful. I just happened to enjoy most of the 007 games from EA.

lol. Just about every developer and/or publisher has released a bad game here and there. EA has had more than their fair share and Activision isn't really any different. There aren't many publishers, if any, that have a perfect track record. The only one that I can thus far think of is Valve and I'm not even sure if you can actually call them a publisher; more like distributor.

I found EA's games to be mediocre with a couple in there that are above average (notably Everything or Nothing). I'm not expecting Activision to knock their first out of the park, but I am, as always, hopeful they do.

[TheCheat]

it would be pretty cool if EA did end up making one more bond game before next september and then activision could release their first bond game around the same time or wait until the fall if bond 22 comes out then

i wonder which would do better

[DLibrasnow]

My understanding is that Activision can release a video game based on Bond tomorrow, but so can EA. Until September 2007. That's when Activision goes exclusive. Games take a long time to develop though so unless EA has one more go at it, you probably won't see one until at least September 2007. It's not to say they'll release a game right at that time either, but I can't imagine a game not being released in 2007. If the Bond 2.2 2007 thing is true, then you have a better idea when their first game will be released (November 2007).

That's pretty much how I understand the deal too. I expect the Bond 22 tie-in will be released next year as well since the first draft script for that movie is probably already completed which means Activision can start developing the game now.

[K1Bond007]

My understanding is that Activision can release a video game based on Bond tomorrow, but so can EA. Until September 2007. That's when Activision goes exclusive. Games take a long time to develop though so unless EA has one more go at it, you probably won't see one until at least September 2007. It's not to say they'll release a game right at that time either, but I can't imagine a game not being released in 2007. If the Bond 2.2 2007 thing is true, then you have a better idea when their first game will be released (November 2007).

That's pretty much how I understand the deal too. I expect the Bond 22 tie-in will be released next year as well since the first draft script for that movie is probably already completed which means Activision can start developing the game now.

They don't even need a script right now. They just need to choose the direction they want to go. 3rd person in the vein of Everything or Nothing and From Russia with Love or FPS like GoldenEye. Then they build the engine or license one and adapt it for what they need. Then as the information trickles in (if assuming Bond 22 is coming in 2007), they could probably get a rough script starting later this year. Compare with CR because if they're releasing one in 2007 they'll most likely have a very similar schedule.

[rogermoore007]

Hey if the next Bond game is half as good as call of duty was, I'm definitely happy

[Nimsworth]

They don't even need a script right now. They just need to choose the direction they want to go. 3rd person in the vein of Everything or Nothing and From Russia with Love or FPS like GoldenEye.

Thats the big question I'd like to see answered. 3rd person seems to be the way these days what with GTA, and other movie tie ins using 3rd person games but considering that arguably the best Bond game GoldenEye was a FPS kills that theory dead.

3rd person would benefit more since Bond could do more things such as driving missions etc.

Edited by Nimsworth, 06 May 2006 - 03:30 PM.

[CowboyFunk22]

EA only impressed me once over their entire span of the license...by releasing a game based on FRWL. Now it may not have been great, but that took balls and i applaud them for that.

Everyone has a problem with EA because they took a franchise that showed signs of greatness with Goldeneye, and turned it into crap as soon as the next James Bond movie came out. People wanted the license to stay with Rare and Nintendo, people wanted a true sequel. EA should be burned for their drivel. All EA did was live off of success created by a much more capable developer....for over a decade!

They got what was comming to them.

[Harmsway]

I'm glad to see Activision get the license now.

[K1Bond007]

Thats the big question I'd like to see answered. 3rd person seems to be the way these days what with GTA, and other movie tie ins using 3rd person games but considering that arguably the best Bond game GoldenEye was a FPS kills that theory dead.

3rd person would benefit more since Bond could do more things such as driving missions etc.

You don't need a 3rd person camera to have driving missions. Play Half-Life 2. That's an FPS and in the game you get an air boat and a dune buggy. Those levels are awesome fun too. Far Cry has hang gliders and many types of different boats. Nobody Lives Forever 2 had a snow speeder.

You can do tons of stuff with an FPS. Just get or make a good engine and it's golden.

[Solaris]

I don't mind which way Activision Go, 3rd person or FPS, I like both, I always fing FPS' easier though, because there is none of the aiming to do, its just point and shoot. I think they will most likely do a 3rd person however, just because most games now are 3rd person and the best selling Bond game on a 2nd gen console was EON

But then again by September 07 the 3rd gen consoles will be out and in full swing, which means Activision will most likely be developing a Bond Game with the 3rd Gen consoles in mind, which *fingers crossed* means very good graphics and gameplay in either 3rd person or first person, or both possibly?

[K1Bond007]

I don't mind which way Activision Go, 3rd person or FPS, I like both, I always fing FPS' easier though, because there is none of the aiming to do, its just point and shoot. I think they will most likely do a 3rd person however, just because most games now are 3rd person and the best selling Bond game on a 2nd gen console was EON

Actually it's the sixth gen (Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii are now the seventh gen), and the best selling Bond game for that gen was first-person. To my knowledge the highest selling was Agent Under Fire, which sold like 5 million I think. Still under GoldenEye 007, though.

[Nimsworth]

What I'd definately like to see in a future Activison game be it FPS or 3rd person is an "All Bonds" style of cheat or extra. Chances of that happening are slim to zero though. But a man can dream.