How GoldenEye 007 On Switch Compares To N64

GoldenEye 007 is now available on Nintendo Switch Online, but in many ways it’s different from the original N64 release. This new NSO port has big shoes to fill: The 1997 stealth shooter was critically acclaimed and widely influential on the genre, setting a new standard for big-name film adaptations and FPS games on home consoles. GoldenEye 007 won countless awards in its time, including the first BAFTA ever given to a video game, and still frequently ranks high on « greatest games of all time » lists.
With GoldenEye’s release on Switch and Xbox Game Pass in January 2023, longtime fans and first-time players alike have the chance to experience the game. Its thrilling gameplay and detailed level design may have seemed revolutionary in 1997, but FPS games have come a long way since then, and many players now have higher standards. The Switch release of GoldenEye 007 isn’t a remaster or ground-up remake, but it does make some big updates when compared to the original N64 version.
GoldenEye 007 On Switch Vs. N64: Multiplayer Comparison
When it was first released in 1997, GoldenEye 007 was praised for its multiplayer gameplay. With a variety of unique modes like « capture the flag » and « last one standing, » GoldenEye was the perfect party game. Whereas players of the original were limited to local multiplayer, the Switch release of GoldenEye 007 allows for online play. Switch players can enjoy GoldenEye’s gripping multiplayer with their friends wherever they’re located – no more cramming together on the couch. For an extra helping of retro charm, multiplayer is still played in splitscreen, so sore losers can accuse everyone else of screen cheating. Although the Switch release of Goldeneye doesn’t disappoint when it comes to online multiplayer, the Xbox version is still limited to local games.
GoldenEye 007 On Switch Vs. 64: Controls And HD Graphics Comparison
Unlike modern game controllers, the iconic three-pronged N64 controller gave players just one analog stick to work with. GoldenEye 007 provided a number of control options to reflect that. Some of its control schemes even used two controllers at once, allowing players access to two analog sticks for more fluid gameplay. GoldenEye on Switch has dual analog controls on just one controller to streamline aiming and movement.
The Switch version of GoldenEye 007 also has high-definition graphics to ensure it looks its best on modern displays. It also allows players to select from two aspect ratios – 4:3 or 16:9 widescreen for an especially cinematic feel. While it doesn’t support 4K visuals like the Xbox version, GoldenEye on NSO is a noticeable upgrade from the original release. Still, with online multiplayer and working cheat codes unlike GoldenEye on Xbox, the Switch version has its own advantages. GoldenEye’s new ports do have some graphical hiccups – these were present in the original N64 release, but are made more apparent by the transition to HD. These glitches are largely minor and shouldn’t detract much from the experience, however.
GoldenEye 007’s release on NSO for Switch and Game Pass means it’ll be an entry point for countless new players into the Bond game franchise, which hasn’t seen a new release since 2012’s 007 Legends. GoldenEye is a classic for a reason, and the Switch port is a worthy successor, but it’s beyond time for something new. The upcoming Project 007 could take place in the past as a Bond origin story and may revitalize the James Bond video game series the same way GoldenEye 007 revitalized the FPS genre.