N64 Review: The World is Not Enough (EA, 2000)

Following the disappointing Tomorrow Never Dies game, TWINE for N64 is a true successor to the legendary GoldenEye 007 (though many would likely disagree). Some things are better, some things are not. However, as I try to list in my mind the things that made TWINE better (AI bots in multiplayer) and features GE had that it did not (cheats, extra levels, 007 mode), I find that the list of differences between them is rather small. In both, you play as James Bond in the first person, you wield firearms, you play with gadgets, etc. They share the important things. So why is GE so often touted as the far superior game? This is my theory. At least for myself, and I'm sure for many, GE was the first FPS that I'd ever played and therefore set a standard. Going back to it gives a sense of nostalgia, which can often be powerful in shaping attitudes towards games (objectively, a game like Winback might not impress more modern players; to some of us, it is like a little bit of heaven in a disaster area). Also helping GE to attain legendary status were the crazy glitches, which gave us another reason to keep playing it. But another thing is important as well. I believe that sequence is important. The degree to which we are let down by an inferior sequel is of much greater magnitude than the excitement we would feel with a superior one. For example, I would suggest that if TWINE had been released first and GE after, the feelings of GE superiority would not be to the same degree as the disappointment some feel over TWINE. It seems we have a greater disposition towards negativity than optimism. The point: TWINE for N64 is a fine game and more people would recognize it if it weren't for GoldenEye 007's shadow.