Agent 64: Spies Never Die Review

Agent 64 draws inspiration from this classic, as well as from other great titles like 007: The World Is Not Enough, Perfect Dark, Time Splitters

Agent 64: Spies Never Die is a retro first-person shooter “inspyred” by the 64-era spy genre of games. The game features action-packed gameplay with shootouts, secrets, and objectives to complete. Play through the campaign solo or in co-op mode. Or try your hand at multiplayer in both local and online modes featuring up to eight opponents.

It has been several generations since I last played the Nintendo 64 and its exciting spy thrillers, with Goldeneye 007 being one of my fondest childhood memories. I spent countless hours playing against my siblings, family, and friends. Agent 64 draws inspiration from this classic, as well as from other great titles like 007: The World Is Not Enough, Perfect Dark, Time Splitters, and many more.

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Agent 64 expertly draws upon the essence of classic games, infusing them with modern controls that enhance the gaming experience. It beautifully retains the vibrant aesthetics and animation styles that captivated players in the past. This blend of nostalgia and innovative gameplay deeply resonates with me. Furthermore, the addition of a compelling narrative pulls me in even further, creating an immersive experience that keeps me thoroughly engaged.

Agent 64’s story unfolds throughout the game, beginning with themes of betrayal and rescue and featuring several unexpected twists. Players navigate through various levels, each requiring the completion of different objectives to progress to the next section or to finish the level. The objectives are diverse and vary by level and difficulty settings.

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Initially, players must complete levels on the “Agent” (easy) difficulty to unlock the “Special Agent” difficulty, and then again to access the “Agent 64” difficulty, which significantly increases the challenge. The game is designed so that players can fully complete it using only the first two difficulty levels, reserving the “Agent 64” difficulty for those seeking a true test. Additionally, the greater difficulties open more areas within each level, allowing for greater exploration and additional objectives to be completed.

The level designs are impressive, ranging from simple office buildings to apartments, nightclubs, museums, and more. They closely resemble what I remember from the older games. The objectives for each level vary and include the use of special items such as hacking tools, bombs, and other special tools.

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The game features a diverse array of levels and weapons that cater to every player’s needs. Starting with hand-to-hand combat, players can progress through a variety of firearms, including pistols, submachine guns (SMGs), assault rifles, sniper rifles, and rocket launchers. Additionally, there are specialised accessories for certain missions, such as bombs, hacking tools and more.

In addition to the standard gameplay, there is a feature called Paradox mode that enables players to use cheats to modify their gaming experience. These cheats can be unlocked by completing Par times and other challenges. There are over seventy different cheats available, including amusing modifiers like big head, slow bullets, and no reloads. It’s entertaining to incorporate some whimsy into the gameplay, especially when playing with friends.

Transitioning from the main game to the multiplayer section offers a variety of gameplay options, including arenas and cooperative play. The arenas allow players to engage in custom matches, whether in teams or solo deathmatches. You can compete against up to eight opponents, which can include a mix of bots and real players.

In addition to standard matches, there are game modes such as Capture the briefcase and Capture the zone. There is also a challenge mode featuring special matches against preset bots; the goal is to achieve a score within a specific time limit. Players who complete these challenges in the best time can earn better rewards, including maps, music, and characters.

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Cooperative play allows for up to two players locally or four players online to complete the entire game. This mode provided me with the most enjoyment, as I had a blast playing through missions with my buddy and sharing some laughs. However, it’s worth noting that this mode does not contribute to unlocking main story progress.

The game has worked flawlessly on all my current systems, including my PC, Steam Deck, and my recently built Steam Machine, which runs an alternative version of Linux called Bazzite in Game mode. Both the handheld and living room PC support the Easy Anti-Cheat system, allowing me to play online without issues.

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Overall, Agent 64: Spies Never Die stands out as a delightful homage to classic gaming. Its distinctive visual style, reminiscent of the colourful graphics from the Nintendo 64 era, coupled with catchy musical themes, brings a nostalgic charm that transports players back to the golden age of spy adventures. The game features modernised control schemes that ensure a smooth experience, allowing newcomers to pick it up easily while still presenting an engaging challenge for seasoned gamers.

One of the highlights of Agent 64 is its robust multiplayer options, offering both online and local co-op modes that amplify the fun and competitive spirit. Players can team up or compete against each other, adding layers of excitement to the already captivating main story. In a gaming world often dominated by titles that emphasise stunning visuals at the expense of narrative depth and engaging gameplay, this game boldly reverts the focus to what truly matters. It’s a perfect choice for game night, especially for those of us who cherish the nostalgia of retro gaming while enjoying a thoroughly modern experience.

(Review code provided to Explosion Network.
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