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It’s been one week since the official announcement that we are being graced with a re-release of GoldenEye 007, the Nintendo published masterpiece that helped prove a top notch first-person shooter experience doesn’t require a PC. Developed by Rare Games and released in 1997 exclusively for the Nintendo 64, it’s a licensed tie-in with the 1995 James Bond film of the same name. Despite a rocky development cycle, the game managed to sell 8 million copies and is regarded as one of the best Nintendo 64 games released! Now 25 years later, it’s been announced the title will be coming to Nintendo Switch Online as well as a port to Xbox One.
With its acclaim and commercial success, a GoldenEye re-release might seem like a no-brainer. Rumors and credible evidence have been mounting, making it more and more clear it was on the horizon. Still, it’s a bit shocking that all companies involved with the original were willing to jump through the hoops needed to make it happen. And by hoops, I mean licensing agreements. This actually isn’t the first time Nintendo has discussed a re-release. Back in 2008, a remake of the game was being worked on by Rare before a disagreement over royalties stopped the nearly completed project dead in its tracks. This most recent announcement will hopefully bring solace to those who have waited many years for such news.
Image source: NintendoLife
https://www.nintendolife.com/
One thing that’s important to note that Nintendo does not typically publish movie tie-in games. Known for iconic franchises such as Super Mario and Legend of Zelda, the company maintains a deep focus on its own intellectual properties. It was unusual even then, but in 2022, it’s quite exceptional that Nintendo is making such a concession. And even though fans long clamored for to see GoldenEye make a reappearance, it’s commendable that Nintendo didn’t abandon the idea after the 2008 deal collapsed.
There’s also the issue of re-licensing the film rights. The purpose of a movie tie-in game is to promote the film’s release, which is why they’re often lower quality games. MGM is no longer actively pushing their 27 year-old James Bond movie – they’ve released eight more Bond films since. Initial development in the 1990s took quite a bit longer than MGM was pushing for – it was a full 21 months after the film’s release before the game hit shelves. It’s obvious Rare did not want to release a sub-par game simply for the sake of meeting deadlines. Although this was risky business when dealing with studio money, it ultimately paid off as the game actually has a maintained a much stronger legacy than the film itself, possibly the reason MGM has no qualms reissuing the rights.
Finally and most importantly, there’s Nintendo’s dealings with Rare. Although the two companies once shared a strong partnership – teaming up for classics such as Donkey Kong Country, Rare was acquired by Microsoft in 2002, effectively making Nintendo a direct competitor. After all these years though, Nintendo managed to get one final laugh with the stipulation that online multiplayer will be exclusive to the Switch re-release, leaving Xbox with local multiplayer only. For millions, that means it’s time to dust off those cardboard barriers and prepare for some classic split-screen action!
Ultimately, all parties involved must have seen the writing on the wall, which I’m sure is primarily comprised of big giant dollar signs. No matter the reason, fans are rejoicing in the knowledge that one of the most beloved classic FPS games is making a triumphant return in what’s expected to be its definitive form.
