Hector's Pick #6 - GoldenEye

I think I owe Goldeneye for jump-starting my love for first-person shooters. Sure, Wolfenstein and Doom were fantastic, but they didn't change the way I looked at FPSs. Goldeneye proved that the world of console shooters were possible and that a healthy mix of action and smooth controls could fuel the genre for ages to come. (cough*Time Splitters*cough)

The game was almost a mirror image of the movie in terms of events. Although voice acting was absent, the characters all had that movie look to them. The game definitely pushed the N64's power with a game full of weapons, gadgets and missions. It wasn't all about going from point A to point B, shooting everything that moves. Each level of difficulty meant more objectives needed to be fulfilled, such as planting explosives, hacking computers and security equipment or saving NPCs from being filled with lead. Very James Bond-ish.

This game was destined for greatness when they put in the sniper rifle. Zooming in and busting some poor sap's head was just sheer amazement, especially more than 10 years ago. The mechanics and physics of the game seemed ahead of its time also, for example with the cougar magnum you can stand behind thin doors and blast away knowing the bigger calibers will penetrate and sure enough when you open the door, nothing gets you the adrenaline rush than knowing all your opposing forces are dropped to the floor.

Who can forget about the multi-player section? With 4 people you can play capture the flag, deathmatch, you only live twice (2 lives per person, duh) and a few others, you can play for countless hours. I know I have. A classic that set the table for numerous following FPSs.