The game is
ing incredible, and that's coming from someone that is bored to tears with FPS games. First of all, the game really feels like a remake of the Goldeneye movie in the new gritty style of the Daniel Craig Bond (and it kind of is, since it was written by the original screenwriter and scored by the guy that does all the Bond movies). It uses Call of Duty as it's gameplay foundation, but makes brilliant tweaks to stay true to the feel of the original game. No jumping (though you can vault over most objects). A slight snap-on-target aim assist when the reticule is pointing close to an enemy and you look down the sight of the gun (which I thought I'd hate, but in practice makes the game feel a lot like the original N64 aiming system and also makes you feel like Bond when you rapidly gun down 5 enemies in 1.5 seconds with precision). Mission-based level objectives that get added in as you increase the difficulty, rather than just running from point A to B like in every other modern FPS. The option of using stealth to get through most of the game instead of the typical FPS run-and-gun. And the multiplayer is somehow more addictive than any other FPS I've played since Goldeneye/Perfect Dark. I think the tight level design (it's never too long before you come in contact with an enemy), no jumping, and overall fast pace (the death animation is 2 seconds, then you're back in the action) go a long way towards replicating the old-school feel. Nowadays you have to wait 15 seconds to respawn in most FPS games, watching annoying replays and camera angles when you'd rather be able to just jump back into the action. And finally, I've got to say that the exclusion of voice chat is a feature for me rather than a drawback. I hate talking to obnoxious strangers on Xbox live about "strategy", I hate hearing their conversations, and I hate the disadvantage I'm always at for not using the headset to coordinate in team games. With Goldeneye, the only sound is of gunfire and footsteps (as it should be IMO).
So in short, if you loved the original N64 game, the Daniel Craig Bond, stealth gameplay, or the way FPS games used to be tight and fast, then buy this immediately. The Gold Classic Controller is badass too. I got it for regular price only a few weeks ago and I'm not in the slightest bit bummed that I missed out on this deal, that's how much fun I've had with the game. The most pure fun I've had with a videogame since Smash Brothers Brawl.