Only a relative small handful of PC games have I eagerly anticipated since 2002's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Of this low number, only 2 have thus far made it to store shelves, both coincidently at the same time. However, due to an earlier preview of NOLF2, expectations steeply rose higher than that of the other title (Unreal Tournament 2003), as I impatiently awaited the full release. The preview presented an already polished luster, and I could only imagine what the developers could possibly improve over the next few weeks leading up to gold status. In short, it was far beyond what I expected.

Cate Archer, UNITY super-spy, has returned to thwart the evil-doings of H.A.R.M., an institution bent on – can you guess – world domination. Somewhere midway between 007 and Austin Powers, NOLF2 is a first-person shooter/tactical/rpg and much like it's predecessor it never takes itself too seriously.

The time: 1960's. The place: The world over.

Built upon the cheesy spy shows of the decade no one really remembers (you know the saying – if you remember it, you weren't there), No One Lives Forever 1 received more than a nod among gamers, as it – dare I say – breathed new life into a genre that had seen just about every possible plot and execution. With its tongue-in-cheek humor, and female protagonist, NOLF easily set itself apart from all other FPS, and even retained a high level of fun in the process. It is no wonder that the game won so many awards, as its sequel may very well do. Once again, Monolith has taken the role of developer, insuring the charm that made NOLF so great would remain intact.

A Bit about Monolith

Monolith is responsible for both the underlying technology of NOLF2 as well as the game as a whole. Other notable titles powered by the LithTech engine include Aliens vs. Predator 2, Shogo Mobile Armor Division, Global Operations, and of course No One Lives Forever. LithTech itself is a subsidiary of Monolith, which retains the licensing rights and overall technology of the core engine itself. Currently LithTech's offerings include the Jupiter System (NOLF 2), Triton System (upcoming Tron 2.0), Talon (AvP2), Cobalt System (NOLF for the PS2), and the Discovery System (MMORPG focused engine). I doubt we will see many more games based off the older Talon System, as the Jupiter System is currently one of the most capable engines available – at least until Tron 2.0 is released using the advanced Triton System. Currently LithTech stands as 1 of the top 3 engines, with the Unreal Warfare engine being its closest competitor. While I hesitate to say which is more capable, there is no doubt that it is leaps and bounds beyond the other competitor, the Quake III Arena engine. However, Quake III is quickly falling from grace as the engine of choice for would be developers and planned titles, especially given the pending Doom III engine, and its believed capabilities.

The Gist

Cate has been sent on a mission to establish the recent doings of arch-enemy organization H.A.R.M., a mission that will take her from the bitter-cold deserts of Siberia, to quasi-evil H.A.R.M. underwater lair. Uncovering important information concerning the little known "Project Omega" will keep Cate busy between bouts with Soldiers, Mimes (Mimes!?!?!), robots, and ungodly biological creations. Fortunately, Cate's arsenal includes much more than her good looks. Conventional weapons, such as SMG's, pistols, grenades, and a few not-so-conventional weapons, such as a kitty bomb and mascara stun-gun, will help Cate put the harm to H.A.R.M.

The gadgets are one of the many props that give NOLF its character and outright enjoyment. Just shy of the ridiculous items Batman would pull from his handy-dandy utility belt in the campy 60's television show, the devices become a necessary ploy in the dry humor the game presents. [Bat alphabet soup container anyone? - ED]

Cate is able to interact with a variety of items and people, typically turning up rather light-hearted comedy. Conversations, while almost always informative in some way, can usually be counted on for a moment of chuckling, if you are patient enough to hear them out. Most missions include a paper trail of stories and dialogues between parties, which help to keep the progression and pace of the game. Cate will find many of these stories while searching for other clues regarding her mission at hand, which in turn reward her with skill points assignable to abilities.

As I mentioned earlier, NOLF 2 is part first-person shooter, part tactical shooter, and part RPG. The aspect that gives NOLF 2 its RPG element is the ability to hone chosen skills as the game progresses from points acquired doing what Cate does best – Spying. The more information Cate is able to obtain, the more points she will get. Additionally, successfully completing certain objectives undetected will add even more points to the pool. Points can be assigned to skills such as marksmanship, stealth, health, armor and so on. This aspect easily gives the player more than enough incentive to explore outside the scope of said mission. The tactical part of the game is reflected in how the player chooses to interact with the game. Certainly it is possible to gun your way through the entire plot, but much of the charm of the game will be missed playing in such fashion. Using tactics such as stealth as well as misleading enemies – turning off lights, creating distractions, etc. – is where most of the enjoyment of NOLF 2 will be found.

The Sequel

Those familiar with the first title will undoubtedly recognize many of the characters that have returned for the sequel. Returnees include Bruno Lawrie – aged super-spy of yesteryear and father-figure of Cate; Magnus Armstrong – Scottish demolitions expert, brawling brute and comic relief; Dmitrij Volkov – token naughty man, and a driving force behind the H.A.R.M. organization, and the ever present Santa – Cates voice of direction. New characters include the new director of H.A.R.M., aptly called "The Director", ninja assassin Isako – capable enemy of Cate, and General Hawkins – trigger happy U.S. representative, among many others. Each character wields a stereotypical aspect, which is done in a tasteful, yet humor-filled manner. I don't think a single race was left out between the first NOLF and the sequel, which makes Monolith an equal opportunity prodder. Blurp_anim

Of course, as time and progress would have it, the game looks much better than its predecessor. The models represent the highest detail currently available in any game, particularly the main characters, such as Cate, Magnus, Isako, etc. The developers have seamlessly melded facial movements and expressions to the characters, which are far beyond anything you can think of. The incredible amount of detail given to the characters certainly adds to the game, including body movement and gestures. I couldn't believe the way one character in particular, General Hawkins moved – so realistically, with his low stature and hunched back, perfectly fitting of his role and character.

Adding to that, the early levels we first saw in our preview were outshined by later levels. Most everyone has seen the screenshots of the Japanese levels by now, and amazed at what it presented. Believe it or not, it gets better. One of the last levels featured – without a doubt in my mind – the most breathtaking gaze of the ocean in a game period. From a cliff top, the player is able to witness an amazing view of waves and mist moving toward the shore. Screenshots hardly do the effect justice.

Players will be treated to over 45 levels, broken out between 15 chapters, making NOLF 2 one of the lengthiest single player fps titles to weigh-in at the GH Offices. When you're done with that, Monolith was kind enough to include a cooperative mode, in which up to 4 other players can take part. Monolith didn't merely tack this feature on as an afterthought, but actually gave it much deserved attention. While many of the same locations Cate visited in the single-player campaign will be revisited in cooperative mode, the missions and objectives are entirely different. Each player can take on separate tasks of a mission, and rendezvous once all objectives are complete, or stick together and back each other up. The interesting aspect of the cooperative mode reveals itself only after having played the single player campaign. Many of the coop missions actually trail the ones lead by Cate. Without spilling the beans, one of the first coop chapters has the coop team aiding Cate, in sorts, and later locating her, after a mishap that occurs in the first chapter of the single player campaign. Monolith did a great job at weaving in the cooperative mode.

Monolith has done an excellent job at streamlining an already great formula. Adding to the "Spy" theme of the game, Cate is now able to hide in shadows, with an icon letting the player know that they are indeed hidden. This ability plays a vital role for those that wish to play the game cautiously – like me. Shadows offer a great opportunity to study an enemy's routine, or take them out unnoticed. As in the previous title, Cate is able to pillage bodies for items and weapons, though this time, a bit more work and discretion is needed. Cate can search bodies, though it is usually best to first move them off the beaten path as to not get caught in the act, since it does require time. If you find yourself to be one who feels the need to search everything and everyone, it is advised that you allocate as many skill points into the Search skill as possible. This will greatly speed up your progress, and keep you out of H.A.R.M.'s way. [couldn't resist could you S.A.M.? – ED]

Another nice feature that Monolith added – and others should take note of – is the auto-switching to an item or gadget that is needed at a particular time. For example, placing the cursor over a lock and pressing the use key will automatically switch whatever Cate is currently holding with the lock pick. As soon as you either complete the task or move away from it, Cate will auto-switch back to the item or weapon she was previously holding. It may seem like a minor detail, but it was greatly appreciated by yours truly.

I Only Have Ears for You

The sound team did a job on par with the design department. Again, as with the first title, NOLF 2 sports a groovy-hip 60's swing of a soundtrack. Each chapter has its own theme, relating to the geographical location, and is done rather well. Dynamic music blends the mix between safety and threat, silly and serious, all without being intrusive. While only a handful of actors lent their voices to the many characters throughout the game, none of them came off flat or over the top – except when on purpose. The acting team offered an excellent and believable performance.

Frag-adellic

As stated earlier, NOLF 2 offered up quite the number of levels in just the single-player campaign alone. But were they fun? You betcha they were! While a few of the earlier missions were forgettable, the game really took stride as the game progressed into the later levels. A few of the chapters contained open levels, in which you could go back to a previous level, to find other routes to completion, find other clues, or complete secondary objectives (all the more to gain skill points). The game offers quite the weapon and gadget arsenal, most of which is acquired from victims of Cate's cunning. From bikes to trains, to… okay, maybe not trains, but definitely tricycles (too funny to explain).

Conclusion

Regardless of titles coming or currently available, No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.'s Way is a MUST have for any self-respecting fps gamer. This is the single-player game we've all been holding out for since the barrage of multiplayer/deathmatch focused games we've been offered over the last year. Everything about this game rings with style, grace, and pure fun. Did I forget comedy?

Pros:

  • More laughs than a barrel of Fat Bastards.
  • Top-notch graphics/sound/gameplay.
  • Cooperative mode
  • Cate Archer
  • Cate Archer
  • Did I mention Cate Archer?


Cons:

  • Hmmm….
  • Still thinking….
  • Oh yeah… there was this one annoying deal with lighting. Characters and objects would flash brighter depending on the angle you view them at, for no apparent reason.


Fun Factor: 9 – some of the earlier missions held this back from being a 10
Gameplay: 9 – controls and interface are really hard to beat here
Graphics: 9 – lost a point for the annoying flashing textures – other than that, darned near perfect!
Sound: 9 – personally, I loved the music and overall audio content. Voice acting was done superbly.
Value: 10 – Cooperative mode – tons of levels - Just go buy it!

Related Links:

Sierra (Publisher)
Monolith Productions (Developer)
VU Games (Vivendi/Universal)
NolfGirl (Everything NOLF!)