No One Lives Forever Game of the Year Edition - PC Games

Assuming the role of sexy UNITY operative Cate Archer, you must complete 15 enormous and distinct missions to keep the world safe from H.A.R.M., a nefarious organization rife with colorful arch-villains. In true Hollywood style, the game is laced with cutscenes that set the stage for your missions and advance the plot by showing H.A.R.M. higher-ups boasting about their evil plans. The dialogue in both the cutscenes and the in-game action sequences is witty and genuinely funny, and the voice acting is excellent. We found ourselves hiding in dark corners just so we could eavesdrop on the bad guys.

The comic antics end abruptly when enemies catch wind of your presence. Whether they stumble across a body you carelessly left in your wake, hear you creeping about, respond to a tripped alarm, or simply see you, these foes are all business. They will stalk you, duck behind cover, and call for reinforcements. All the action is straight from a spy movie: shoot a guy on a balcony, and he'll tumble over the rail and fall to the ground. Fire a gun underwater, and you'll see the spiral trail of the bullet.

Most missions can be approached in a variety of ways, and although full-frontal assaults are possible, stealthy progression is usually better for your health. Being a superspy, you'll have plenty of gadgets to help you along the way, from a lock-pick barrette to a robotic poodle capable of turning even the most ferocious attack dog into man's best friend. Players who like to send a more direct message will enjoy playing with the game's full assortment of firearms, including Bond-worthy silencer pistols and briefcase rocket launchers.

The quality of AI and inventiveness of the single-player missions are fortunate because the multiplayer component doesn't compare to Unreal Tournament or Counter-Strike. Regardless, No One Lives Forever should be on the short list of any fan of first-person shooters looking for an unbeatable solo experience. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros: Multiple approaches to nearly every level add to the replay value Loads of atmosphere Contains some of the most unorthodox and enjoyable missions we've ever played Amazing detail Smart and funny Cons: Not the prettiest 3-D engine on the market

Amazon.com Product Description
No One Lives Forever is a story-driven, first-person adventure delivering over-the-top action, tense subterfuge, outrageous villains, and wry humor in the tradition of the great 1960s spy films and TV shows. Players assume the role of Agent Archer, an operative working for a covert anticrime organization. Armed with an assortment of conventional and experimental weaponry and gadgets, players explore exotic locales and contend with deadly agents as they evade traps, unravel mysteries, and become entangled in a cleverly constructed conspiracy that threatens the entire free world.