Few games are as beloved as the 1997 classic GoldenEye 007. It pioneered many first-person shooter elements we take for granted today. And fans everywhere have many fond memories of playing its split-screen multiplayer mode together. Fast forward to September 2022 and its much-anticipated re-release on Xbox has finally been announced. But is GoldenEye 007 on Xbox a remake or remaster?
GoldenEye 007 was first released on the Nintendo 64 in August 1997. As its name suggests, it was a movie tie-in for the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye.
These days, nobody expects much from video games based on films. But GoldenEye 007 was an exception. It’s renowned for its four-player split-screen deathmatches and immersive single-player campaign which retells the story of the 1995 film.
Now, developer Rare is bringing GoldenEye 007 to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S via Xbox Game Pass.
In an official Xbox Wire blog, Craig Duncan (Studio Head at Rare) detailed what fans can expect from the Xbox re-release:
“Players will guide James Bond on a global espionage mission to prevent the devastating power of the GoldenEye satellite from being unleashed upon the world. The classic campaign mode, transformative difficulty levels and havoc-inducing cheats will all make their return – as will the iconic split-screen local multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to take to the couch in a battle of wits and skill.”
Craig Duncan – Studio Head, Rare
While it’s great to hear classic content is returning, many fans will be wondering if GoldenEye 007 on Xbox is remake or remaster. So, which is it?
Is GoldenEye 007 On Xbox A Remake Or Remaster?
The difference between a remake and remaster often confuses people. A remake is a complete rebuilding of a classic game, featuring all-new graphics and modern gameplay. An example of this is 2020’s Demon’s Souls remake. A remaster is an upscaling of an older game so it can take advantage of newer hardware, such as The Last of Us Remastered.
Is GoldenEye 007 on Xbox a remake or remaster? GoldenEye 007 on Xbox is a remaster. According to developer Rare, it will feature “improved control options (including dual analogue stick support), native 16:9 resolution up to 4K Ultra HD (where supported), a consistent refresh rate and a full complement of achievements to unlock.”
You can check out the brief reveal trailer for the Xbox remaster on YouTube.
While a full remake of GoldenEye 007 would be welcome, the prospect of being able to play a beloved classic on modern consoles is exciting.
A re-release of GoldenEye 007 was also announced for Nintendo Switch. However, this won’t be the remastered version. Instead, the Switch will receive the original Nintendo 64 version of the game.
Are you excited to play GoldenEye 007 on Xbox? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
