As the world’s most famous spy, James Bond has inspired countless books, TV shows, movies, and music. There’s very little the man can’t do. One industry in which 007 has had a surprising influence that many fail to realize is video games.
Below, you’ll find seven of the best games and series that every James Bond fan will revel in playing with. From early games of the 90s to modern classics and everything in between, you’ll see Bond in all his glory and the countless heroes he’s helped inspire along the way.
1. GoldenEye 007
Since its release in 1997, GoldenEye 007 has set the standard in spy games. Selling well over 8 million copies, the game is often cited as one of the best games ever made for the Nintendo 64.
The game extends many of the missions and events of the iconic GoldenEye film, offering fans a chance to see what video games can do to create new adventures and further the 007 story.
But what set it apart from other games at the time was its innovative deathmatch multiplayer mode, featuring 25 iconic Bond characters, inspiring countless copycats in the genre. This cemented the game as one of the best and most beloved James Bond games ever.
2. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Series
Tom Clancy is one of our most prolific spy writers, selling hundreds of millions of books worldwide. His endorsement of the Splinter Cell series, which has sold over 19 million copies, is a huge testament to the game’s brilliant spy mechanics and gripping storylines.
The games follow Sam Fisher, a highly specialized agent who tracks the activities of terrorist organizations. The gameplay focuses on stealth, where you’ll regularly use diversions to avoid fights and choose unconventional paths to objectives to remain hidden. Bond fans will feel right at home here.
3. The Metal Gear Solid Series
Released one later after GoldenEye for the PlayStation, Metal Gear is hailed as the pioneer in stealth games, helping to popularize the genre to a wider audience of gamers.
The designer of the series, Hideo Kojima, confirmed these suspicions by saying Bond films inspired him During Development, and the similarities between both franchises grow closer and closer with every release.
Playing as the legendary Solid Snake, the Metal Gear Solid series boasts over 17 games, each of which Bond fans will feel right at home playing. And with the hotly anticipated remake Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater scheduled sometime in 2024, it seems Solid Snake will continue the 007 legacy into a new generation.
4. The Hitman Series
Stealth games don’t always have to focus on the hero. The Hitman series, for example, follows in the shadowy footsteps of assassin Agent 47, who travels the world doing what he does best—killing.
The game has been celebrated for its many spy mechanics, including disguises, blending into the shadows, silent assassinations, and more. And while Hitman 3 has been cited as the last installment in the assassination trilogy, now is the best time to get to grips with one of the most gripping stealth games in modern times.
5. Tomb Raider Series
As one of the most well-known and beloved series in gaming, it’s no surprise that Tomb Raider and James Bond go hand in hand. Both series feature action, stealth, adventure, and a slice of British humor with every installment.
Featuring the iconic Lara Croft, the original Tomb Raider sold over 7 million copies in 1996, solidifying it as one of the most-played games in history.
Tomer Raider: Anniversary is a faithful remake of the original game and serves as the perfect entry point for new and old fans in the series. Plenty of spy missions, disguises, and high-octane combat have solidified Lara as the closest thing to a female James Bond we’ve had yet.
6. The Sly Cooper Series
Spies come in all shapes, sizes, and, it seems, species too—as Sly Cooper proves. In this series you play as Sly, a raccoon master thief on a mission to steal back pages of the ‘Thievius Raccoonus,’ a family heirloom of sorts.
The game heavily revolves around stealth, where you navigate Sly around numerous dangers while completing heists and collecting treasure. While not exactly Bond-like behavior, Sly does possess the same charisma and likeability as 007. And the game’s take on spy mechanics, together with its whimsy graphics and lack of guns, does offer a truly unique experience for any Bond fan to enjoy.
7. James Bond 007: NightFire
GoldenEye wasn’t the only iconic Bond game that fans should make their business to play. Nightfire is still a firm favorite among stealth and action gamers worldwide.
Released in 2002, the game is a follow-up to Agent Under Fire and is one of the rare instances actor Pierce Brosnan consented to use his image in-game. It featured an original storyline that brought new mechanics to the franchise, like underwater and zero-gravity levels.
Nightfire is equally loved for its pivot back to stealth-focused missions, a wide array of weapons to add drama to every fight, and its iconic multiplayer deathmatch mode, which drew upon GoldenEye’s success and added more levels and fun.
The best way to download and play games
Whether you’re downloading a big game or simply playing with friends online, there are many ways that you can enhance your gaming experience.
One of the most effective ways of doing this is using a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your connection and access the best library of games online.
There are several VPN features that will surely elevate your gaming to the next level. These include:
- Restricted content. A VPN will allow you to bypass geo-restricted content, allowing you to download games that might be banned in your country.
- Privacy. A VPN can protect your IP address from being discovered online, saving you from DDoS and swotting attacks.
- Speed. A VPN can help you avoid data-throttling, which ordinarily lowers your speed when playing or downloading games.
- Security. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, allowing you to log in and play games on public Wi-Fi networks without compromising security.
Keep these tips and our game recommendations in mind to enjoy the best possible experience while immersing yourself in the James Bond adventures.
