Agent 64: Spies Never Die Review Summary

Nostalgic GoldenEye and Perfect Dark hybrid offers fun multiplayer and co-op but suffers from a boring campaign, limited weapons, audio issues, and glitchy AI.

Nostalgic GoldenEye and Perfect Dark hybrid: The game is frequently described as a faithful and enjoyable blend of GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark, evoking strong nostalgia for the N64 era. Reviewers note it successfully captures the feel, atmosphere, and even specific mechanics of these classics while updating them for modern play.

Campaign and challenges boring: The campaign, multiplayer, and challenges are widely considered boring, with repetitive missions of killing identical targets and collecting ammo, and hidden mask hints giving away secrets. This leads to a lack of interest in continuing to play.

Lacks weapon variety and features: Weapon selection is not as abundant as GoldenEye or Perfect Dark, with no secondary fire modes, no reload animations, and only one fire mode. The shotgun is particularly weak, and weapons look polygonal and default.

Audio design is lacking: The soundtrack is not memorable, gun sounds seem like basic stock sounds, and pain sounds cycle through only 2–3 effects. Voice acting is also missing, and enemies have almost no voices, reducing atmosphere and feedback.

Enemy AI is subpar: Enemy AI is described as blind, deaf, dumb, and inconsistent in reactions, with awful aim in challenges mode and no grenade usage. This makes the game too easy once patterns are learned and reduces challenge and immersion.

Bugs and crashes persist: There are multiple bugs including crashes on the second level, progress-blocking issues, softlocks, and only one bug fixed in the first hotfix. This makes the game feel rough around the edges and not ready for release.

Multiplayer and co-op modes: The game features a variety of multiplayer options including split-screen, co-op, and PvP modes. Players can enjoy local and online multiplayer with up to 8 players.

Classic FPS gameplay: The gameplay is characterized by run-and-gun action, gunplay, and gadgets reminiscent of classic shooters. It includes objective-based level design and mission structures.

Challenges and modes: The game includes various challenge modes, arena battles, and bot matches. These modes provide additional solo and multiplayer content, including timed trials and modified objectives.

Unlock and progression system: The game features a progression system where players unlock items, levels, and modifiers by completing objectives, earning Cyrons, and finding hidden collectibles. Replayability is encouraged through replaying levels on higher difficulties or finding secrets.

Online multiplayer options: Online multiplayer is available, including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the hill modes. The game also supports online co-op for up to 4 players.

Performance issues on various systems: Players report crashes and framerate issues on PC and other platforms, including crashes on the second level, within an hour of playtime, and FPS drops when turning the camera. These issues affect overall gameplay stability.

Online multiplayer stability problems: Multiple players encountered crashes during online co-op and launch issues in online multiplayer, indicating significant online stability concerns. Easy Anti-Cheat also causes internet connectivity issues for some players.

Anti-cheat conflicts with software: The game fails to load when RivaTuner/RTSS Stat Server is running due to anti-cheat blocking, and Easy Anti-Cheat causes internet connectivity issues. These conflicts disrupt the gaming experience for users with monitoring software.

Runs well on Steam hardware: The game runs flawlessly on Steam Machine, PC, and Steam Deck, indicating good optimization for Valve's platforms and PC configurations. This positive feedback contrasts with the stability issues reported elsewhere.

Recommended for GoldenEye/Perfect Dark fans: Most reviewers recommend this game to fans of classic Rare N64 shooters like GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark, citing nostalgia and familiar gameplay. It appeals strongly to players who grew up with those titles.

Nostalgia-driven purchase: Several recommendations are strongly tied to nostalgia for the N64 era, with players buying to relive memories or share them with children. The game is a definite buy for those seeking a nostalgic trip.

Must-have for Steam library: A few reviewers emphasize this as an essential purchase for Steam collectors, highlighting its value as a modern release of a classic-style shooter. It is seen as a worthy addition to any FPS fan's library.

Enjoyable for newcomers: Some reviewers note that the game is enjoyable even for players unfamiliar with GoldenEye or Perfect Dark, making it accessible to a broader audience. It also appeals to younger players wanting to experience older gaming styles.

Not recommended currently: One review advises against buying the game at this time, possibly due to bugs or performance issues. This is a minority opinion but signals potential technical problems.

Community fair range: $15.00 - $20.00.

Game completion: 14.0h.

Story completion: 2.5h.

Endgame: 10.0h.

Agent64: Spies Never Die provides immediate nostalgic fun through authentic Goldeneye-style gameplay and robust multiplayer/co-op modes, with no early friction reported.

Nostalgic N64 Veteran: Plays both campaign and multiplayer, often using CRT filter, enjoys split-screen co-op and competitive multiplayer with friends. Motivation: Reliving childhood memories of N64 shooters with faithful modern recreation. Stance: buy.

Social Split-Screen Fan: Organizes group sessions, plays co-op campaign and deathmatch with bots, enjoys casual chaotic fun. Motivation: Social fun and local multiplayer experiences with friends and family. Stance: buy.

Completionist Unlocker: Methodical exploration, replaying levels for secrets, tackling challenge modes solo or co-op. Motivation: Unlocking all modifiers, completing challenges, and finding hidden secrets. Stance: buy.

The single hardware cohort with evidence shows positive performance.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: positive. Reports indicate the game runs well with no performance complaints.

Steam Deck: The game runs flawlessly on Steam Deck and Linux: anti-cheat works, online and local multiplayer are fully functional, controls are excellent, and no tinkering or technical issues are reported. It is a seamless experience out of the box.

Linux and Proton: All user reviews indicate the game runs well on Linux using Proton, with no compatibility issues or required workarounds. Anti-cheat and online functionality work seamlessly.

Spiritual successor to GoldenEye: Many reviewers compare the game to GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark, calling it a spiritual successor or love letter to those N64 classics. The comparisons often highlight that it successfully replicates the feel and nostalgia of the originals.

Wish for Steam Workshop support: Reviewers express a strong desire for Steam Workshop support to enable custom maps and missions, especially GoldenEye and Perfect Dark recreations. This would address many criticisms and enhance replayability.

Steam Deck and Linux compatibility: Players report the game runs well on Steam Deck and Linux, including with Steam Proton and online multiplayer. Some note that Easy Anti-Cheat can be disabled for single-player, making it accessible on these platforms.

Solo developer project: The game is created by one or two developers, which is notable given its scope. This helps explain certain limitations and the long development time.

Price considered high: Many reviewers feel the game's price is high given the short content, especially when compared to cheaper alternatives like Darkenstien 3D. This is a frequent concern among players.