You have to wonder how many games were done a disservice by being released on the N64. I went into this confident that there's no way this game has held up. Maybe the problem wasn't the game, but the platform instead. Now it does have its problems. The AI is dumb, although the game seems designed around the idea of most enemies as mere fodder (until near the end of the game). Some of the objectives were frustratingly unclear to me. But I have a great respect for the attempt at deeper and more varied missions. I'd rather designers err on the side of frustratingly unclear than brain dead simple. Aiming is nearly useless (looking at you, floor panel on the train that I had to use the "stand just outside the room" trick to get through), though I've read this is made worse on the XBLA version. But on the whole I had a great time with this. I only completed it on Secret Agent difficulty, but the game adds more objectives on 00 Agent difficulty, which potentially adds a lot of replay value, especially given how hard this game gets near the end. In particular, the Aztec level was a beast even on Secret Agent. Much of the game was a breeze, with solid modern dual joystick controls, but a handful of levels stuck with me. The second bunker was fascinating. It was the only one that virtually required stealth. It made me wish there were more. At first I was angry that I couldn't simply blast everyone, but I calmed down and realized I actually had to think and strategize. Cradle was a very similar experience to me. I enjoyed some of the labyrinthine level designs. I felt a great balance of feeling nearly lost but generally with a feel for where to go. The graphics of the remaster are MASSIVELY better (oh god those character models). Staring down the prospect of going back through the game on 00 Agent looks like such a monumental accomplishment to ponder. I'm not sure I'll ever get there, but I know the game benefits greatly from the possibility.