Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 27
  2. Negative: 1 out of 27
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  1. EA has turned in a shockingly playable Bond game that looks as good as it plays – and that is damn fine.
  2. Game Informer
    93
    Graphically, Agent Under Fire is amazing, leaving similar titles like "Red Faction" and "TimeSplitters" in the dust. [Jan 2002, p.77]
  3. Games Radar
    88
    [Games Radar Rating = Hit] Although it isn't as revolutionary as GoldenEye once was, the deft changes of pace mean it's undoubtedly the most Bond-like game ever. It might not leave you shaken, but it's certainly stirring.
  4. The mission settings are remarkable though, as are the overall graphics and sound in the game, which almost make up for the somewhat cheesy objectives.
  5. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    The only really fundamental issue with the game is its length. [Jan 2002, p.128]
  6. Play Magazine
    80
    This game smokes from start to much-too-abrupt ending. [Feb 2002, p.60]
  7. Part "Mission: Impossible," part "Golden Eye," and all fun. But poor controls hamper the fun and put a dull sheen on the otherwise glossy secret agent.
  8. 79
    Strangely good. Despite the loathing that the single-player experience drudges up in me, the driving levels are particularly satisfying, and the rail-based shooter levels add a nice bit of depth, too.
  9. 75
    Some enjoyable driving missions, but a whole lot of throw away first-person sections, leaves me with a game for which I'm shaken, not stirred.
  10. Fun and immersive while it lasts, but unfortunately it’s a short ride with little replayability (save, maybe, for the multiplayer modes).
  11. It’s just a shame that the game is too easy, a little more time perfecting the enemy AI and level design would have seen this scored much highly, but in the end this is a good game for action fans and those wanting their next Bond fix.
  12. Slick, sexy and jam-packed with action — but this adventure is short with limited playability over time, except perhaps for its multiplayer modes.
  13. It is a huge improvement over the previous three PlayStation titles, and it has the best graphics and music of any Bond game to date.
  14. 70
    The action has a "vanilla" feel. Although the missions are engaging and fairly exciting, you've played ones just like them dozens of times before, and the hefty helping of silly, ornate gadgets and Bond-girl quips is cumbersome.
  15. When you're not being dragged throughout the game, you'll love the sharp, extremely well done graphics that hide a horrible truth; the programmer's were either extremely rushed or very lazy.
  16. 70
    The game that is supposedly there to make you feel like Bond, ironically ends up achieving the opposite at times because of the scripted and rather linear nature of the proceedings - there's simply too much 'guidance by hand' to really convince you that you truly ARE Bond.
  17. Great graphics, a solid story, good sound effects and a slick multiplayer mode are undermined by a derivative, unispired and boring first player experience.
  18. [It] isn't a horrible game, but its lackluster level design, poor enemy AI, and easy level of difficulty pile up to detract from what it does offer greatly.
  19. Not great, but good with an imaginative storyline, spectacular graphics and a soundtrack that keeps you excited throughout the levels.
  20. The shoddy AI compensates for the game’s substandard targeting system.
  21. At last you’ll infiltrate the secret lair, where you’ll discover…you’ve been playing a very standard-issue game.
  22. 60
    There is the usual mix of chick, cars and guns to keep even the most special of agents happy.
  23. It lacks the passion of creators like Bungee ("Halo") or Valve ("Half-Life"), who were obviously in love with their projects as they were designing them.
  24. The big problem is that, well, there isn't really any problems to solve at all. Right when you think some kind of clever action or maneuver is required to get past a tricky bit, you realize the answer is smack dab in plain sight with big neon signs pointing out the way.
  25. The driving portion is the only real standout part of this game. Agent Under Fire is a title that, for all its good looks, is unbalanced and painfully average.
  26. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    48
    It’s a solid game from a technical standpoint, but extraordinarily bland from a gameplay perspective. [Jan 2002, p.208]

Awards & Rankings

82
24
#24 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
66
#66 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 67 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 67
  2. Negative: 4 out of 67
  1. Aug 22, 2010
    8
    Much better than Nightfire and probably the best bond game behind GoldenEye. This was a really fun game to play with friends and theMuch better than Nightfire and probably the best bond game behind GoldenEye. This was a really fun game to play with friends and the single-player campaign was actually really exciting and engaging. Full Review »
  2. Sep 11, 2023
    7
    The first Bond game for PS2 is nowhere as good as "Goldeneye". But it's a lot better than "Tomorrow Never Dies". Along with first-personThe first Bond game for PS2 is nowhere as good as "Goldeneye". But it's a lot better than "Tomorrow Never Dies". Along with first-person shooting, there are rail segments, driving levels and stealth moments. You can also discover hidden rooms, trigger "Bond" moments and earn unlockable content. Sadly, the weird control layout doesn't feel very intuitive. But if you loved "Timesplitters", then you will probably like this. I would rate "Agent" with a 7.3 out of 10. Full Review »
  3. Apr 6, 2023
    8
    it's far from perfect but I found it to be a very solid game, even if the later entries out are much better.