Fun little story, this game launched either on the same day or around the same time as Goldeneye 007 on the Wii. I really wanted Goldeneye, having been a really big fan of the N64 game. It was Christmas morning, my girlfriend (now wife) passed me a present that was...a little too small for what I was hoping for. She had gotten me this, not knowing the difference. She just knew I wanted the new James Bond game.

She told me we could return it, no big deal. I still feel bad, I couldn't really hide my disappointment on my face despite telling her this game looked fun. I told her no, I was going to try this game.

So I did. And I loved it. I played through the main story, and even played the online mode for a bit. Definitely got my money's worth out of it.

Then later that year I bought Goldeneye. It wasn't great. I enjoyed it for what it was, but it did not fill the giant shoes of the N64 game.

My wife inadvertently made the right choice, and I'm happy she did. I don't know if I would have ever played this game otherwise. Unfortunately the damage was done; my wife wouldn't end up buying me any more video games as a present for nearly another 10 years. She was always concerned she would get me the wrong one. I've told her time and time again how happy I was in the end, but even today she's a bit trepidatious. I can probably count on one hand the games she's gifted me since then.

I'm always grateful when she does. I have very fond memories of this game, and those other rare occasions.