Unveiling the Elusive “Mostly Harmless” Achievement in GoldenEye 007

The “Mostly Harmless” achievement in GoldenEye 007, now available on Xbox Game Pass and Nintendo Switch Online, is a unique multiplayer award earned by dealing the least amount of damage to other players in a match. However, it is not awarded every time, due to the game’s limited selection of end-of-match accolades, making it a challenge to consistently obtain.

Understanding the “Mostly Harmless” Award

The beauty of GoldenEye 007 lies in its blend of intense action and playful objectives. While most players strive to dominate with precision kills and strategic map control, the “Mostly Harmless” award flips the script. Achieving it demands a different kind of skill: the art of avoiding conflict and subtly influencing the game without contributing significantly to the mayhem. It’s about being present, perhaps setting traps or distracting opponents, but never quite sealing the deal with a fatal shot. The randomness of its distribution makes this award particularly challenging to obtain.

The Psychology of “Mostly Harmless”

Earning this award is as much about psychology as it is about gameplay. Players aiming for it must be aware of their actions, understanding how each shot, each grenade toss, contributes to their overall damage output. It encourages a more cautious, observant playstyle, forcing players to think strategically about when – and more importantly, when not – to engage. In essence, it transforms a first-person shooter into a game of calculated inaction.

Challenges in Obtaining the Award

Several factors contribute to the difficulty of obtaining this achievement:

• Random Award Distribution: The game only hands out a limited number of awards at the end of each match. You could be the player with the least damage dealt and still miss out if other more “glamorous” awards are prioritized.

• Accidental Damage: In the heat of battle, friendly fire or stray shots are inevitable. Maintaining a consistently low damage output requires exceptional situational awareness.

• Aggressive Opponents: A lobby full of trigger-happy players can make it difficult to avoid dealing damage altogether.

• Map Design: Certain maps lend themselves to more chaotic gameplay, making it harder to maintain a low profile.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into GoldenEye 007

1. What is considered the hardest single-player mission in GoldenEye 007?

Aztec is widely regarded as the most challenging single-player mission in GoldenEye 007, primarily due to its complex layout, enemy density, and the formidable boss encounter with Jaws.

2. Who is Jaws in GoldenEye 007, and where did he originate?

Jaws is a bonus boss character in GoldenEye 007, appearing in the Aztec level. He first appeared in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, and later in Moonraker. He can withstand a great deal of damage.

3. Why was GoldenEye 007 banned in Germany for several years?

GoldenEye 007 was banned in Germany due to concerns about its death scenes and perceived glorification of violence, particularly given the potential for minors to play the game.

4. What awards did GoldenEye 007 win upon its release?

GoldenEye 007 received the BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Games Award in 1998 and four awards from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, recognizing its groundbreaking impact on the first-person shooter genre on home consoles.

5. Why isn’t GoldenEye 007 included in the original Rare Replay collection?

Due to licensing complexities, GoldenEye 007 could not be included directly in the original physical release of Rare Replay. For the digital version, an entitlement was created that gives access to owners of Rare Replay digital.

6. How do you unlock the secret Aztec and Egyptian levels in GoldenEye 007?

• Aztec: Complete all main levels on Secret Agent difficulty or above.
• Egyptian: Complete all main levels on 00 Agent difficulty or above.

7. How do you unlock cheat codes in GoldenEye 007?

Cheat codes are unlocked by completing specific levels under certain time limits. Successfully doing so adds the Cheats Menu to your main dossier.

8. What does the “M” in James Bond’s “M” stand for?

“M” stands for “Missions”, denoting the head of the Missions Department within MI6. It is a role, not a single character, and has been held by multiple individuals across the James Bond film series.

9. What was the rating of the GoldenEye film upon release?

The GoldenEye film (1995) was edited to receive a PG-13 rating from the MPAA in the United States and a 12 rating from the BBFC in the United Kingdom.

10. Who was the fifth actor to portray James Bond in the film series?

Pierce Brosnan was the fifth actor to play James Bond, beginning with GoldenEye in 1995.

11. Why is Oddjob considered a controversial character in GoldenEye 007 multiplayer?

Oddjob is often considered a “cheating” character in GoldenEye 007 multiplayer due to his short stature, which makes him difficult to target effectively.

12. Is GoldenEye 007 suitable for children?

GoldenEye contains depictions of violence and some suggestive content. Parents should review gameplay to determine if it is appropriate for their children.

13. What types of cheats can you unlock in GoldenEye 007?

GoldenEye 007 cheats unlock new weapons, characters, invincibility, invisibility, and even modify the damage taken across both single-player and multiplayer modes.

14. Who played the character Alec Trevelyan (006) in GoldenEye?

Sean Bean played the role of Alec Trevelyan (006), the main antagonist, in the GoldenEye film.

15. What is the notorious GoldenEye 007 cheat code that is hard to unlock?

The most challenging cheat to unlock is completing the Facility level on 00 Agent difficulty in under two minutes and five seconds.

Mastering the Art of Inaction

Earning the “Mostly Harmless” achievement in GoldenEye 007 requires a shift in mindset. It’s not about being the best shooter; it’s about being the most discreet. Here are some strategies to increase your chances:

• Prioritize Stealth: Opt for weapons with silencers and focus on moving silently through the map.
• Support Role: Focus on supporting your teammates by setting traps, providing cover fire (without securing kills), or distracting opponents.
• Avoid Direct Confrontation: Steer clear of areas with heavy fighting and prioritize map control over individual engagements.
• Strategic Use of Grenades: Use grenades for area denial rather than direct kills.
• Embrace the Distraction: Use Bond’s gadgets to distract and confuse enemies, allowing your teammates to capitalize.

Ultimately, the “Mostly Harmless” achievement is a testament to GoldenEye 007’s depth and versatility. It encourages players to think outside the box and explore different playstyles, adding a layer of strategic complexity to a classic first-person shooter. It reminds us that sometimes, the most effective strategy is not to dominate, but to subtly influence the game from the shadows.

Furthermore, understanding the nuances of game design, like the impact of achievement systems, is an ongoing pursuit for researchers at organizations like the Games Learning Society. To learn more about how games are impacting education, engagement, and many other facets of society, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.