007: Licence to Kill
A vertically scrolling shooter based on the 1989 Bond film.
007: Licence to Kill is a vertically scrolling shooter based on the James Bond film of the same name. It was developed by Quixel and published by Domark in 1989 for multiple platforms including the Amiga. The game follows the film's plot across six scenes, from helicopter chases to an 18-wheel tanker truck.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Quixel
- Publisher
- Domark
- Designer
- John Kavanagh
- Programmer
- Marcus Goodey
- Artist
- Tony West
- Composer
- David Whittaker
- Series
- James Bond
- Released
- 1989 (NA)
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The game is a top down vertically scrolling shooter where the player pursues drug lord Sanchez through six levels using different methods of locomotion. A HUD on the right side displays level-specific information such as helicopter height or ammunition count. Enemies can be killed or avoided, and side objectives include picking up ammunition or drug caches. The player must dodge shots and environmental hazards like boats or falling rocks.
Ports
The game was released on many platforms, with Mi6-HQ.com calling it one of the widest released 007 titles ever. A BBC version was coded by Lore Games, subcontracted to Consul Technology and then to Domark; it used graphics from the Spectrum version but had a new sprite engine, character AI, sound effects, and status display, plus a double buffer screen refresh to eliminate flicker. An NES version by Simon Nicol from Tengen was inspected by Christ West from Quixel and considered finished despite missing the final level, but Domark decided not to release it due to time passed since the film's release.
Reception
Computer Gaming World recommended the game strictly for action-oriented players, while ACE Magazine found it fun only until completed. The Games Machine praised its grand scale and faithful adaptation of the film, albeit with simplified shoot-'em-up and dodge sequences.
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