Oddjob = Cheating?

If you grew up in the 90’s, there’s a solid chance you’ve come across the classic video game shooter, GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64. If you used Oddjob, were you cheating?

Introduction

GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64, based on the 1995 James Bond film, is a beloved classic that influenced the first-person shooter genre. Released on August 25, 1997, it became a staple of 90s gaming culture, especially for its groundbreaking multiplayer mode. However, one character, Oddjob, has sparked a debate that has persisted for decades: Is playing as Oddjob cheating?

The Oddjob Dilemma

Oddjob's character in GoldenEye 007 stands out for his shorter stature, which makes him difficult to hit. This characteristic gave players using Oddjob a significant advantage because the game's auto-aim feature would often shoot above his head, requiring opponents to manually aim down to hit him. This mechanical advantage led many players to consider using Oddjob as cheating.

The controversy reached a point where the developers of GoldenEye 007, Karl Hilton and Mark Edmonds, officially weighed in. Hilton mentioned that during play-testing, the team recognized it as a form of cheating, but decided to leave it in the game because it was too fun to remove. Edmonds explicitly stated, "It's definitely cheating to play as Oddjob!" but also noted that it added to the fun of the game when friends could enforce their own rules and mock those who picked Oddjob.

Game Modes

GoldenEye 007 featured various multiplayer modes that enhanced its replay ability. Classic deathmatch was a staple, but modes like "The Man with the Golden Gun" and "License to Kill" added unique challenges and excitement to the gameplay. Despite the various modes, the presence of Oddjob often led to heated debates and house rules about his use.

Cultural Impact

The debate over Oddjob's use has become part of gaming folklore. References to Oddjob's cheating status have appeared in popular culture, such as in the book and film "Ready Player One." This enduring controversy underscores the lasting impact GoldenEye 007 has had on the gaming community and its influence on multiplayer gaming dynamics.

Conclusion

GoldenEye 007's multiplayer mode and the Oddjob debate are iconic elements of 90s gaming, reflecting the game's lasting impact. The developers' acknowledgment of the cheating aspect of Oddjob only solidifies his place in gaming history as a character who sparked endless debates and house rules among friends.