The long-rumored remake of the seminal Nintendo 64 multiplayer smash GoldenEye 007 was finally announced this morning at Nintendo’s E3 press conference.

Featuring modern graphics and Wii motion control, but still incorporating the original title’s level geography and extensive multiplayer features, GoldenEye 007 Wii looks to herald splitscreen gaming’s return to form.

Gone is original Bond Pierce Brosnan, replaced by current Bond Daniel Craig. The storyline will still follow the 13-year-old original’s tale of satellite-hijacking Russians, ensuring a smooth return for reminiscing gamers. Multiplayer features contemporary first-person shooter touchstones, including a melee attack and grenade throw. Players can now zoom as well, producing an experience more like Call of Duty than the original GoldenEye or even the recent Xbox Live re-release of Perfect Dark.

Whether or not dedicated GoldenEye lovers can accept these modern refinements, the resurrection of console gaming’s inaugural first-person success is sure to become the Wii gamer’s shooter of choice when it’s released this holiday.

(Photo by Brennan Whitmore)