Temple

Lore & Background

Temple is a multiplayer map in GoldenEye 007, a game that defined the console first-person shooter genre. It is one of several arenas included in the game's four-player split-screen mode, which became legendary for its chaotic and competitive gameplay. The map's design evokes a lost civilization, with stone altars, crumbling pillars, and overgrown vegetation creating a sense of ancient danger. The layout of Temple is deliberately non-linear, with multiple paths, ledges, and hiding spots that reward map knowledge and quick reflexes. Its central courtyard features a raised bridge overlooking a lower pit, while upper walkways and alcoves provide sniper positions. The map's atmosphere is enhanced by the game's muted color palette and ambient sound effects, making every match feel tense and immersive. Temple is often cited by players as one of the best maps in GoldenEye 007 due to its balanced design and replayability. It supports all standard multiplayer modes, including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and License to Kill, and is a favorite for both casual and competitive play.

In Their Own Story

The air is thick with the smell of damp stone and rotting leaves. Two agents circle the central altar, their footsteps echoing off the ancient walls. A flash of movement on the upper walkway—a sniper's scope glints in the dim light. The agent below dives behind a pillar as a bullet chips the stone where they stood. From the shadows, a third player emerges, proximity mine in hand, and places it near the bridge. The game is a silent dance of patience and precision, where one mistake means a respawn and a long walk back to the action. But the respawn timer is short, and the fourth player is already charging back through the lower tunnel, golden PP7 drawn, ready to break the stalemate with a reckless flank.

Reader's Guide

Temple was developed by Rare as part of the multiplayer suite for GoldenEye 007, released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64. The map was designed by the team at Rare, led by Martin Hollis, who aimed to create a variety of arenas that would encourage different playstyles. Temple's layout was inspired by the single-player mission 'Temple,' but adapted for competitive multiplayer. The map received widespread acclaim from critics and players alike for its balanced design and strategic depth. It is frequently ranked among the best multiplayer maps in video game history, praised for its use of verticality and multiple sightlines. Temple remains a staple of GoldenEye 007's multiplayer mode, often featured in tournaments and community events. Despite the game's technical limitations, including a low frame rate and simple graphics, Temple's design has stood the test of time. It is a testament to Rare's ability to create engaging, replayable multiplayer experiences that defined a generation of console gaming.

Did You Know?

• Temple was the first map many players experienced in GoldenEye 007's multiplayer mode, as it is the default selection when starting a new game.
• The map's design was influenced by the single-player mission of the same name, but the layout was significantly altered to suit multiplayer.
• Temple is one of the few maps in GoldenEye 007 that features a central pit, which can be used for ambushes or as a shortcut.
• The map's name is sometimes confused with the single-player level 'Temple,' but the multiplayer version is a distinct arena.