RC-P90
Fifty rounds of rapid fire—no reload, no mercy.
The RC-P90 is a personal defense weapon featured in the GoldenEye video game franchise, most notably in the 1997 first-person shooter GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64. It is based on the real-world FN P90, a compact bullpup submachine gun chambered in 5.7×28mm. In the game, it is one of the most powerful and versatile automatic weapons, prized for its high rate of fire, large magazine capacity, and integrated reflex sight.
- Type
- Personal defense weapon / submachine gun
- Affiliation
- Available to player and enemies
- First appears
- GoldenEye 007 (1997)
- Role
- High-capacity automatic weapon for mid-range engagements
- Magazine capacity
- 50 rounds (in-game depiction)
- Fire mode
- Automatic
Lore & Background
The RC-P90 is a fictionalized version of the FN P90, a weapon developed in the late 1980s for vehicle crews and support personnel who needed a compact firearm with stopping power against body armor. In GoldenEye 007, it appears as a standard-issue weapon for enemy guards and is also available to the player in several missions. Its distinctive top-mounted magazine and integrated reflex sight make it instantly recognizable. In the game's single-player campaign, the RC-P90 is often found in armories or dropped by enemies. It is especially useful in levels where the player faces multiple opponents, as its 50-round magazine allows sustained fire without frequent reloading. The weapon's high rate of fire and reasonable accuracy make it effective for both suppressive fire and direct engagements. The RC-P90's popularity among players stems from its balance of power, capacity, and ease of use. It is not the most powerful weapon in the game, but its large magazine and fast fire rate make it a reliable choice for many situations. In multiplayer, it is a common starting weapon and remains effective throughout matches. Players who master its recoil can turn corners into kill zones, spraying down foes before they can return fire—a tactic that earned it the nickname "the room sweeper" among competitive fans.
In Their Own Story
The steel door slid open with a hydraulic hiss. Bond stepped into the server room, the RC-P90 held low and ready. The hum of cooling fans filled the air, but above it, he heard the rhythmic tap of keyboard keys. Two guards stood near the main console, their backs to him. Bond raised the weapon, its reflex sight glowing faintly. He squeezed the trigger—a controlled burst of three rounds. The first guard crumpled silently. The second spun, reaching for his sidearm, but Bond's next burst caught him in the chest. The room fell quiet again, save for the fans and the soft clatter of the spent casings on the metal floor.
Reader's Guide
The RC-P90 is a fully automatic weapon with a 50-round magazine and a built-in reflex sight. It fires at a high rate, making it effective for close to medium-range combat. The weapon's main advantage is its large magazine capacity, which allows the player to engage multiple enemies without reloading. This is especially valuable in levels like 'Surface 1' or 'Bunker 2,' where enemies appear in groups. In single-player, the RC-P90 is best used for clearing rooms and corridors. Its high rate of fire means ammunition can be depleted quickly if the trigger is held down, so controlled bursts are recommended. The reflex sight provides a clear aiming point, which helps with accuracy at medium range. The weapon is less effective at long distances due to bullet spread. In multiplayer, the RC-P90 is a common starting weapon in many game modes. Its large magazine gives it an edge in prolonged firefights, but watch your ammo—spraying wildly will leave you dry mid-fight. For maximum effect, strafe while firing; the P90's handling lets you dodge return fire while keeping the reflex sight on target. If you're dual-wielding, remember: double the firepower, half the accuracy—save that for tight corridors where misses don't matter.
Did You Know?
- The RC-P90 in GoldenEye 007 is based on the real-world FN P90, which was designed to fire the 5.7×28mm round, capable of penetrating body armor.
- In the game's multiplayer mode, the RC-P90 is one of the few weapons that can be dual-wielded, allowing the player to fire two at once for double the fire rate—and double the chaos.
- The weapon's name 'RC-P90' is likely a reference to the 'Rapid-fire Compact' designation, though this is not officially confirmed.
- The RC-P90's in-game model features a top-mounted magazine, a distinctive characteristic of the real FN P90 design that makes it look like it's feeding from a sci-fi cartridge.
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