Archangel
A stolen Russian space station. A weapon aimed at London. A man falling from orbit.
Archangel is a fictional Russian space weapons platform that serves as the primary setting for the third mission of the 1997 first-person shooter GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64. In the game, the player, as James Bond, must infiltrate the station to prevent its devastating electromagnetic pulse weapon from being used against the United Kingdom. The level is notable for its zero-gravity sections and orbital setting, marking a departure from the more grounded locations of the film.
- character
- James Bond
- role
- Mission location (infiltration and sabotage)
- affiliation
- Janus (criminal syndicate)
- first_appears
- GoldenEye 007 (1997, Nintendo 64)
- status
- Destroyed (in-game)
Lore & Background
Archangel is a secret Russian military space station, repurposed by the Janus crime syndicate under the command of General Ourumov and Xenia Onatopp. It houses a powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) generator, capable of disabling all electronics across a wide area on Earth. The station is crewed by Russian soldiers and Janus operatives, and its existence is unknown to most of the world until MI6 learns of its threat.
In Their Own Story
The hum of the EMP generator was a low, constant thrum through the hull of Archangel—a sound like a caged beast waiting to be unleashed. Bond, having ejected from a stolen fighter at the edge of space, drifted through the maintenance airlock, his breath fogging the visor of his stolen spacesuit. The zero-gravity was disorienting: every push sent him spinning, every corner hid a guard who could come from any direction. As he floated past a circular window, Earth spun silently below, a blue marble unaware of the doom orbiting above. Somewhere in this labyrinth of steel and wires, the generator waited. And somewhere, a timer was already ticking.
Reader's Guide
Archangel is the second mission in GoldenEye 007, following the Dam level. The player must navigate the station's interior, which includes zero-gravity sections where Bond can float and use a jetpack (the 'Space Gun' is not present in this level, but the player can use standard weapons). The level features multiple paths, including a vent system and a central control room. The objective is to sabotage the EMP generator by overloading it, then escape to a rescue pod before the station explodes. The level is linear but offers some exploration, and its sci-fi setting contrasts with the film's more realistic tone. It fits into the overall game as a high-stakes, climactic infiltration that showcases Bond's versatility in extreme environments.
Did You Know?
- The Archangel level is one of the few in GoldenEye 007 to feature zero-gravity gameplay.
- The station's design is inspired by real-world concepts for orbital weapons platforms from the Cold War era.
- The level's music track, 'Archangel', is a remix of the GoldenEye film's theme by Éric Serra.
- The escape sequence requires the player to reach a rescue pod within a time limit after overloading the generator.
- Despite being the third mission, Archangel is often remembered as one of the game's most iconic levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Archangel in GoldenEye 007?
Archangel is a stolen Russian space station that serves as the setting for the game's second mission. It has been converted into an orbital weapons platform by the Janus criminal syndicate.
What weapon does Archangel carry?
The station houses a powerful electromagnetic pulse device capable of disabling all electronics in London and surrounding areas. Bond must infiltrate the facility to stop this devastating attack before it is launched.
Why is the Archangel level famous among fans?
This mission is legendary for introducing zero-gravity gameplay, forcing players to navigate floating corridors and fight enemies without gravity. It marked a major departure from the grounded locations found in the film adaptation.
Who controls Archangel during the game's events?
The station is under the command of the Janus syndicate, which has hijacked it for their own nefarious purposes. Bond must fight through their forces to regain control and sabotage the operation.
What happens to Archangel at the end of the mission?
After James Bond successfully disables the weapon system, the station is destroyed in orbit. This catastrophic explosion eliminates the threat to London and marks a key victory against Janus.
More in World & Locations
Elsewhere in the GoldenEye universe
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