Palace

Lore & Background

The Palace was designed as a symmetrical yet tactically varied map, encouraging both stealth and direct confrontation. Its layout includes a grand central hall with a raised throne, narrow side passages, and a lower basement area that connects to the main floor via staircases. The map's architecture draws from real-world Southeast Asian palaces, with ornate columns, tapestries, and wooden accents, though the gameplay prioritizes function over fidelity. In the context of GoldenEye 007's multiplayer, the Palace is one of several arenas that do not directly tie to the film's plot but instead offer a generic setting for competitive play. It is particularly favored for modes like 'You Only Live Twice' and 'The Man with the Golden Gun' due to its balanced sightlines and multiple routes. The map's compact size ensures frequent engagements, making it a staple for local multiplayer sessions. Despite its fictional nature, the Palace reflects the game's broader design philosophy: creating memorable, replayable spaces that reward map knowledge and quick reflexes. Its enduring popularity among fans has led to its inclusion in fan-made mods and remasters, though it remains a product of its 1990s console era.

In Their Own Story

The air was thick with incense and tension. Two agents, each armed with a single PP7, circled the throne room. One crouched behind a pillar, listening to the echo of footsteps on marble. The other crept through the basement, hoping to flank. A proximity mine beeped softly near the east corridor—a trap laid minutes ago. The throne sat empty, a silent witness to the coming violence. Somewhere, a third player reloaded, their Golden Gun glinting in the dim light. The palace held its breath.

Reader's Guide

The Palace is a medium-sized multiplayer map in GoldenEye 007, designed for 2–4 players. It features three main areas: the central throne room (with a raised dais and two entrances), the surrounding corridors (with windows overlooking the main hall), and the basement (a low-ceilinged space with pillars and a single staircase up). The map is symmetrical along its long axis, but the basement adds verticality and a hidden flanking route. Gameplay here emphasizes close-quarters combat. The throne room is a kill zone—exposed from above and both doors—while the corridors offer cover but limited escape routes. The basement is ideal for ambushes, especially with proximity mines or the Golden Gun. Weapon spawns are scattered throughout, with the Golden Gun often appearing in the throne room or basement. The Palace fits into GoldenEye 007's multiplayer as a balanced, fast-paced arena. It lacks the long sightlines of 'Complex' or the open chaos of 'Temple', instead rewarding map control and sound awareness. Its compact size ensures matches are intense and brief, perfect for quick rounds with friends.

Did You Know?

• The Palace is one of the few multiplayer-only maps in GoldenEye 007 that does not appear in any single-player mission.
• The map's design was likely inspired by the fictional palace from the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun', though it is not a direct replica.
• In the game's code, the Palace is referred to as 'Palace' internally, with no alternative names or variations.
• The map's symmetrical layout was unusual for GoldenEye 007, as most multiplayer maps were asymmetrical to encourage varied tactics.