Moonraker Laser Rifle

The Moonraker laser rifle was a fictional directed-energy weapon designed primarily for space warfare. It was first featured in the 1979 James Bond film, Moonraker, and subsequently appeared in the video-games GoldenEye 007 (1997), its 2010 remake, 007 Legends (2012) and Cypher 007 (2023).

History[]

The Moonraker laser rifle is first featured in 1979 film Moonraker. The laser rifle is first seen as a prototype in the courtyard of the ranch with Q Branch testing it on a dummy. At the climax of the film, laser rifles are wielded by both the US Marines and Drax's space station guard as they battle each other in space. Its possible the Drax Industries also made the laser rifle.

The prop laser weapons were dressed-up IMI Uzi replicas, apparently store-bought plastic toys. These toy Uzis were also used in quite a few Sci-fi and 'action' B movies during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The guard of Drax's space station are also armed with smaller laser pistols.

Video-game appearances[]

The Moonraker laser rifle appears in the video-games GoldenEye 007 (1997), Goldeneye 007: Reloaded (2010), 007 Legends (2012) and Cypher 007 (2023). In all its incarnations the rifle is noted for its unlimited ammo, range, and accuracy.

GoldenEye 007 (N64)[]

The Moonraker Laser made its first video-game appearance in 1995's GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64, under the name "Military Laser". In the game it is a very powerful weapon, comparable to the Cougar Magnum but with a much higher rate of fire and no magazine or ammunition limitations.

The rifle can normally only be found in the "Aztec" map, but two cheats exist specifically to give Bond this weapon in every mission. It has been noted that the laser was much more common in pre-release versions of the game, appearing in several maps - "Facility", "Bunker 1", and "Silo". It was probably only used for testing and never intended to actually appear in those missions.

Goldeneye 007: Reloaded[]

The weapon made its second appearance in the "00 Edition" of Goldeneye 007: Reloaded (2010) on Playstation 3. When purchased, the player received a redeemable code for an extra multiplayer character and the Moonraker Laser, also for multiplayer use.

007 Legends[]

Developed by the same team behind 2010's GoldenEye remake, the Moonraker laser rifle appeared in the 2012 video game 007 Legends during its fifth level based on Moonraker and the game's multiplayer mode. Two types of laser rifle are available: the "standard" model and the "MK 2" rifle; both of which are equipped with an unlimited supply of ammunition.

Cypher 007[]

In Cypher 007, the Moonraker Laser rifle were carried by SPECTRE mercenaries and then Bond, after the Moonraker Laser was unlocked from Mission 18 by the process. The Moonraker Laser can fire a laser and can take out 2 life bars that can burn an enemy overtime. The Moonraker Laser wasn’t a renegrated weapon were Bond must pick up some energy to charged up the Moonraker Laser.

Capabilities[]

To be added