I only did the first couple of campaign missions and so far, so good. It's not incredibly difficult but it's what you would expect a Bond game to be. I am enjoying it so far, the Splinter Cell aspects to it are fun.
I plan on trying all of the modes, SP is all I have done so far.
I did play that but it's been a while. Good question though, I will do some research and compare. From what I remember though this is different, it's got Daniel Craig as Bond and his voice as well.
If there is anything specific you want me to pay attention to aside from that let me know, I know split-screen and co-op are a biggie for you and the little man.
I have the first mission from the N64 version burned into my memory, sniping guards through the fog on top of the dam. Was there any of that going on in the new one?