Games

Quantum of Solace

Publisher: Activision

Platform: Reviewed on 360, also available on PS3, PS2, Wii, DS, PC

Price: From £24.99

Certificate: 12

Bond is back is back with yet another video game tie in

It's hardly an exciting prospect when the predecessors are considered, with the obvious exception of Rareware's original 'GoldenEye 007' release, but nevertheless the game is out, on shop shelves to coincide with the film's UK nationwide release.

But is it a terrible cash-in as the gaming masses suspect? Well sadly from the beginning of this title it certainly seems that this is the case.

The player is thrown into the well stitched shoes of Bond and nothing seems quite right. Granted, the graphics are sharp, especially the scenery but everything feels as if it is on rails - far too linear to be a real adventure despite the claims made on the packaging.

And battling through everything seems too easy too. It feels like Bond is invincible, as if there's no challenge here.

Then something wondrous happens and the game changes, opens up.

It transpires that while 'Quantum of Solace' appeared to be a poorly made yet lavishly produced cash cow is something much greater...

What had seemed like a brash drop in to this title was instead a clever twist on a training level moulded to resemble the iconic title sequence of each and every Bond movie to date.

And oh boy, it's a unique and enthralling introduction. Clearly crafted solely for this game 'Quantum of Solace' even has its own theme, not the Jack White and Alicia Keys song used in the latest movie.

The game begins then begins once more and this time in its full glory, with the atmosphere set up perfectly.

Quickly the plot unfolds, cunningly inspired by events from both the 'Casino Royale' and 'Quantum of Solace' movies and the voice talent really becomes apparent, complimenting the graphics to a tee as Bond races into action.

And what's more the difficulty level and interactivity steps up too, to a graciously appealing level. Nothing is impossible but at the same time certain scenes can be tricky, allowing for a truly cinematic experience.

The world around 007 becomes intriguingly interactive, down to the stage where cover is essential, there is generally an interactive piece of scenery to shoot and where puzzles can be found hidden against the background.

Accompanied by an ironically humorous yet perfectly apt musical score and built firmly on the foundations of the 'Call of Duty 4' game engine it could be argued that this is the best Bond offering yet... And it beats Jason Bourne's offering too.

The single player is fantastic and the multiplayer options are vast - believed to include a 'Golden Gun' option - though not all have been set in motion yet. Plus everything manifests close to perfectly on the screen. The controls are a joy to behold and the cover system is the best yet seen on a console.

Granted, very little beyond the duck and cover run is revolutionary here, the level design can sometimes be poor and Ian Fleming's idea of Bond wasn't someone who could take 20 bullets in the sequence of a fire fight. But for any gamer who has wanted a fresh slice of Bond will be more than pleased when they get back from the shop with this release.

Superspies and first person shooter fans, especially those not quite old enough to play adult titles such as 'Far Cry 2' and 'Call of Duty World at War', should buy this now.