The Bourne Conspiracy is yes, a movie game title from Robert Ludlum's
novels and Bourne movies, so instantly your question would be how does
it stack up? It is another flop like most other movie game titles? The
answer is a thankfully defiantly not, on the contrary it's a
exceedingly well made game that follows it's story and action from
movie/novel to game brilliantly, the only knockback is it's over once
you really get into it.
If you haven't watched the movies or read the novels, that's okay,
since the story is told reasonably well to follow what is exactly is
going on throughout. You are Jason Bourne, a special agent created to
take down any enemies in your path, however there is more to know as
you uncover hidden secrets from your past, to find out who you really
are, and how you got to where you are now. If you seen or read the
movies or novels, you'll know most of everything within the game.
Graphically you can pretty much tell it's not the most technical game
ever made, however it's still up to par thanks to the unreal engine 3
in use. The character models are nicely detailed with great expressions
particularly when you punch a guard in the face, watching their face in
slow motion is just awesome. The animation and combat movements can be
a bit jerky here and there, however nothing terrible to interrupt your
gaming experience. The level designs can be a hit and miss depending on
each level, but the environments and backdrops are nicely detailed with
nice rendered and real time cutscenes throughout each area.
The gameplay at it's core has a few different elements with each having
their good, however the hand to hand combat is easily the most fun.
When you approach a enemy close up, you engage in hand to hand combat
where with two types of punches, fast and hard you can beat them down
in your path. When you damage your enemy, you gain instinct points
which Bourne can use once a meter is filled to pull a devastating
takedown move, either using his own hands and feet, or using the
surrounding environment.
The other element of course is the shooting. It's handles in
third-person perspective with a aim, and by using Bourne's instinct
ability, he can lock onto enemies and visually highlight them to know
where they are. You can also use Bourne's instinct points here to take
down enemies in one shot, which can defiantly come in handy in tough
spots.
Lastly the cinematic time based, button press element is used at
specific points during the action ride. When an event is about to
occur, a button is shown what to press at the bottom of the screen to
trigger, usually giving you a good second or two before it's too late.
It's used mostly in key events in levels, for example when escaping the
embassy you see the gate closing ahead which you must push a button
when it's time to slide underneath, or you'll be captured. Many games
use this element these days, some used well and others tiresome,
however it feels just right and appropriate in this game, not overdoing
or uselessly placing it, but exactly well to accompany that action
thrill ride that has your heart racing especially at climatic moments.
The characters voiceovers are excellent. Bourne sounds distinctly
correct in his tone and suits well for each line he expresses. Most of
the other characters are alike the same, although nothing is too
outstanding, the best being Bourne himself. The soundtrack is excellent
with the exact themes and tracks suited to each part of the time,
whether it's from a atmospheric chase, to slow and stealthy, it really
does add to the intense action towards the game.
You will probably complete the game within five hours, and once you're
finished there isn't a whole lot of replay value to come back towards,
although there are a few things. Luckily if you own the Xbox360 version
the achievements will keep you going to earn each one, and by
collecting every passport in each level, you can unlock music tracks,
replay boss battles and view art gallery's from the making of the game.
No online unfortunately.
If your a fan of the novels or movies and tinkering of whether it's
transition to a video game has paid off, it's one of few that actually
has, and done pretty well. The only drawback is you'll be done with
this game pretty quickly, with it's short length and lack of features.
It's defiantly worthwhile to rent if your a fan, and also if your into
cinematic action games, however paying full price wouldn't be
advisable, unless your a die hard fan.
