While short in length, it delivers intense and exciting action
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.
