James Bond: Bloodstone

James Bond: Bloodstone (Xbox 360)

I don't usually write reviews but feel the need to here due to Bloodstone receiving a pretty poor review on IGN, which after playing I feel is/was unwarranted.

Having never played a Bond game other than the old Goldeneye on the N64, I really didn't know what to expect but in summary I was really entertained by it. I appreciate that there are many reviews on Amazon so I'll try and present my review in a quick and easy to digest bullet point format...

* Script/Story - it would hold up against many, if not all, recent Bond films. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if this script was first commissioned for film. Excellent.

* Voice Acting - again, excellent. Its great to have Daniel Craig and Judi Dench reprise their roles and the supporting cast is excellent - especially guest star Joss Stone who plays Nikki in the game and incidentally sings the theme tune in true Bond style.

* Gameplay - I really enjoyed it. I played it to completion on the easiest difficulty (recruit) and it took me between 8 and 10 hours. The game fires along at a fair old pace and the mix of shooting, stealth, and car chases really made it feel like you were in a Bond film. I've started on '00' difficulty now and its extraordinarily challenging so I'd think it will take far longer to play through than the 7 hours being touted in some places.

* Gadgets - I liked the smartphone although its a rip off from Batman: Arkham Asylum. It fitted in with the game's story and is useful as a help function if you're struggling in places. So, although copied from another title it was used to very good effect.

* Graphics - there are better games out there, but I found the scenery, likenesses of Bond and M, animation of characters, etc all to be very good. It certainly didn't put you off the gameplay.

* Sound - no complaints here. Top stuff.

* Prologue - the 15 minute (or so) prologue at the beginning leading into the Bond title sequence is awesome. It makes this a Bond film. Had a big smile on my face when the titles kicked in. I know it doesn't impact on the game but it really helps set the mood and feel.

* Cutscenes - maybe not a big deal for most but you can pause the cutscenes which I think more games should have the option to do.

* I haven't had a try at the multiplayer/on line play so can't really comment on it.

Overall, a top game that I'm glad I purchased. ... Now to play the Goldeneye remake on the Wii!

7/10

EDIT: ... And you really can't go wrong for the current price (as @ 04/12/2011) of £11.99 that its now on sale for!

Within the two week period that I purchased this game I also purchased COD Black Op's and Halo Reach... Now I'm not suggesting either of these games aren't great, clearly sales figures suggest that both are desirable and I have enjoyed both but the game that's kept me coming back to my Xbox 360 day after day has been Bloodstone!

I'm a Bond fan, but this game appeals to me not just on the basis of my love for Bond but also because I'm a gamer who appreciates a game that understands how to engage, how to suspend belief and how to reward. Cinematic gaming has become the norm. Every game works to tell a tale and this is no exception. The story is actually pretty strong, I could imagine it hitting the big screen (if it weren't for the fact that the movie studio which might have seen fit to do so doesn't seem to be able to balance the books). It combines established game mechanics such as a cover system seen from the 3rd person, a smart phone based 'detective mode' (think Batman AA) and occasional vehicle stages. All these gameplay elements work well, I didn't complete this game considering any to be the weak link.

This game has substance. It's been coded with the attention and presentation of a AAA title. Such a shame that it's been marginalised by bigger releases. I can honestly say that I've enjoy this game more than either Reach or Black Op's and I would encourage anyone/everyone to buy this and enjoy not just as a Bond release but as a quality title!

This is a really good game and although it is not Call of Duty standard it is alot of fun. If you are a bond fan you will love this game. At the lower price it is a good xmas purchase. Graphics are good and sometimes great and the driving sections are straight out of a bond film. Too many good games seem to be put down by sites such as IGN when they do not deserve it, this is one of them.