Bond is back. Blending first-person shooting and third-person action, Quantum of Solace puts you in control of Bond's greatest weapon - his mind. Enter the ruthless world of International espionage through the single-player story, or test your secret agent skills across the globe with a variety of 12-player multiplayer modes. The game allows players to truly feel what it is like to be the ultimate secret agent as they use their stealth, precision shooting and lethal combat skills to progress through missions...

In the past the release of an official Bond game has usually been one to steer clear of. For some reason game developers have been unable to capture the excitement of the world's greatest secret agent... until now.

The game is being released on 31 October 2008 (the same day the movie opens in the UK). All reviews of the game are also embargoed until the game's release date so, at the time of reviewing the game, I haven't seen the movie so I can't comment on how closely the game follows it - if at all.

You start the game on the trail of Mr White, who fans of the last Bond movie, Casino Royale, will instantly recognise as the man that Bond tackles at the end of that film. Once you've completed that level, in true Bond tradition, you get an opening credits sequence with a song that's actually better than the official Quantum of Solace theme by Alicia Keys and Jack White. And then you're into the next level.

There's very little to not like about this game, if you're a fan of the FPS genre. The game is based on the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare game engine and has been specifically engineered to immerse players in the Bond universe. From silent take downs and sneaking through confined spaces, to one-on-one shoot outs and large scale battles, players experience a variety of gameplay that challenges them to think through situations and choose how they progress, whether it's through covert means or confronting enemies in full force.

You start each level with a selection of weapons, which you can add to as you kill your enemies. For most, although not all, you can attach silencers as well as choose whether to have them fire semi-automatic or single shot. You can also use items in your environment to help you take out your enemies. For example fire extinguishers and oil drums can be shot at making them explode. Or, if you prefer, you can rush your enemies and take them down with a single punch (by hitting the same action button that's displayed onscreen).

Every now and then you'll need to hack into a computer, unlock a sealed door or keep your balance as you walk across a thin walkway. All of these take you out of the FPS genre for a brief while, helping to keep the game play interesting. This is not a game I'd start on the easiest setting though, as it's a little too simple to race through the levels.

If I have one complaint it's that I did feel like I was being shepherded around the environments - there's not a lot of free roaming on offer here. Also, I can imagine that the story mode will get old real quick. So, if you aren't online yet, this game is all the excuse you finally need to splash out the cash and get an Xbox Live account.

If you buy only one Bond game, then make sure it's this one. It's also a fine example of how to add something a little different to the FPS genre.

9

Nick Smithson