James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace Wii

James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace Product Details

Released on 31/10/2008

• James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace Preview

  Golden buy?

  When Daniel Craig pulled on James Bond's Savile Row-tailored slacks two years ago, it represented a gritty, gadget-free new direction for the increasingly exhausted movie series. At the same time Activision nabbed the videogame rights from EA and decided to take a similar direction with 007's digital career. Consequently, the publisher's LA-based studio Treyarch is promising a brutal, thrilling experience. It's brought in the brilliant Call Of Duty 4 3D engine and grabbed the best scenes from both Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace to construct a tight, edgy spy blaster.

  Been there, shot that

  But this isn't a straight-up kill-fest with bullets for brain cells. Quantum Of Solace is a tactical shooter, sporting an intuitive cover system that lets you dive behind objects or skirt along walls to avoid enemy fire. The enemies, too, are smarter that your average shoot-'em-up fodder - the movie makers specifically told Treyarch 'James Bond does not fight idiots'. They'll run for cover too, as well as using flanking strategies against you - especially if you burst in with machine guns blazing.

  You'll never be entirely sure what's coming next - even if you know the films inside out.

  Quantum Of Solace certainly makes the most of Bond's globetrotting lifestyle, with levels based in Siena, Venice, Miami and on the shores of Lake Como, as well as many other exotic locations. One minute you're blasting through the beautiful gardens of a palatial mansion, the next you're storming a science centre, or shooting your way through a hurtling passenger train.

  All of these areas are highly destructible thanks to Treyarch's advanced physics engine, so almost everything you see in the detailed locations can be blown to smithereens. It's also possible to set up traps using objects found around certain environments, taking several enemies out at once. As in the films, Bond is usually out-manned and out-gunned so must improvise with what he has available.

  Bond, games Bond

  Detail is impressive, too. The development team has used thousands of production photos to create intricate reproductions of key movie scenes - it was also given access to the Quantum Of Solace shoot on several occasions, and has worked closely with Daniel Craig. It turns out that the Bond actor is a keen gamer who not only fulfills voice acting duties, but also came up with script suggestions for the game. He even helped with some new plot ideas.

  The game's story mostly follows the script to the forthcoming movie, flashing back to key scenes in Casino Royale as the plot unfolds. However, it's not a completely faithful conversion. Treyarch has access to scenes cut from both movies, and has expanded on certain sequences, so you'll never be entirely sure what's coming next - even if you know the films inside out.

  Looking more solid and well-conceived than most of the James Bond titles we've seen over the last ten years.

  At certain moments during the game, Treyarch has introduced cinematic action sequences which work like the quick-time events from Resident Evil 4 - you need to hit the right buttons at the right time to make Bond pull of some breathtaking stunts - one example is getting him through the heady free-running scene from Casino Royale. The hand-to-hand combat also works in this way - get close to a bad guy and you'll need to hit a button to perform a devastating 'takedown' move. Both of these elements are shown in third-person, offering a more exciting view of the action.

  Craig cleans up

  Next-gen multiplayer is another vital element of Quantum Of Solace. There are 12 online gaming maps and a range of modes, taking in familiar FPS options as well as some more Bond-inspired newcomers. One features a lone player taking on the role of 007 while every other player is an enemy agent. Bond must set off a series of explosives before the other team can kill him twice. It's tense and fun, and really captures the feel of the movies.

  Quantum Of Solace has its work cut out to match everyone's memories of the GoldenEye game. Already, though, it's looking much more solid and well-conceived than most of the James Bond titles we've seen over the last ten years. Bond has been well and truly rejuvenated on the big screen - it's now time for Craig to clean up on console.

  Preview by: Keith 'Shaken, Not Stirred' Stuart
  Review Published: 13.10.08

  Published: 13/10/2008

• More Bond in the pipeline for Activision?

  If you prefer shooty spies to stealthy spies like Sam Fisher and Solid Snake, good news: it looks like Activision might be getting back into the 007 business.

  According to internet sleuthing site Superannuation, Activision has registered two website domains: Bloodstonegame.com and Goldeneyegame.com.

  The publisher has been tight-lipped about the listings, but James Bond: Bloodstone has already been rumoured as a spy-themed driving game from Bizarre Creations, the makers of the Project Gotham series, and the forthcoming action racer Blur.

  The GoldenEye listing is a little more confusing, although if it means we're finally in for a real sequel to the solid gold N64 classic from Rare, you won't hear us complaining too loudly.

  No new games have formally been announced. If you're eager to catch up with the superspy in the meantime, however, you might want to check out James Bond: Quantum of Solace, Activision's most recent game in the series. Made my Call of Duty developer Treyarch, it's got an excellent campaign and typically solid multiplayer.

  Film fans may find it all a bit painful at the moment, however, as the production of the latest film in the franchise was indefinitely suspended last week due to uncertainty over movie studio MGM's future.

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