Bond is back! In his best game on the 360.
Blood Stone?
The story kicks off at a G20 summit at the Acropolis structure in Athens. M sends Bond in to prevent an attack on the summit and he runs into Greco an international terrorist who is behind the plan and escapes forcing a boat chase. Then a pursuit in 007's Aston Martin DBS V12 stopping a jeep laden with a bomb destined for the Acropolis and of course it is stopped by Bond. Further the plot takes you to exotic places all over Europe and Asia which has you really gripped in some top locations such as Istanbul, Nice, Siberia, Burma and more. It's just the typical Ian Fleming conspiracy high octane story which just about holds up for the game. The game has characters in the likeness of the films such as a Daniel Craig inspired Bond and Judi Dench as M. These are clearly the better looking character models in the game. Environments and levels vary in detail with the more detailed levels i.e. the snowy Siberia level looking quite superior to the bland looking generic areas. Yet Blood Stone looks much better than its mediocre predecessor so don't worry.
License to Kill
Blood Stone boasts a very good combat system with a range of guns available for 007 to use from silenced pistols to one shot kill shotguns. All guns have a weighty feel and all have a different impact in your hands making the gunplay realistic and enjoyable. The game has in place a similar feature to Splinter Cell Conviction's last known position allowing you to approach levels stealthily and taking out all guards efficiently. Just like Bond. This is where the takedowns come in. The best executed aspect of the game is the takedowns which are quick, powerful and stylish. Complete a takedown and you earn a focus aim which allows you to shoot enemies dead in one hit, particularly making headshots a walk in the park.
At these points in the game you really feel powerful and like James Bond himself. The chases take this further allowing you to hunt down escapists in a variety of vehicles and across an assortment of locations. The driving is thick and fast as it is similar to the PGR series. Some have you failing instantly if you take the wrong turn or go to slow but it always has that action feel like in the films and the music that goes with it slots in with ease. Though when you are jumping on foot there is no sound, which is a key flaw in the gameplay. Lastly the length of the game is short and action packed like a Bond film, though there is a weak multiplayer to go with it and higher difficulties so there's always a reason to go back and step into the shoes of the MI6 spy.
The Breakdown
Graphics – 7 Characters and environments look quite good and film like.
Sound – 8 Vintage Bond themes and high action sounds.
Gameplay – 8 Solid combat system and fun car chases throughout.
Lifespan – 7 Short main story but worth replaying, plus multiplayer.
007 Blood Stone is a gripping, fun and good attempt at a Bond game. The likeness to Splinter Cell helps the game as does the solid combat system and the lethal realistic takedowns. The additions of car chases complement the game well; however more levels and better sounds would make a killer game. A buy for all action and Bond fans.