Bourne for action

by ERIK LEIJON

At first glance, the Bourne Conspiracy (PS3, X360/Sierra, High Moon Studios) doesn’t seem like it would be disrupting the movie-game conversion bell curve all that much. Based on the first Matt Damon superspy film in the series, on the surface it’s a short game with an excess of hand-to-hand combat, funky over-the-shoulder perspective shooting and one forgettable car chase.

Fans of the Robert Ludlum novels will shudder at how the game follows the books as loosely as the films did, and Matt Damon fans will be disappointed to know that his likeness was not used in Conspiracy. Conceptually it sounds trite, but $30-million spy Jason Bourne is a master of the deadly arts, and his game will kick, shoot and chokehold its way into your heart.

Developer High Moon Studios’ previous effort, the paranormal Western Darkwatch, was another instance where, within the confines of a well-worn genre (FPS), they managed to create a unique world where minor gameplay design tweaks (such as super jumping) resulted in moments of unexpected freshness.

Bourne Conspiracy borrows from recent action games such as Stranglehold, with timed button action sequences like God of War, but it’s how they blend the different action styles together that makes Conspiracy such a thrill ride.

HIGH ADRENALINE: Bourne Conspiracy

In the film, Jason Bourne is an amnesiac on the run from his own government. Despite his lack of memory, Bourne remembers his extensive repertoire of deadly manoeuvres, all of which are employed here in creative ways. On the right side of the screen, Bourne has an adrenaline meter. Fill up an adrenaline spot and Bourne can unleash takedown moves on his foes, typically involving Bourne introducing someone’s skull to a nearby wall or piece of furniture.

Most of the fighting is hand-to-hand, but it’s how the game seamlessly transitions from normal combat to cinematic kill move that prevents repetitiveness.

There are also a bevy of guns at Bourne’s disposal, and in what is the game’s best feature, Bourne automatically alternates from gun to fist simply by running up to an enemy. All of this combined with the timed action sequences, and there’s always something new happening on the screen, keeping both Bourne’s and your adrenaline on high.

Cover systems are the norm now, and Conspiracy is no exception. It works to a reasonable effect, even if there’s no way to quickly shift from one cover spot to another. What is awesome is how most of the covers are destructible, including one kickass scene in a library where it’s possible to shoot away books to expose a hidden enemy. The action camera employed here mirrors the shaky cam the movies were famous for, and it makes every scene look and feel important in progressing the story. Other games have done close combat, shooting and driving better, but few have really captured the vibe of an action film as well as Bourne Conspiracy.

Happy 30th

I hope I look as vibrant and fresh as Space Invaders at 30—then again, it’s obvious the game has had some work done. Space Invaders Extreme (PSP, DS/Square Enix, Taito) is a resounding victory for the “if it ain’t broke” camp. It’s still in 2D and the ships predominantly maintain the drop down, increase speed and reverse direction battleplan, but this time it’s to a backdrop of techno music and colourful backgrounds.

In 30 years, the aliens have managed to create an impressive army of ships, including a few hectic boss battles. Your ship also has new weapons to even the insurmountable odds. There are only a handful of stages, but there’s more than enough here to satisfy your itchy trigger finger.