After the disappointment that was Quantum Of Solace, I hoped that the next James Bond video game would surely improve on the mistakes that had made Quantum Of Solace a failure - I was not let down.
James Bond 007: Blood Stone is a game that will please all Bond fans and gamers alike. The game-play is very exciting and manages to satisfy those who enjoy a good thrill or two - or in this case 10 or so. The story sends 007 across the globe as he chases down leads regarding 'Bio-Weapons' ... or something. The plot isn't exactly made clear. Which is where Blood Stone seems weakest. You are dragged around to all these different locations and are at some points unsure why. You find yourselves in situation where you are asking "Wait, so why are we in Siberia?" "Why are these men trying to kill me?". This continues throughout the game until eventually it doesn't really matter anymore. The game levels are enjoyable enough without a purpose.
The game-play revolves around shootouts (Expected of a 3rd Person shooter ;). James Bond is either sneaking about a building, trying to escape or is chasing someone - All of which faces Bond against a series of enemies which he must dispatch by shooting them or using a take-down. The shooting is very straight forward and familiar but it's the take-down system where Blood Stone shines. When Bond is close to an enemy, the player can press a button to perform a special melee attack that dispatches an enemy in one go. It sounds pretty dull in theory but when you are playing, the take-down system is very ...how do you put it..AWESOME! I just love running up to an enemy and hitting 'square' (PS3) to beat the crap out of some goon. Performing a take-down earns the player one focus aim which can be used to shoot an enemy, killing them in one shot. A maximum of three focus aims can be obtained at a time.
Now onto the other game-play system of Blood Stone – the driving. These levels are chases. Bond must race after and enemy through an environment that is so chaotic, you can't even see! Explosions, debris and out of control cars block your line of sight and cause you to crash and get game over. Honestly, it seems as though sometimes the civilians in downtown Istanbul are trying to kill you. Cars come out of nowhere. On top of that, the person you are chasing often has help. White vans or oil tankers block your way and try to stop you from catching up - Most of the time they succeed. Game over again. Oh well, I'm sure a few more goes I should get it. Asides from the beautiful graphics of these chaotic driving sequences, this area needed improvement.
Overall Blood Stone is a good game. With some flaws such as the unclear plot and impossible driving missions, this is a worthy title to the James Bond games. A must have for all Bond fans. (Which I happen to be.) 8/10
