Review: The Bourne Conspiracy (PS3)

If you read my blog posts or have ever listened to one of our shows then you probably already know that the Bourne series is one of my most beloved franchises. The character is brilliantly imagined and is in my personal opinion one of today’s most interesting action heroes. Of course, this doesn't mean that the IP is a shoe in for a good video game. I have been looking forward to this game for a long time but I will be the first to admit that this game does have some major flaws that prevent it from achieving greatness. I have taken a lot of flack for being excited about the Bourne Conspiracy but after all is said and done, I really did enjoy this game. When developing a licensed game, this game could be used as a blueprint by other developers. High Moon Studios has done what I would call an "admirable job" of taking what many people would call a hopeless endeavor and molded it into a game that is ultimately a flawed but fun experience.
Lets start with the game’s flaws. Firstly, the game is just too repetitive and linear. Bourne is supposed to be about using intellect to survive situations and avoid major confrontation but the game throws that concept out the window. I think the game could have really used some more elaborate environments with multiple paths to choose from but they opted for the straightforward, linear path instead. High moon created the illusion of choice by suggesting that you sneak up on enemies "Splinter Cell" style and eliminate foes quietly but in most situations, this is just not possible. This leads to an overabundance of crazed firefights and fisticuffs. This isn't all bad but the game could have used more personality to make it stand out from the crowd... you know, kind of like the movies. My other major complaint is with the basic combat. Once combat is initiated, Bourne can perform "combos" in order to build up adrenaline, which can be unleashed in a graphic, brutal takedown move. I put combos in quotes because these combos are a combination of two buttons, triangle and square. The last factor in performing combos is the fact that you can only perform three attacks at a time before there is a pause that is intended to give you an opportunity to block, move, or perform a takedown. Do the math and that only comes out to 6 different combinations. This gets old fast. By waiting and building up adrenaline beyond the first tier, Jason can perform multiple person takedowns. When surrounded by up to 3 foes, it is possible to perform a single takedown that eliminates all 3 opponents. This is cool but you are rarely given an opportunity to do this. During boss fights, certain objects such as books or pens will glow indicating that performing a takedown near them will initiate an environmental takedown. All in all, takedowns are fun to execute and can be satisfying but the concept is ultimately a bit flawed.
High moon also implemented the "Bourne Instinct", a mode that can be activated by tapping the triangle button and highlights important aspects of the environment such as important doors, weapons, passports, and enemies. This could have been a great addition to the game but unfortunately it is not used to its full potential. Finally, the shooting mechanic is broken because of the poorly designed aiming reticule and the enemy’s miraculous immunity to gunshot wounds. Shooting rarely slows, let alone kills, unless you make a headshot.
By now, you probably think the game is a total waste of space but despite its many flaws it somehow still remains fairly solid by today’s licensed game standards. The game runs on the Unreal Engine and looks very good despite some awkward character models (ahem... wtf Matt Damon). The game makes good use of textures, real time physics, sound effects and is supported by a quality soundtrack. The combat can be a lot of fun to mess around with despite its simplicity and repetitiveness. The driving level which was actually my least favorite level of the demo also pleasantly surprised me. While not perfect, it provided a welcome break from the many running and gunning sequences that dominate the game. The level suffered from a few poor design choices and lacked the polish that games like Grand Theft Auto 4 had but it was still a nice addition to the game. The flashback portions of the games were nice additions to the story but the most fun will definitely come from the sequences from the film. Overall, “The Bourne Conspiracy” is a nice addition to the Bourne Mythos but is ultimately a flawed action title that could have used a few extra months in the oven. If you are looking for a decent action adventure title that will keep you entertained for an eventless weekend, give the game a shot.

Final Score: C-