Quantum of Solace

Bond fans have had slim game pickings since the seminal GoldenEye was released on the N64 in 1997, but Quantum of Solace is a step back towards respectability. Like the film this is a full-on action hit, with few breaks in play. The game does throw in some stealth sections and there is some basic puzzling but essentially this is big guns, smart suits and lots of killing. And brainlessly entertaining it is, too. Call of Duty 4 and Gears of War are obvious inspirations - the former's general gameplay is pilfered here, while the latter's cover mechanic is well used - and anyone expecting originality should look elsewhere. Brevity is an issue too, with even the most ham-fisted aficionado likely to complete the game in a few hours. Multiplayer will help here though, with all the standard competitive options available. The graphics are solid, though occasionally uninspiring and are basically good enough. Much like the game itself, really.