Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy Member Review for the Xbox360

The Good: Excellent chase scenes, fun context sensitive sections, gruesome and satisfying combat, superb audio and visuals, no Matt Damon

The Bad: You have to have watched the movie or read the book to know what's really going on, combat and shooting oversimplified, only one driving section, super short

The Bourne Conspiracy is based off of the hit book and movie by author Robert Ludlum. I have good news for people who haven't watched or read the book or movie; you didn't have to too enjoy this. The game is about a trained assassin by the government who tries to find his true identity and runs into, and has to kill, the people in his way. While the plot is a bit confusing the voice acting is superb and the game uses the Unreal engine (Gears of War) and the game just looks and sounds amazing. While Matt Damon is missing as the lead role he won't be missed since the new character is better and more likable.

        The game is really reminiscent of Indigo Prophecy with the game being full of context sensitive cut scenes. While there's essentially no mini-games there are three parts to the game: Fighting, shooting, and driving. The fighting is what you'll be doing a lot and it's just gruesomely satisfying. You have heavy attack and light attack and you can use these in a 3 combo attack. You can charge either one for a light or powerful kick as well. You can block and strafe around the opponent. When you get your adrenaline bar up (there are three segments you can charge by connecting hits) you can perform a takedown which is a brutal and deadly scene of using the environment or breaking some limbs and smashing heads into walls. While all of this sounds simple, it is, but it's really satisfying and doesn't really get old. You also have bosses at the end of every level that have a health meter, and I can report the AI in this game is really awesome.

        During the shooting sections you can take cover, hold up to two weapons (a handgun and another weapon) perform shooting takedowns (up to three depending on how full your adrenaline bar is). You also have a cool run button that makes the camera shake while you run through halls so it really feels like your playing a movie. While your shooting sections are pretty generic and nothing special they work and thanks to the game's length you won't feel bored of this. There is one driving section in the game and the car handles superbly and it's just full of intense chasing.

        While the game is full of so much action it doesn't last long clocking in at about 5-6 hours. There is no multiplayer what-so-ever and the extras are a bit lame. If you're looking for an awesome action rental then look no further than The Bourne Conspiracy.