007: Quantum of Solace

The most famous secret agent ever to walk the silver screen has simply deserved a better game. Quantum of Solace could’ve been so much more, but instead remains caught in a swamp of mediocrity. [Issue#17]

007: Quantum of Solace was supposed to be the game that got the James Bond franchise out of its slump, but instead it succumbs to its own mediocrity and will only satisfy those with the lowest of expectations.

A James Bond movie tie-in that unfortunately lacks any of the gadgets and fun aspects we expect from 007. Treyarch have created an enjoyable shooter that fails to live up to expectations, and is far too short to be considered anything special.

The take down system is cool, and the hacking has its heart in the right place. But the developer has been told: this game accompanies the film. Bond can't change the story. It's play it like you saw it on the silver screen, or reload from the last checkpoint. Fortunately, the production, the gestalt of this new-era Bond is strong enough to make QOS a pile of fun. [January 2009, p.49]

Quantum of Solace certainly showed some great promise before its release (in preview events, Activision made sure to show off the absolute best levels in the game) and the console versions play a bit more solidly, but the PC port is one that should be avoided.

Largely solid, but it's just not exciting. [Jan 2009, p.99]

It's one of the few Bond games that come close to the N64 classic. [Feb 2009, p.78]

Graphics and sound are good and the weapons are convincing, even KI and controls are good. If the game was longer and would have a convincing story, it could be a well done shooter. But the developers apparently forgot that second part of the recipe for good games and so the game is too short, without soul and too expensive.

Basic competence. [Christmas 2008, p.72]

Quantum of Solace is a new reason to not trust videogame adaptations from movies. Treyarch's title transmits a sensation of rushed development and not achieved goals. Short, quite repetitive and dreary.

Better than most movie games but yet not perfect. Excellent cover system and exotic locations but it's too short and too scripted. Fortunately, the entertaining multiplayer mode extends the game's lifespan. [Dec 2008]