James Bond 007: Blood Stone review (2011)

James Bond 007: Blood Stone is a licensed third-person stealth-shooting and stunt-driving game built by Bizarre Creations and published by Activision. It carries an original spy story by Bruce Feirstein and features the voices of Daniel Craig, Judi Dench and Joss Stone.

Most of the shooting follows a "find cover, shoot wave of dudes, move to new cover, shoot next wave" pattern. When enemies get close you can trigger motion-captured "Takedown" kills to earn "Focus Aims," but the camera is a constant annoyance, as if attached to Bond's back via a limp bungee cord.

The few stealthy segments, which require a smidgen of care, are the best moments in combat. Driving is more successful but inconsistent. Some sections feel truly Bond-like—time slows as you speed under tumbling big rigs—while others contain multiple hairpin turns that will end a chase if mishandled.

james bond, blood stone, bizarre creations, activision, daniel craig, judi dench, joss stone, bruce feirstein, stealth shooting, stunt driving