Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy

(Page 2 of 2)

That's all the star-power you'll see in The Bourne Conspiracy. Matt Damon's likeness won't be seen in the game. In fact, none of the characters look like the celebrities who played them in the movie. Meelad Sadat told a handful of journalists at the Sierra Spring Event that Damon wasn't interested in being involved with a violent videogame -- and that's why High Moon reimagined the looks of all the characters. I can't help but suspect that Damon's silly preferences freed Sadat and company up to focus more on the things that matter. More than once Sadat referenced working with Jeff Imada, the fight coordinator from all the Bourne films. The collaboration is evident in the brutal fights. Sadat also frequently mentioned the influence of director Paul Greengrass' camera work. Look closely and you can feel the cameraman flinch when Jason Bourne shotguns a parked car, flushing out enemies when the engine explodes.

Meelad gave me and a handful of other journalists an exclusive sneak peek at another game level -- one you won't be experiencing in the demo. Bourne is on a mission to kill a villain named O'Connor in Marseilles, France. As Bourne makes his way across the Mediterranean rooftops, Sadat points out that the docks in the background are part of another scene. That's where Wombosi's boat is. Eventually Bourne confronts O'Connor and spars with the Capoeira-trained fighter on a rooftop. Using a takedown, Bourne bashes his enemy against a neon sign. One of the letters smashes loose and dangles by a wire. Another slam further damages the sign. Meanwhile, the beautiful city of Marseilles, slightly gray with rain or maybe dusk, is there in the background. Somewhere out there is Wombosi -- the guy that Jason Bourne just can't bring himself to kill.

Having played and seen my fair share of The Bourne Conspiracy, I feel fully confident in my decision not to take High Moon Studios down with a bullet in the brain. Never mind all those drinks and late-night bonding moments. These guys, the same bunch that made Darkwatch for Pete's sake, look to have made a great game. If you don't believe me, that's fine. Play the demo and find out for yourself. I'm backing out of this assignment.

I'm on my own side now.

Preview based on an unfinished build of the game as seen at Sierra's Spring Event and a Bourne Conspiracy event held in Miami.