threevue

With vomit-filled memories of TimeShift behind me, I took a chance with another unlauded laud-free FPS the other day: last year’s Quantum of Solace, which was on sale for $10. Considering that I’ve had beers that cost more than that (thanks a lot, Singapore), I figured it was worth a shot.

Quantum of Solace has three things going for it: I tend to like Bond games (even the not-so-great ones), it’s built on the Call of Duty 4 engine, and it was developed by Treyarch, who can throw together a decent (if not life-changing) FPS from time to time. Quantum of Solace also uses a cover system which throws the camera into third person, and it actually works pretty well. The game itself feels much more linear than the already-linear Call of Duty 4, because the predetermined cover areas (seriously, someone should clean up all these wooden boxes everywhere) force you to head in certain directions for every firefight. That being said, there are some actually neat sequences, including chase scenes, “sneaking missions”, and sniping.

When it comes down to it, I’m just happy to be playing a solid FPS on the Xbox 360 again, and earning achievements in a game that just feels good to play. I’m not looking to change my life here, I just wanted something to pump me up before Modern Warfare 2 arrives next month. And lawdy me, it’s working.