Now here’s an interesting concept. A game based on a quadrilogy of novels that takes cinematic inspiration from the movie adaptations.

I’m a Bourne again fan of this franchise, I’ve got to say. I loved the books, I thought the first film was the dog’s bollocks and the two subsequent sequels weren’t too bad either (other than the ham fisted direction). Each of these mediums were handled well, and each had its own highly stylised theme that helped their respective audiences quickly and vividly identify with the amnesiac killing machine protagonist. So the game has a lot to live up to, but like many others, as soon as I heard about a videogame adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s classic stories my intrigue piqued – this is a series ideally suited to a next gen console.

We’ve just been fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of the forthcoming Jason Bourne game, which covers all the events of the spy who turned. Our immediate reaction was typical of gamers who’re utterly jaded and repulsed by the current trend for quick-time modes; at least at first. The Bourne Conspiracy soon changes the player’s opinion on this distasteful gaming practice, however. In this case (and this case alone), we’re seeing a game that’s entirely based around the quick-time button jabbing mechanic, which actually works impressively well.

It makes one realise that the real problem with quick-time gameplay isn’t the way it works, but the way it’s applied. Most every other game uses it as a bolt on, or a cop out – a way to include some mid-level cinematics while still proclaiming to involve the player (Tomb Raider and Spider-Man, we’re looking at you). The sudden and unwelcome divergence from a game’s normal control system is what’s so objectionable about quick-time, but when it forms the essential core of a title’s movement, combat, driving and shooting systems, it’s apparently no bad thing at all.

And the Bourne Conspiracy (despite taking more of a leaf from the books than the films in terms of character and story) is massively cinematic – more so than any game we’ve ever seen. The camera direction moves and jolts just as it did when Matt Damon was stood in front of it, and switches angles furiously to show each dangerous stunt or vicious arm break to its full extent. This combination of extreme filmic style and the quick-time control complement each other quite beautifully, and even though the button jabbing gameplay perhaps isn’t as engaging as established control systems, the sensation of taking part in an interactive movie has never been so tangible. A more than fair trade off, to be sure.

We got the chance to play through a couple of levels that best showed off the different modes of gameplay in Sierra’s latest creation; fighting/escaping, gun play and driving. The latter two both work nicely while remaining within the remit of the man on a warpath. The first level was unquestionably the most invigorating, however.

Escaping from the embassy (which is nigh on identical to the building seen in the Bourne Identity movie) is a high-octane thrill ride – packed with labyrinthine corridors crawling with aggressive, armed soldiers out to recapture Jason. Careening into one of these unfortunate authorities sparks the fundamental hand-to-hand combat sequences which form the real crux of the gameplay. The jolting camera work sets off the superb tension of a hurried and improvised – yet highly experienced – fist fight superbly, and trading blows and blocking come quickly and easily. Not to mention teeth looseningly effectively.

As a defensive meter grows during the fight, Bourne is given the opportunity for a takedown with a simple press of the B button. This initiates a beautifully animated cinematic sequence in which Jason performs his trademark, high-speed aikido techniques; snapping bones, unhinging joints and ploughing faces into available scenery. While some of the graphics still look a little plastic and unrealistic from the wrong angle, the mo-cap animation is genuinely awe-inspiring. The game engine is quickly forgiven for essentially taking control for these impressive martial arts combos as they allow the player to enjoy the full brutality of being a well-trained war machine first hand. And their seamless implementation ensures you aren’t left feeling like you’re taking turns at controlling Bourne with the CPU – the movielike sequences are a vital part of this game’s unique and energizing charm.

Multiple takedowns become available as the meter grows and more enemies surround Jason, as well as deft driving manoeuvres and sharp-shooting abilities on the relevant levels. From the three we’ve seen, there’s a strong possibility that The Bourne Conspiracy will divide critics (not down the middle, mind you – most will be as enamoured as we are) because of the large amount of quick, non-interactive cinematic sequences interspersed throughout the gameplay, while others will agree it’s perfectly in keeping with the hard-hewn style we’ve come to associate with Jason Bourne.

June suddenly feels like it’s a long way away. Keep an eye out for the full review right here on GDN.