The new Bourne game is as good as the movie, writes Stephen Fenech

There's always a level of reluctance when gamers approach a title based on a film.

More often than not, a game is created to cash in on the Hollywood box-office hype and is usually a disappointment.

There have been a few exceptions to the rule and The Bourne Conspiracy is definitely one of them.

To be fair, TBC is not only an excellent re-imagination of The Bourne Identity, starring Matt Damon, but also extends the Bourne universe in a number of flashback missions - which fleshes out the package nicely.

Players step into the shoes of Jason Bourne and if you are hoping the character looks like Damon you'll be disappointed as the actor did not agree to lend his likeness or voice to the game.

But this is of no consequence, except for die-hard Damon fans, as the game delivers with great action and a strong story.

The standout for TBC is the pace of the game which, just like the film, is frenetic.

It also artfully combines several genres into one so it offers a wider gamer appeal.

TBC is a third-person shooter, a solid fighting game and has an unforgettable driving level through the streets of Paris in a Mini Cooper.

There is no doubt Bourne can handle himself and the hand-to-hand combat in TBC is up there with the best we've seen.

And rather than just being a standard-style button masher, players have to pick their punches and know when to block or else find themselves on the deck.

One of the best things about the Bourne films are the unforgettable fight scenes and the way the renegade spy can turn the things around him in to weapons.

This is also possible in the game, and it all depends on how much adrenaline Bourne can muster.

A small adrenalin meter in the bottom corner fills and, when it reaches a certain point, allows Bourne to unleash his takedown - a punishing finishing move.

He might twist his opponents' arms or smash them into walls, unleash a kick or crack them in the face with a heavy book.

But players have to be on their guard to make sure the character they are battling doesn't unleash a takedown of its own.

A sound alerts players this is imminent.

It can be avoided depending on how quickly a designated button is pressed.

This is also employed during the game's many action scenes, which are dictated by how quickly and accurately you hit the chosen button.

As a shooter, TBC is also above average and between gun fights, Bourne is required to find cover.

But the big difference here is that cover can be destroyed.

On the downside the game was a bit short but it sure does pack in plenty of action just the same.

The Bourne Conspiracy plays on XBox 360 and PS3.

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