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I usually don't have the highest expectations for film-based video games. This year's "The Bourne Conspiracy" was a pleasant exception, though not really a title that one can go back to for a second helping. But I was heavily anticipating Treyarch's "Casino Royale"/"Quantum of Solace" two-fer for some odd reason.

With the success of the company's console-only hit "Call of Duty 3" and the big buzz surrounding their upcoming "Call of Duty 4" semi-sequel - very aptly subtitled "World at War" - one might get the suspicion that all this developer is able to do well is churn out odd-numbered "CoD" sequels. But quite unexpectedly, and correlating with next weekend's release of the new 007 flick "Quantum of Solace," Treyarch's video game tie-in has absolutely nothing to do stylistically with their previous efforts.

This group of talented developers had long since been written off and that is due in large part to the projects they were given. "CoD" fanboys could never muster the courage and admit if one of Treyarch's "Call of Duty" sequels was at all an improvement on Infinity Ward's formula. But if the "Quantum of Solace" video game is any indication of their future work, and that includes the upcoming "World at War," this may be a company to keep an eye on as they continue to grow.

In terms of game play, "... Solace" is linear shooter fare all the way through. Arguably, the most important aspect of any FPS is how its shooting mechanics respond to the player and the world surrounding him/her. Surprisingly refined and intuitive, "... Solace" makes gun battles feel quite intense with large emphasis on the game's wonderful hit detection. More interestingly, explosive objects can be targeted during combat and made to explode if shot, thus sending nearby enemies, debris, and much of the environment itself flying in all directions in glorious slo-mo.

There is an extremely healthy selection of weapons on display also. You will find an assortment of pistols (both semi-automatic and fully automatic), submachine guns, mounted turrets, grenade launchers, assault rifles, shotguns, and high powered rifles. Hand-to-hand takedowns are also something presented here, and however satisfying, there are far too few variations of them, sadly.

A cover system has been integrated into this latest Bond title as well and it is certainly one of the better ones I have used. Pressing A against cover where indicated will dig Bond in, while pushing the left thumbstick away from the cover object will pull him away from it. The system doesn't always respond well as you may find yourself detaching from cover at the worst possible moment, but if an object looks like it could be used as cover, it probably can. Bond isn't very limited in terms of cover opportunities (hell, the game encourages the use of cover) and even though the game is NOT a run-and-gun shooter some sections can be played as such if one so chooses.

"... Solace" also gives the player a couple of small choices to make over a large chunk of the game's single-player mode. A few of the game's missions must be played in what I'd like to call "FPS Mode" with the gun barrel smoking first and questions being asked later, but a large portion of the game lets you decide for yourself how you'd like to proceed; an example being if you would prefer to disable security cameras or work your way around them when they present themselves. Being given a choice - some being whether or not you'd like to sneak up on enemies and eliminate them by way of silent hand-to-hand takedowns or well-placed headshots (a silencer can be toggled for nearly all weapons) - is hugely satisfying. It should also be mentioned that if caught by a patrol or security camera it is NOT game over. Refreshing, to say the least. It also doesn't hurt that the stealth mechanic is one of the most effective I have ever seen built into a game that is, ultimately, geared more towards the gun nuts than the bullet conservatives.

But that is not to say the game is perfect. The powerhouse "CoD 4" engine is backing the visuals here, and though it still looks sharp and runs at phenomenal frames, "... Solace's" visuals offer up far too little in the way of innovation. Graphically, the game is certainly one of the better looking titles released this year thanks to Treyarch's great handle on lighting. Environments are also typically varied as with any Bond game and the engine handles them nicely. Nothing is outright awe-inspiring, but every location feels very real, practical, and above all else, solid.

Aside from Daniel Craig's shockingly lifelike character model, the other models range anywhere from "familiar" to "mediocre." If under the right weather conditions, they can look fairly decent. If they are not, I believe "last-gen" are the words I'm looking for. Explosions appear to be rendered more like big orange smudges than a ball of bursting flames, but the cinematics are top-notch and I doubt we will ever see an in-game render of a movie character that looks as realistic as Craig's Bond model. Level design is sharp and never dull, but you do get the feeling that with the tech Treyarch had to work with, "... Solace" could have been one fantastic looking game.

Surprisingly enough, however, this isn't the mediocre shooter I secretly expected it to be. The recreations of key sequences from "Casino Royale" are a joy to play through (especially the chase through the construction site and the train headed to Hotel Splendide) and the added insight as to what went on BEYOND the movie is fantastic stuff for film buffs. There isn't much from "Quantum of Solace" as Treyarch was probably under agreement not to spoil the film considering it hasn't even been released yet. Most of the game is aimed more towards fans of "... Royale" with the well-intentioned hopes of giving them a deeper glimpse into the involving story. That is appreciated by this critic.

Granted, the game isn't as good looking as screenshots suggest, the visuals are solid nonetheless. AI is also decent, if nothing spectacular; but it is the game's presentation and production values that truly standout. Every action sequence is unforgettable, every chase is replayable, and all of the game's features (like the Quick Time fight sequences and the hacking and balancing mini-games) are so much fun it should be criminal. Truly the best Bond game since "Goldeneye."

8/10