ou have to credit the Ludlum estate for treating its star super agent right. Instead of tacking a hastily produced game on the coattails of a film, they hired Sierra and High Moon Studios to craft a standalone Bourne game from the ground up. The result is an experience that largely conveys the style of the films. If only the same amount of attention was paid to the troublesome gameplay.

The Bourne Conspiracy follows the plotline of The Bourne Identity, but distinguishes itself by including flashbacks that show the $30 million killing machine in action before he malfunctions. As with the superb films, the hand-to-hand combat and thrilling chase sequences are the centerpieces of the experience. The simple-input, complex-output two-button combat system unleashes a fury of kicks and punches in Bourne’s signature Kali martial arts style. Land enough punches and Bourne performs an improv takedown move like the famed pen stab. Each fight features Paul Greengrass’ directing style, with quick cuts and ever-shifting camera angles giving you a unique view of the action.

The heart-pounding chases take a page out of the God of War playbook, using quick-time button events to simulate the thrill of Bourne’s escapes. The game also delivers one car chase, which, while hampered by the arbitrary city borders, still features great moments like crashing through corner stores and cruising through tight alleys.

Not all of the game preserves the character of the films, however. Though the film-based Bourne is often so ahead of the game that he avoids major conflicts or resorting to gunfire, his video game counterpart isn’t as savvy. During the flashback sequences, Bourne wields machine guns, fights entire armies, and takes on helicopters and APCs. Plagued with poor cover and sketchy shooting mechanics, these action sequences pale in comparison to the hand-to-hand combat. Worst of all is the battle logic. Bourne cannot disengage or avoid close quarters combat situations, which are automatically triggered if an enemy is within punching distance. When surrounded by snipers in elevated positions, Bourne would never engage in fisticuffs, but the game gives you no choice if an enemy gets too close.

Though The Bourne Conspiracy is weighed down by broken gunplay mechanics, its thrilling hand-to-hand combat, slick presentation, and relatively short time commitment (eight hours) make it a perfect rental for fans of the films.