The suave spy who enjoys a slightly disturbed martini has returned with a new non-movie based adventure in James Bond 007: Blood Stone. From developer Bizarre Creations, this new stand-alone game sees Bond dispatching enemies in a variety of ways. A new trailer for the game showcases the hand-to-hand combat of the game.

Looking a lot like Liam Neeson in Throat-Puncher, I mean Taken, this iteration of Bond is much braver than previous ones, taking on several foes while out in the open. Quick yet brutal takedowns seem to be the flavor of the day for this game, and for a developer that most recently brought us a car combat game I am surprised at how engaging the hand-to-hand looks. Variety doesn’t exactly seem to be on the menu with these animations but when you have become a trained killer I would expect the quickest move to eliminate a foe is the best.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdrY7WKGoBs

Briefly, some looks were given to the gunplay combat and to me it appears that Bond has become an extremely accurate shot. I’m not sure whether the game has adapted the mark and execute mechanic from Splinter Cell: Conviction or if it was simply a very accurate player was making the demonstration. Still, the mixture of gun and bare hand combat feels very true to the spirit created by the new Daniel Craig Bond films. And don't forget the multiplayer:

"Gamers can also feel what it is like to be a 00 agent, as they take the battle online in several robust 16-person multi-player modes that require skill, teamwork and strategy as players compete in matches that will have spies battling mercenaries."

My only problem with the trailers for the game are the visuals. To go from a game that was a smorgasbord of excitement to somewhat drab looking animations is really a disappointment. There are times, especially in the second trailer, where it looks like a lot is going on but other times I feel like there is something missing. As we near the release date of the game expect to hear more about the car combat and gunplay to complete the picture of Blood Stone.

What do you think of the combat on display in this trailer, Ranters? Is it too much Taken and not enough Bourne or does it strike the right chord with you?

James Bond 007: Blood Stone throat punches your 360 or PS3 in November.