The typical genre assumption for a James Bond video game is that of the first person shooter. Once every blue moon though, a different genre is employed. Vicarious Visions' Nintendo DS version of Quantum of Solace slows the pace down a bit and makes Bond more like the stealthy one-man army that he is. With the game seen mainly from an isometric view, the game is primarily controlled via the touch screen. With the handheld oriented in its vertical book form, the DS iteration of Quantum of Solace brings a highly cinematic touch to the portable Bond series.

At the forefront of this cinematic touch is the story which spans the two Daniel Craig Bond movies, Casino Royale and the upcoming Quantum of Solace. Featuring in-game conversations with various branching options, the plot ends up tying into the gameplay. The various conversations often unlock new abilities or items depending on how they end up.

These new abilities and items are only a sliver of the upgrade system in the game. Featuring a Resident Evil-like inventory system, players use weapons, poker chips, and playing cards to combat enemies. The poker chips are used as currency to upgrade the twenty-plus skills ranging from Bond's foot power to his fist power and everything in between. Playing cards are used to build poker hands that offer various stat bonuses. Each suit has their own specialty; for example, hearts offer stat bonuses to hit points.

The gameplay of Quantum of Solace balances gun and melee combat. The gunplay is triggered by pressing the R button. Firing is controlled by tapping enemies on the touch screen. Melee combat occurs whenever you enter a close-range situation with an enemy. The view closes in behind Agent 007 and, by drawing on the touch screen, you can engage in fisticuffs with the enemy.

Quantum of Solace for the DS promises 10 hours of gameplay and will hit stores on November 4.