007 First Lightbeing an origin story makes sense from quite a few angles: for instance, it hasn’t been done before in the understatedly enormous007franchise; 007 as a character needed to be born anew and distinct from his most recent depiction in the Daniel Craig-led pentalogy; and IO Interactive starting its007adventure at its narrative inception seems like a brilliant way of dipping its toes into unfathomably deep IP waters before taking considerably larger plunges. Plus, while007 First Lightcould easily wade too far in before it’s acclimated, IOI should indulge in the gameplay favors an origin story would present.
IOI CEO Hakan Abrak briefly explained in an appended video diary for007 First Light’s PlayStation State of Play announcement trailerthat players “experience James Bond as a young air crewman in the Royal Navy” and, interestingly, the game is “just the beginning of [IOI’s] journey with 007.” It’s possible that the spectacular allure of a AAA 007 game could result in007 First Lightbeing swept up in ubiquitous action tropes with luxurious cars and explosive shootout set-pieces, but an array of Q Branch gadgets should hopefully deliver on stylish and creative scenarios that’ll give IOI’sHitmanfranchise a run for its money.
007 First Light’s Perceived Action Emphasis is a Necessary Evil
007 First Lightis a James Bond origin story, but that certainly does not mean the character, who’s yet to ‘earn the number,’ is inexperienced or ill-equipped. Gameplay in the State of Play announcement trailer not only demonstrates that Bond is skilled in close-quarters combat and marksmanship, lending to the trailer’s overwhelming action tone, but also that the charm of IOI’sHitmangames is being preserved at least somewhat via interactions like throwing a presumably empty pistol at an enemy or kicking an enemy over a balcony.
007 First Light’s trailer makes note of Bond’s “instincts,” which likely refers to the degree of player choice that is afforded in any scenario or mission.
Action was undoubtedly the predominant focal point in the trailer, showcasing that IOI is, in fact, capable of developing a007game that is unique in contrast toHitman, and laying that brickwork is of the utmost importance. It would’ve been far simpler for IOI to rest on its laurels and adapt the007IP to the gameplay fundamentals it has already established withHitman, but instead it’s chosen to meet007halfway and apply itself to broader action sensibilities. A rich gadget inventory can be worried about in the future of the franchise as long as007 First Light’s melee combat and gunplayare satisfying because it’s an origin story after all.
007 First Light Shouldn’t Rush Gadgets if Sequels are Planned
Two gadgetsconfirmed for007 First Light—not counting the rocket-propelled motorcycle—are an Omega wristwatch laser and what appears to be a sleeping dart. It might be a bit disappointing if these were the only gadgets to rely on, but, at the same time, encumbering James Bond and the player with countless items could be unnecessarily underwhelming and give sequels less to iterate on.
Indeed, sequels could be thrilling if players knew they’d expect to see more gadgets unveiled, allowing them to further stretch the limits of creativity beyond simply shooting or punching enemies.IOI’s future with007, presuming it’ll be successful and fruitful, doesn’t have to rush to James Bond having a massive arsenal of clandestine, overpowered gadgets. But while improvisational environmentals will probably play a big role, too, unique gadgets with their own quirks and applications could be a standout feature in007 First Light.
