Created by Ian Fleming in 1953, James Bond is one of popular culture’s most famous spies. After appearing in dozens of novels, 007 entered the world of cinema in 1962 and, portrayed by actors ranging from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, became an irreplaceable espionage icon. This rich legacy in film and literature has also left a deep mark on the world of video games, particularly through classics such as GoldenEye 007. GoldenEye 007 is considered by many to have marked the beginning of the FPS era.
Created by the developers of Hitman, 007 First Light professionally combines espionage and combat.
When discussing the game’s positive aspects, its tutorial section must be mentioned first. Breaking away from the standard “go from here to there” formula found in some games, it directly trains the player as a spy. Like in the films, the combination of montage and gameplay makes the player genuinely feel as though they are in a Bond film.
The game’s combat elements are modern and functional. Moving beyond the “shoot and advance” approach, the game puts espionage front and center, while allowing the player to experience combat at its best when it becomes unavoidable. James Bond’s iconic wristwatch also serves several functions as a support device in the game. The environments are designed for combat, helping the player progress either silently or through direct confrontation. We can attack enemies like a spy in whatever way we choose, either directly or by using the environment to our advantage.
Most importantly, NPCs are not soulless either. We can secretly listen to them to gather information for missions and steal mission-related items. When entering restricted areas, it is also possible to deceive them by bluffing. These types of dialogues even contain references to several 007 films and other famous movies. I had encountered some of these in the Assassin’s Creed games as well, but it is pleasing to see them again. NPCs even react when we bump into them.
James Bond, meanwhile, appears as a quintessential English prototype who reacts to events with sarcasm and cold jokes. In the books and the 007 films starring Pierce Brosnan, Bond has exactly this character. Naturally, the character known as the “Bond girl” is also present in the game, and she is one of the most beautifully developed balancing characters I have encountered in recent years. She balances Bond’s sarcastic and humorous side with her own composure.
As for the negative aspect, unfortunately, the main villain, an essential element of Bond stories, is weak. The main villain is not presented effectively enough in the game. Although the player encounters the surprise element toward the end, the buildup to it is handled very weakly and immediately. The defining feature of Bond stories is their irrational and powerful villains. Although the main villain meets this criterion, unfortunately, the character “fails the class” in terms of presentation and confrontation.
However, this does not prevent you from playing and enjoying the game. As one of the most interesting games of the year, 007 First Light is worth making time for.
8.2
Author’s rating
