The June Sony State of Play featured a lot of reveals, but007 First Lightwas one of the most exciting games present at the showcase.007 First Lightis a compelling departure from the franchise’s usual formula, as it’s set to follow James Bond at the beginning of his career as an MI6 agent. This re-imaginging of James Bond is a bold leap for developer IO Interactive, and it could be just what the franchise has been needing.
For decades,James Bond has been a fixture in pop culture. Ian Fleming’s iconic character has been adapted in a variety of ways. Between Timothy Dalton, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and most recently, Daniel Craig, Agent 007 has mostly been shown as a far more experienced spy who is well into his career. This younger version, though, could remedy an issue within the franchise. Because there are so many different adaptations of Bond,007 First Lightcould serve as the franchise’s first solid origin story for the character.
007 First Light Being a Prequel is Its Most Powerful Weapon
Of course, with a character as huge as James Bond, IO Interactive is bound to want to capitalize on the franchise beyond007 First Light. The film adaptations have amassed multiple entries with almost every reboot, so it would only make sense for IO Interactive to try and do the same via video games. However, on the chance that007 First Lighthappens to be a one-off adventure, the game itself holds the powerful position of beinga full-blown Bond origin story.
The promise ofseeing Bond as a younger agentwho is more prone to major risk-taking with a potentially naive edge might make007 First Lightone of the most unique entries in the series. Also, with the next Bond in the franchise’s film adaptations continuously being speculated on,007 First Lightcan introduce a fresh source of inspiration to pull from.
IO Interactive has yet to officially reveal the actor who is portraying Bond in007 First Light, but based on his appearance, many have theorized thatDexter: Original Sin’s Patrick Gibson is taking on the role.
Right Now, 007 First Light is the Future of the James Bond Franchise
Ever since Daniel Craig’s run as Bond came to an end withNo Time to Dieback in 2021, many fans of the series have been wondering who will take up the mantle next. Asthe hunt for the next James Bond continues,007 First Lightis geared up to give gamers a version that is growing into his own as an effective agent.
007 First Lighthas yet to get an official release date, but the game is eyeing a 2026 launch.
Because there are so many different adaptations of Bond,007 First Lightcould serve as the franchise’s first solid origin story for the character.
007 First Light Being a Prequel May Be the Gift That Keeps on Giving
If IO Interactive never makes sequels or the next film reboot takes years to finally happen,007 First Lightcan at least remain a constant for fans to return to. For one of the first times in the franchise’s life, there is going to bea solid starting point for James Bond’s career.
Eager gamers may have to wait a little bit longer for007 First Lightto arrive, but once the game is finally here, getting to jump into the shoes of one of England’s most successful secret agents will be thrilling. The announcement trailer for the game is teasing an experience that looks likea blend ofHitmanandUncharted, which could be just the perfect balance of stealth and adventure that a James Bond story needs.
