The distinction between gaming and filmmaking continues to fade.
The standout feature of 007 First Light is surprisingly the tutorial, a section often seen as dull in many games. Instead of the usual tedious lessons that feel disconnected from the main story, First Light presents its tutorial as a dynamic training montage reminiscent of classic action films. As players step into the shoes of a young James Bond, they experience a rapid-fire sequence showcasing his evolution from novice to secret agent, learning skills like marksmanship and parkour in an engaging, interactive way. This approach highlights how the boundaries between gaming, film, and television have become increasingly blurred.
The trend of games drawing inspiration from cinematic traditions isn’t new. From the early days of Donkey Kong, which borrowed elements from monster movies, to modern franchises like Uncharted and Ghost of Tsushima that create movie-like experiences, the influence of film on gaming is undeniable. However, First Light takes this concept further by being a game-first interpretation of one of cinema’s most enduring franchises, rather than just a movie tie-in or a genre imitation.
While First Light doesn’t completely reinvent the action-adventure genre, it combines elements reminiscent of Hitman and Uncharted, delivering a blend of stealth and high-octane action. The game opens with a thrilling sequence followed by a classic Bond-style intro featuring a new track from Lana Del Rey. It employs familiar cinematic techniques, such as the training montage, to enhance its film-like atmosphere. Iconic moments, like Bond enduring an interrogation while tied to a chair, become interactive experiences rather than passive viewing. The game also includes the usual video game staples: dramatic cutscenes, intense action sequences, high-speed chases, and celebrity cameos, such as Lenny Kravitz appearing as a pirate boss with a curious American accent.
What’s particularly fascinating is how the relationship between games and film is evolving. Recent adaptations, like the Exit 8 film, have started with first-person sequences mirroring gameplay to “blur the lines between video game and cinema.” Similarly, Markiplier’s Iron Lung film closely resembles the experience of playing the indie horror game, while HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us feels like a series of cutscenes from the game.
This evolution marks a significant departure from the era when movie-based games were often low-quality, rushed tie-ins. Now, franchises like Super Mario and Fallout are multi-medium productions, with the Bond series under Amazon’s umbrella, which is not only publishing the game but also developing the next generation of films. The same approach is being taken with Tomb Raider, where a live-action series is in the works alongside new game releases. For these franchises, games, film, and television are increasingly viewed as interconnected entities.
This blending of mediums has proven particularly successful for First Light. Developed by a studio experienced in open-ended action games, it understands what makes Bond compelling and how to translate that into an engaging video game experience. This synergy allows even the tutorial to feel like a scene straight out of an action movie.
