CalypsoLair Chronicles

Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.

These are some of the actors who took up the mantle to bring life to the iconic James Bond, the famous British secret agent of MI6. Watching James Bond films growing up with Brosnan as my first Bond (Craig’s my fave though), I was captivated about secret agents, cars with tons of secret compartments, and weapons disguised as ordinary items. Spycraft and espionage were big words that had my kid brain excited due to the badassery of it all from the crazy explosions to the big bad villains adamant in bringing down the world.

Or rather… England.

So when I finished the 007 First Light last week, the sweet taste of action, espionage and charm this game gave me had me craving for more. This is my first Bond game and based from the trailer when it was released, it was a different from screen but still carried that charm. And yes, I didn’t actually know that there’s other Bond games made before until a month ago.

Color me surprised.

In a Different Light

Published by IO Interactive, 007 First Light is an action-adventure game of espionage, cool gadgets and insane cinematography just like how you see in the movies. It showcased the story of the famous double O agent in a refreshing twist. You play as the titular character James Bond not as the experienced British secret agent but as a new young recruit of the MI6. Right off the bat you’d recognize the factor that makes up James for who we knew him as: resourceful though reckless and yet, devilishly charming but also young. In short, this is his origin story about earning his number.

I haven’t read the books by Ian Fleming yet the whole game truly gave that vibe of a Bond film. One of the fun things I’ve also discovered while playing the game was the timepiece used in this game. With Omega as a timepiece being used for espionage given by Q from MI6, it could be a callback from Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale.

A Bonding Experience

007 First Light is a game filled with cinematic elements. With the execution of their scenes and shots choices like the wide shots used to show the locations of Bond’s next mission, it felt like you’re watching a Bond film as you play the game.

Even the tutorial part of the game which teaches you how to use certain equipment and skills have been seamlessly integrated within the game during James’ training as a new recruit to ensure that you would be acquainted with its fun mechanics. From parrying, countering and blocking, even throwing a weapon with empty magazine, and utilizing the gadgets Q have given you for your own advantage, it was fun, smooth and absolutely captivating. I for one enjoyed stealth attacks and using the tools on your spy watch making the game even more immersive.

What I also like about the game was the dialogue and banter all throughout. Even if he’s starting as a new recruit, James’ wit and humor was still there, showcasing he’s still the handsome, charming debonair I’ve enjoyed watching as a kid. IO Interactive was able to sell this game as truly a 007 origin game even if it’s not official part of Bond’s movie verse. Patrick Gibson portrayal of a young James Bond seems like a perfect choice as he was astounding in bringing the role to life.

Not so Golden

Although the game is a fun one, it still has its hicks. In one part of the game when I have to climb up after crossing a ledge and hugging the wall, the button prompt to climb up didn’t appear immediately and it took me few minutes in moving around the spot or even fixing the camera angle for the button to show up which can be a bit frustrating.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that combat can feel a bit clunky. When encountering one or two enemies at a time, it can be fun however when Bond is surrounded with his enemies, it can be clunky and challenging. There are also parts of the game where boss fights can feel a bit uneven or slightly underwhelming. One thing I’ve also noticed is when you try to move stealthily, you are unable to move the bodies after launching a stealth attack. You will have to time your attacks in a way that you can still hide them from your enemies for less attention. In the long run, these type of fights can also feel repetitive.

Verdict:

Would I play it again? Yes!

As someone who enjoys a good action-oriented game, 007 First Light is definitely a good addition to my library. There are some parts of the game that I’d like to go back to choose a different path to see how it will goes so I could say that replayability is high.

Would I recommend it? Also yes!

I’d say that 007 First Light is a very solid game despite its hicks and repetitive fight scenes at times. IO Interactive did a magnificent job in bringing James Bond to life with this game and I can’t wait to see what they’d bring to the table for the next installment of this franchise.

And if you enjoy espionage and wanted to know what it feels like to be an upcoming British spy, this one’s for you.

Pros:

✅ Cinematic elements in-game

✅ Fun spy gadgets to choose from

✅ Seamless integrated tutorial

✅ Enjoyable banter and the dialogue

✅ Game design

Cons:

❌ Combat lacking stealth in some parts

❌ Pacing and action sequences can feel uneven at times

❌ Button Prompts can feel glitchy at times

Rating: 9/10

Price: 2650 PHP or 69.99 USD

The World Is Not Enough (For More Bond)

I enjoyed 007 First Light in my first run of the game. A lot. I enjoyed the balance of watching the movie-like scenes in game and having different set of game mechanics to immerse yourself in Bond’s world of espionage and spycraft. And with the surprise reveal after the ending credits rolled, I screamed when I saw the words ‘James Bond will return‘.

We will see more of this young James Bond and I can’t wait.