007 First Light shows video games are better summer blockbusters than movies

As I settled into the high-octane world of 007 First Light, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. Growing up in the 1990s, I remember the thrill of playing movie tie-ins on my PlayStation, from the mediocre to the genuinely great, like Toy Story 2 or King Kong. Fast-forward to 2026, and it's clear that the landscape for IP-based triple-A games has undergone a significant transformation. Today, games are not only rivaling but surpassing their movie counterparts in terms of blockbuster appeal.

The notion that video games are better suited to reviving legacy franchises than movies is one that has gained traction in recent years. Take, for instance, the Star Wars franchise, where games have become the most promising arm. Similarly, Hogwarts Legacy, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 have all demonstrated that video games can fulfill blockbuster fantasies in a way that movies often struggle to. 007 First Light, a young James Bond origin story, is the latest example of this trend.

Mechanically, 007 First Light is a diet version of IO Interactive'sHitman games, but it's propulsive, witty, and bombastic in a way that those titles aren't. Anchored by Patrick Gibson's excellent turn as 007 himself, the game is elevated by its writing, an area where video games have historically lagged behind. The story is a traditional spy adventure, but it knows when to pop the self-seriousness with comical lightness and endearing, smarmy one-liners, a juggling act that many film blockbusters struggle to reconcile today.

It's not just 007 First Light that's proving the superiority of games as blockbusters. Alien: Isolation, and its upcoming sequel, is a masterclass in replicating the atmosphere of the film's universe while managing to be one of the scariest games ever made. While it's not without its flaws, they're not nearly as fatal as the recent movies and TV shows. The fact is, games are no longer just a secondary spin-off; they're a primary means of experiencing beloved franchises.

As I finished 007 First Light, I couldn't help but wonder if this is the future of blockbuster entertainment. With their ability to blend action, humor, and drama in a way that movies often struggle to, games are poised to take the reins. It's a prospect that's both exciting and terrifying, but one thing is certain: 007 First Light is evidence of the power of games as blockbusters.

• 007 First Light is a young James Bond origin story developed by IO Interactive.
• The game is a diet version of the Hitman series.
• Patrick Gibson stars as 007 in the game.
• The game's writing is praised for its balance of humor and seriousness.

As the line between movies and games continues to blur, it's clear that games are emerging as the superior choice for continuing decades-long franchises. With their ability to blend action, humor, and drama in a way that movies often struggle to, games are poised to take the reins. Will this be the future of blockbuster entertainment?