Is the Design Off?
Does the design of the limited edition 007: First Light DualSense PS5 controller look off to you? Not off in the sense that there was a mistake, but rather that it seems to miss a critical element of the iconic James Bond aesthetic: the rifling inside a gun barrel.
Unveiled recently, the 007: First Light DualSense controller carries a price tag of £75/€85/$85 and is available for pre-order starting April 17. The controller features a striking golden color and prominently displays the 007 logo. However, the design details that have sparked debate are the straight lines radiating from the edges toward the center. Are these lines meant to represent the inside of a gun barrel or perhaps a sunrise? It’s unclear.
In a statement, 007: First Light art director Rasmus Polsen explained, "The golden finish pays tribute to the elegance, legacy, and timeless style of the franchise, while the barrel-inspired detailing reflects the themes of the game and how it feels to play it, as well as being a nod to one of pop culture's most recognisable visual signatures." But what signature is he referring to? The iconic swirl we see in Bond’s intro sequence, where he walks into the frame and shoots back, appears to be absent in this design.
Polsen further added that “every element of the DualSense design was crafted as a celebration of Bond’s return,” aiming to blend legacy with modern design. Yet, if you remove the 007 logo, it’s hard to recognize this as a Bond-themed controller. This has led to mixed reactions across social media platforms, particularly Reddit. One user pointed out, "The idea of a 007-themed controller... not referencing the 007 intro stretches my credulity a bit too far." Another user commented that they initially thought it was a Zelda controller.
Some speculate that the traditional Bond barrel design might be copyrighted, which could explain the departure from such a recognizable motif. The iconic gun barrel logo is indeed owned by MGM, suggesting that IO Interactive and Sony may have had legal constraints in incorporating it directly into the controller's design.
Despite the criticisms, the design does evoke a connection to the game’s title, 007: First Light, hinting at a sunrise. However, many still feel this may not have been the studio's intended direction. Is this a minor issue? Possibly, but it underscores the challenges of handling a beloved franchise with such high expectations.
As IO Interactive navigates the complexities of developing a game centered around a young Bond-in-training, the stakes are high. Known for its Hitman series, transitioning to a more linear, cinematic action style presents new challenges. Yet, early previews suggest promise, with Bond enthusiasts expressing excitement. 007: First Light is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X on May 27, with a delayed Switch 2 version expected later this summer.
