Exhilarating Adventures Await: Rediscovering the Mission: Impossible Games

Highlights

With the success of the films, now is the perfect time to bring back Mission: Impossible video games.

The Hitman trilogy by IO Interactive provides a perfect model for Mission: Impossible games, thanks to its dynamic sandbox levels and mechanics that perfectly complement the franchise's format. A Mission: Impossible gaming franchise could incorporate creative multiplayer elements and unique narratives, making full use of the exceptional abilities possessed by each IMF agent.

The Mission: Impossible franchise has been a blockbuster success at the box office, making it a perfect time to bring the series back to gaming. The industry has shown that it can do justice to the IMF (Impossible Mission Force), with the occasional tie-in games like the mobile app for Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation or the Lego Dimensions level pack. However, it has been over two decades since we've seen a Mission: Impossible game. Considering the success of the modern films, this needs to change.

One obstacle that Mission: Impossible games may face is effectively adapting the unique approach of the films to the video game format. While the movies have focused on Ethan Hunt as the main character, the original concept of the series involved a rotating cast of characters with specialized skills for each mission. Although later games shifted to featuring Ethan as the sole protagonist, they initially attempted to incorporate the franchise's diverse roster of IMF specialists. Recent video game successes can serve as inspiration for Mission: Impossible to revive its games and embrace its original vision.

Mission: Impossible Deserves A Gaming Comeback

Rather than attempting a seamless transition to video games during its initial attempt, Mission: Impossible has successfully regained its reputation through its latest films. Similar to James Bond in terms of age and style, the franchise has capitalized on its popularity. This is evident in the recent release of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, which is the first of two films following the trend of Hollywood's two-part productions. However, the future of Mission: Impossible beyond 2024 is uncertain, as Tom Cruise, the lead actor, may retire from his role despite his recent statement of continuing to make movies as long as he can.

In light of this uncertainty, gaming may be the avenue through which Mission: Impossible can continue to thrive. In the absence of new films, new games could take their place. The franchise's films already possess a game-like quality, as demonstrated by the comparisons between Dead Reckoning and Uncharted 2. Therefore, a traditional single-player approach would likely be successful. Additionally, considering the advancements in online multiplayer games, Mission: Impossible could also explore games that return to its original premise, allowing players to control multiple characters either alone or with friends.

The Style of IO Interactive's Hitman Trilogy Would Suit Mission: Impossible

The recent Hitman trilogy from IO Interactive has the potential to spearhead the revival of Mission: Impossible games. The core design of Hitman, with its dynamic sandbox levels, disguises, and gadgets, closely mirrors the Mission: Impossible format. Interestingly, IO Interactive is currently working on Project 007, an unnamed James Bond game that leverages the shared values and ideas among Hitman, Mission: Impossible, and James Bond.

However, IO Interactive could take the Mission: Impossible brand a step further than Hitman or James Bond. While both of these franchises primarily focus on single-player gameplay, IO Interactive could introduce a more innovative concept for Mission: Impossible. This could involve a cast of multiple playable characters within each level, allowing one or more players to coordinate their actions. Mission planning would involve selecting IMF agents based on their specialties, gear, and more, offering a wider range of gameplay options. IO Interactive could also develop their own original stories for Mission: Impossible, just as they are doing for Project 007, thus expanding the Mission: Impossible franchise across various media platforms.