James Bond. Indiana Jones. Lara Croft. Nathan Drake. These legendary figures inspire each other. Now, the circle completes as IO Interactive's new game, 007 First Light, brings together the best parts of Naughty Dog's Uncharted and IO Interactive's own Hitman series. This latest James Bond adventure promises a unique mix of player choice and cinematic action.
007 First Light is not just another spy game. It is the most complex game IO Interactive has ever made. The game draws heavily from Agent 47's DNA while adding the excitement of Bond films. It blends Hitman's "do-it-yourself" gameplay with the big movie moments you expect from James Bond. If you like spy games, dont forget to check our HITMAN 3 game review,
Meeting a Young James Bond
007 First Light tells the story of how James Bond earned his famous 007 status. Before the number, there is the name: James Bond. The game introduces Patrick Gibson, a 30-year-old actor, as the voice and look of this young Bond. At 26 years old, this version of Ian Fleming's hero is confident and charming. Yet, he also has a touch of youth and inexperience.
This is not the tough, seasoned Bond fans know from Daniel Craig's films. This Bond is at the start of his career. Hakan Abrak, IOI's CEO and game director, says the story focuses on a young man stepping into a new, shadowy world. He is positive and relatable, but the audience knows the tough challenges he will soon face. The game's adventure will mature him into the well-known 007 agent.
A Modern Spy Story
First Light is a story built for our modern world. It is the first official Bond story where James works for both King and Country. The game also examines how modern technology, both beneficial and detrimental, impacts our lives.
Artificial intelligence plays a big part in the story. It explores what information people can trust in a world of rapid technological advancements. This gives the game plenty of material for a spy story with agencies working in the shadows. Just as we are learning about AI's impact, young Bond is learning his way as an agent. He experiences many "firsts" in this journey. This includes his first "shaken, not stirred" martini and perhaps his first kill.
Bond's famous charm with women also begins to show. IO Interactive confirms that this part of his life is already happening. However, this young Bond's charm is not a weapon for manipulation. He is more like an ordinary person in that way.
Blending Stealth and Action
The gameplay in 007 First Light offers two distinct sides. It mixes the clever design of Hitman with high-energy action.
Stealth and Opportunity
A key mission involves infiltrating a Slovakian chateau. Bond's mission is to find the traitorous 009. This follows a tutorial at an MI6 training facility and a mysterious prologue called "The Iceland Incident." The first part of this demo mission shows gameplay familiar to Hitman players.
Bond does not use coins to distract enemies like Agent 47. Instead, he uses his surroundings or his own charm. He might grab an object for a distraction or whisper to enemies to guide them. There are many ways to approach a goal. For example, to get past guards, Bond could steal a lighter, light leaves on fire, and then climb through an open window. Another option might be to pickpocket an invitation from a guest.
Players can use gadgets, fight, use stealth, or rely on Bond's instincts and charm. IO Interactive calls it their most complex game yet due to this blend of action and Hitman elements.
Dont forget to check Cozy Nights: Unwind with These 5 Must-Play Games
Bond's Unique Brand of Humour
While Hitman is known for its humour, First Light brings this tone to James Bond. Both series share a love for witty lines and comical moments. James delivers his lines with a knowing wink, always seeming to play to an audience. Unlike Agent 47, who tries to be invisible, Bond attracts attention. People notice him more than they would a normal person.
For example, at the Slovakian chateau, maids talk about giving him extra mints—a man mistakes Bond for a famous model. Bond sometimes talks his way out of difficult spots. His personality means that disguises are less critical than in Hitman. Bond can walk up to strangers and disarm them with his charm. This allows him to bluff guards and avoid fights.
Using charm costs "focus," a yellow meter on the screen. This is a powerful skill, so use it carefully. You can refill focus by completing tasks, like stopping a violent situation you caused.
Gadgets and Gear
Batteries and chemicals power Bond's gadgets. These resources show on his Omega wristwatch on the screen. The Qatch, or his watch, is more than just a timepiece. It holds many abilities:
- Scanning: Scan the environment to hear conversations and find new opportunities.
- Hacking: Remotely hack electronics to cause distractions or explosions. This feature is similar to the popular Watch Dogs games.
You can also take three optional gadgets into the field. These include classic spy tools, such as smoke bombs for quick escapes. High-tech gadgets, such as a laser, can open doors, shoot down chandeliers, blind people, or disarm them. It is a handy tool.
Hakan Abrak hinted that players might visit the Q branch between missions. This lets them see MI6's latest inventions, a dream for any Bond fan. This shows the Hitman influence with open areas and choice, but with a refined, "black tie" style instead of a "red tie."
High-Octane Action Sequences
While stealth and planning are key, First Light also features plenty of action. Combat, which was often a last resort in Hitman, is a necessary part of this game.
The demo's chateau mission ends with Bond driving a vintage Aston Martin. This car chase brings the classic Bond fantasy to life. It moves players to the next significant action moment: an airfield full of armed soldiers. Here, Bond gets his "license to kill." This means he can use his firearm. IO Interactive only lets Bond use deadly force when the situation demands it.
The combat looks smooth and powerful, just like 007 himself. He can:
- Flip shotguns: Use his feet to bring the shotguns into his hands.
- Charge enemies: Tackle foes like a football player.
- Explode objects: Shoot gas canisters to set areas on fire.
Bond is more agile than Agent 47. He can throw empty rifles at enemies and quickly move between cover. A later mission at a Kensington Gala shows even more creative combat. Bond can throw pool balls at enemies' heads or kick doors open to hit guards behind them. This mix of Bond's power, gadgets, and environment interaction looks exciting.
Epic Movie Moments
One memorable sequence takes place on a plane taking off from the airfield. After fighting across the wing and inside the plane, players take control. They can bank the plane left or right. This throws enemies off balance and turns cargo into weapons. Heavy crates slam into soldiers, creating a cinematic and impactful moment.
These unique mechanics build big, memorable action scenes. It reminds players of games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, which also offered distinct gameplay options for specific levels. IO Interactive is pushing its limits with these action-adventure elements.
A True James Bond Story
IO Interactive wants to make the first truly original game in the James Bond series. They respect 007's history and want to keep it authentic while also making it fresh. The team used the original Bond novels and films as their starting point. They did not simply pick and choose elements from other games. Instead, they focused on building the character to fit the story they want to tell.
This mix of guided story moments and player freedom is similar to games like Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. The developers ensure that both big and small stories are woven into Bond's actions. This required a team effort from the start, combining level designers, art directors, and narrative writers.
From early looks, the game appears to balance spy tactics and action well. The "beefy" campaign promises much content. The combination of Hitman-like stealth and Uncharted-style action is undoubtedly exciting. It all feels very much like Bond.
Bond's Iconic Style
The game shows great respect for 007's legacy. Small details, like a scar on Bond's cheek (as described in the books), are present. Larger nods, like his range of Jaguar and Aston Martin cars, also feature. The world and characters are stylish, with fine clothes and expensive Omega watches. These details are essential to Ian Fleming's creation; the game would feel empty without them.
No Bond story is complete without a villain. Not much information is available about the villains yet. One clue is a picture of a mysterious figure in a golden mask.
The Sound of 007
The music is also a big part of First Light. Audio Director Dominick Vega describes it as a very music-forward game. The score uses classic Bond strings mixed with jazz and electronic beats. This blends Bond's past and future. The Flight, who composed music for games like Horizon Forbidden West and Assassin's Creed Odyssey, wrote the score. They use classic Bond themes effectively.
The team also hinted that a theme song for the game exists, which is a must for any Bond adventure.
A Bright Future for 007
007 First Light looks promising. It delivers precisely what many fans hoped for when IO Interactive announced its partnership with the James Bond license. The game keeps the beloved Hitman gameplay, even down to mission briefings delivered by Moneypenny. It also includes the distinct Bond style and characters that have made the series famous for over 70 years.
Although 007 First Light makes use of Uncharted, it is very much true to James Bond. A history of developing fascinating gameplay is present in IO Interactive. Their mix of the Hitman agency and Bond as a distinct character makes this game a promising future for James Bond video games. It leaves a lot to be desired by the fans.
Check out ClubAssassin to discover your next favourite game.