007 First Light – 10 New Details You Need to Know

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Before the rise of Agent 47, another agent gained global fame and influenced pop culture significantly over several decades. Now, it’s time for 007 to take center stage, having previously made appearances in video games such as _GoldenEye_ and _Nightfall_, both of which are timeless classics. What makes IO Interactive’s _007 First Light_ stand out is that it tells the origin story of a young James Bond, who combines irresistible charm with an assertive, reckless, and decidedly rebellious demeanor. However, as M puts it, he is a “bullet” once he has a target, showing unwavering persistence in his pursuit.

Through approximately 30 minutes of fresh gameplay, we’ve gathered some insights about the potential identity of the target as Bond embarks on his initial missions en route to earning the 007 designation. The game is set to launch on March 27th, 2026, across platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. What truly distinguishes this experience from past 007 titles, though? To what extent does the DNA of Hitman influence it? Let’s delve into that now.

Young Rebel

The initial mission of Bond, as a new MI6 recruit, sets the stage for a more action-packed event, initially appearing routine as he drives his team to the Grand Carpathian, where they’re on a mission to locate 009, who is involved in questionable activities. Temporarily relegated to parking lot duty, Bond’s task proves uneventful until he notices a bellhop behaving suspiciously. Disregarding orders and fabricating a cover story, he decides to investigate. Inside the chateau, Bond must navigate around his team while gathering evidence, adding a layer of intrigue to their infiltration effort. This also underscores a recurring trait in all Bonds – operating independently.

Distractions and Improvising

Absolutely, initially penetrating the building proves to be the main hurdle, and charm alone won’t cut it for 007, so he has to think outside the box. Utilizing a system similar to Hitman, he discovers an open window on the second floor. To access this window, he needs to deceive a guard with a hose, knock him out using the Phone Dart, grab a lighter, and create a smoky diversion by setting fire to a wheelbarrow filled with leaves to draw someone away from a ledge. Once that’s done, he clings to the ledge, sliding and climbing pipes reminiscent of Uncharted, eventually reaching the second floor window. It may seem complex, but it’s just one approach to breach the entrance, and Bond casually blending in is merely the finishing touch.

Car Chases

As time passes, events unfold unexpectedly, prompting Bond to seize a loaned vehicle for a high-speed chase after 009, accompanied by an enigmatic DGSE agent. Venturing into the wilderness, it’s apparent that some unconventional routes must be taken to close the gap on his quarry, leading him to plow through fields (some containing sheep), shatter market stalls, and even soar over ramps to circumvent traffic. The car endures real-time damage during this chase, with the rear bumper gradually detaching until it ultimately falls off completely. Although the damage might seem superficial, it adds a nice level of authenticity to the scene.

License to Kill and Destruction

After one unsuccessful attempt at infiltrating an airfield, Bond is granted his “License to Kill.” The game features cover-based shooting using various weapons such as shotguns, handguns, and SMGs for eliminating large groups of enemies. However, the real-time destruction takes the spotlight, as exploding red barrels cause overhead walkways to collapse, creating ramps to reach higher ground more easily. These environmental changes become significant later in the game, while I also appreciate how Bond effortlessly grabs weapons by kicking them off the floor for immediate use.

Melee Combat and Environmental Takedowns

In that scene, Bond’s impressive move of tossing an adversary off the edge was quite thrilling, but what really left me in awe was his innovative use of another enemy’s body as a cushion for his own fall – talk about resourcefulness! This particular maneuver is just one aspect of Bond’s dynamic hand-to-hand combat style, which encompasses takedowns, strikes, and parrying. He’s also known to glide across tables and car hoods towards enemies, sending their weapons soaring through the air for a swift capture.

Interestingly, James Bond doesn’t shy away from using his surroundings to gain an advantage over his adversaries. He’ll hurl empty firearms and other objects at enemies, shove them against tables and glass, and even employ some unconventional tactics like hurling carts loaded with explosive canisters at them before finishing off the chaos with a well-placed shot. Quite the action hero!

Blockbuster Setpieces

In essence, the video game “007 First Light” is filled with exhilarating action sequences just like a typical blockbuster movie. As Bond navigates through waves of adversaries in order to intercept 009’s plane, an incredible sequence unfolds where he finds himself inside an airport ladder vehicle traveling alongside the plane. He then grips onto a hose and scales the wing, engaged in hand-to-hand combat and fending off enemies just before takeoff. Once onboard, he gains control of the aircraft, allowing him to tilt it left or right in real time for dynamic maneuvers. If obstructed by villains, tilting right causes crates and a jeep to squash them against the side. A subsequent group of bad guys? Tilting left creates a clear path with crates, providing an ideal opportunity to throw enemies off. Even though Bond doesn’t capture 009, he still executes a dashing escape, gliding past crates and snatching an enemy’s parachute (a subtle reference to the iconic scene from Moonraker).

Seizing Opportunities

Transitioning topics, IO Interactive highlighted the advantages of eavesdropping on NPC conversations and capitalizing on chances. In a mission set at a glamorous London event in Kensington, Bond must ascend to the upper levels, a task impossible without a press badge. Luckily, he picks up on a journalist lamenting her cameraman’s tardiness. By learning his name as Rob Minkley, Bond can reappear under this alias, yet still requires a camera. He manages to acquire one by using his Phone Dart to divert attention. These opportunities often present themselves when paying close attention to the environment and engaging with NPCs. Bond’s watch, equipped with scanning capabilities, aids in such detection, but there’s more to it than that.

Q Gadgets

In the world of 007, one captivating aspect is the variety of high-tech devices available for use, and _First Light_ is no different. The watch in question has the power to cause chaos in the skies, but it’s also useful for creating distractions and drawing guards away. It comes with a stun laser that can incapacitate enemies or bring down objects like chandeliers, serving either as a diversion or dealing substantial damage (particularly handy against armored adversaries). Bond is also equipped with smoke bombs to disorient opponents – ideal for stealthy takedowns or even sneaky pickpocketing. And let’s not forget the Phone Dart! However, you’ll need Batteries and Chemicals to employ these devices, which can be found throughout various environments. So, careful exploration and planning are essential if you don’t want to engage in a physical confrontation.

Bluff

One aspect I greatly enjoy from the gameplay demonstration is the tactic of deceiving specific targets with Focus. In this game, Bond can cleverly talk his way out of tricky situations as if he’s charming his way out. However, not all enemies are susceptible to his charm, but it’s certainly fun to lead one particularly stubborn enemy astray and then mislead his companions.

Mission Replay and Modifiers

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of hitman’s World of Assassination, I can’t help but revel in the thrill of revisiting missions, finding new strategies to execute them, and uncovering hidden challenges along the way. From what I gather, 007 First Light promises a similar experience, allowing players to relive their preferred missions with fresh twists, potentially unearthing creative ways to utilize Bond’s extensive skill set.

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2025-09-05 16:14