007 First Light: Hands-On Impressions & Combat Design Details

IO Interactive’s upcoming James Bond game, 007: First Light, is delivering a “very straightforward, really quite old school, linear third-person stealth-action game” experience, diverging from the open-world sandbox approach of its Hitman series, according to recent hands-on previews. The game, which delves into Bond’s origins as a Royal Navy crewman, focuses on a more narrative-driven and spectacle-focused gameplay style.

Early impressions, based on three to three-and-a-half hours of gameplay, highlight a departure from the improvisational freedom of Hitman. Instead, 007: First Light emphasizes forward momentum and cinematic action sequences. While some players initially anticipated a Hitman-style Bond experience, the developers intentionally moved away from that formula to better suit the character and the demands of a Bond narrative.

A Bond Origin Story

007: First Light presents a new story set in the modern era, charting Bond’s early career. The game begins with Bond serving in the Royal Navy during a mission in Iceland. A sudden missile strike causes his helicopter to crash, leaving him stranded on the coastline and forcing him to evade hostile mercenaries. He is then contacted by MI6 and tasked with retrieving a mysterious item, marking his initial foray into espionage.

The game aims to showcase Bond’s inherent capabilities – his composure, analytical skills, and resourcefulness – even at this early stage in his career. Players will see a Bond who is capable but also potentially impatient and reckless, as he occasionally disregards instructions from his MI6 handler to save captured operatives.

Gameplay Focus: Stealth and Action

While deviating from the open-ended sandbox of Hitman, 007: First Light still incorporates elements of stealth gameplay. The game features a robust stealth system, allowing players to utilize disguises and environmental tactics to avoid detection. However, it also emphasizes direct action and combat, with a focus on hand-to-hand fighting and gunplay.

Combat involves more than simple punches and dodges; players can utilize their surroundings to their advantage, such as slamming enemies into walls or throwing objects. The game also includes “Bluff and Lure” mechanics, enabling Bond to use his charm and wit to navigate challenging situations.

Design Choices and Controller Concerns

The design of 007: First Light has sparked some discussion, particularly regarding the controller scheme. Some previews have noted concerns about the controller design, prompting explanations from the game’s art director. IO Interactive has acknowledged the differences between 007: First Light and Hitman, emphasizing that the decision to move away from the sandbox formula was a deliberate one, driven by a desire to create a Bond experience that aligns with the character’s established tropes and the expectations of a linear, action-packed narrative.

According to previews, the game delivers a “full Bond-Experience” with impressive scale and ambition. Despite playing it safe with familiar mechanics, the game is described as “extremely fun and frenetic,” offering a captivating narrative and refined gameplay.

A Long-Awaited Bond Game

007: First Light is generating excitement as a potentially definitive James Bond video game experience, filling a gap that many fans feel has existed for 24 years. The game’s focus on a compelling narrative, combined with refined stealth and action mechanics, positions it as a promising addition to the Bond franchise and a noteworthy title for IO Interactive.

The game is slated for release in the near future, and early previews suggest it will deliver a thrilling and authentic Bond experience, even if it doesn’t fully embrace the open-world freedom of its predecessor, Hitman.