Gameplay Experience and Structure
Before diving into 007 First Light, there were concerns regarding the game’s structural integrity. The creators at IO Interactive, renowned for their work on the Hitman series, might have leaned too heavily into an open-world format, potentially sacrificing the cinematic essence that a James Bond narrative demands. Fortunately, the developers have achieved a commendable equilibrium between freedom and linear action.
During my three-hour session with First Light, I explored three distinct levels. The first served as a narrative introduction to our young Bond protagonist, followed by an MI6 training arena designed to hone stealth skills. The final level, set in a museum in Kensington, provided a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics.
Upon entering the museum, I found myself immersed in a smaller-scale Hitman experience. Gaining access to the security room required strategic thinking; I could either stealthily bypass guards, impersonate a photographer late for an appointment, or locate a staffing report to persuade an NPC to vacate his post. These were just a few of the paths I discovered, while other journalists shared their own unique approaches.
Once inside the security room, the gameplay transformed into an entirely new sandbox. I was tasked with locating keys to unlock doors or bluffing my way into the control room, all while stealthily neutralizing henchmen and attempting to evade security cameras. Unlike the expansive environments typical of Hitman, First Light offers a more contained experience, yet the opportunities for exploration and experimentation remain engaging and diverse.
The game artfully balances moments of freedom with linear segments. The initial mission unfolds in a tense, stormy Iceland, while the Kensington level features a boss fight, a choice-driven conversation while restrained, and numerous cutscenes. IO Interactive has skillfully blended Bond-style storytelling with their signature gameplay, addressing my primary concern before the preview. This approach represents a thoughtful adaptation of the Hitman formula.
Combat and Gameplay Mechanics
The immediate gameplay and combat mechanics are impressive. Unlike Agent 47, who often relies on stealth, Bond embraces the option of direct confrontation. Tom Marcham, Senior Combat Designer at IOI, explained the distinction: “Bond tends to engage in prolonged fights with more action, but he does so with a stylish flair. While Agent 47 might fire a single bullet, Bond might take down several foes before firing his one shot.”
When I found myself caught on camera, resorting to combat became a viable escape strategy. The hand-to-hand combat felt satisfying, and dispatching a room full of henchmen was exhilarating. Although the AI occasionally faltered—failing to notice a comrade being subdued across the room—Bond’s knack for evading danger aligns seamlessly with his character.
This design choice does render First Light somewhat easier than previous Hitman titles. While players are encouraged to experiment and navigate past guards discreetly, failure does not lead to significant setbacks. The gameplay allows for a more fluid progression, fostering a greater sense of freedom compared to IO’s earlier offerings.
Gadgets and Visuals
As anticipated, Q has equipped Bond with an array of gadgets to aid in the field. Players can carry four gadgets into each mission, including Bond’s iconic laser watch. These tools enable distractions, incapacitations, and manipulation of nearby electrical devices. However, managing resources is crucial, as players must gather blue and green items to recharge their gadget capabilities.
In my experience, I often overlooked these gadgets. While scouring the security room for a key, I could have easily zapped the door lock instead. The gadgets introduce a playful element to the gameplay, sometimes offering shortcuts to objectives.
Visually, First Light is stunning. The attention to detail in both linear and open areas surpasses IO’s previous titles. The camera shifts closer to Bond, enhancing immersion, while his movements are fluid and lifelike. Navigating Icelandic cliffs and maneuvering through bustling museum crowds showcases a level of realism that captivates the player. Patrick Gibson’s portrayal of Bond exudes charisma with a hint of youthful bravado.
Bond’s characteristic cockiness shines through, with one-liners reminiscent of earlier iterations of the character. While the option to flirt with women in the museum may seem out of place, it aligns with Bond’s established persona.
Marcham noted the broad appeal of the franchise, stating, “We have a large target market here; there are many fans of this IP, and we want them to have a great experience.” Based on my initial hours with First Light, it appears poised to deliver just that. While the evolution of the game in later missions remains to be seen, the early gameplay aligns perfectly with the expectations for a modern James Bond experience.
