Before there was Agent 47, a different agent made the rounds worldwide, leaving his mark on popular culture for decades to come. Now, it’s time for 007 to step into the spotlight, not that this is his first stint in video games – GoldenEye and Nightfall remain certified classics. What really sets IO Interactive’s 007 First Light apart is that it’s an origin story of a young James Bond, whose charm collides with a brash, impulsive and downright rebellious attitude. Nevertheless, he is a “bullet”, according to M, and once he has a target, he’s downright relentless.
Thanks to over 30 minutes of new gameplay, we learned a bit more about who that target could be on the first steps of Bond’s journey towards 007 status. There’s even a release date of March 27th, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, but what really sets the experience apart from previous 007 titles? How much does the Hitman DNA really manifest? Let’s dive into it.
Young Rebel
The deep dive follows the very first mission that Bond embarks on as an MI6 recruit, and it’s tame at first, as he serves as a chauffeur for his team while they infiltrate the Grand Carpathian in search of 009, who’s been up to some bad business. James must wait in the parking lot – an uneventful task, which quickly changes when he witnesses a bellhop acting suspiciously. Defying orders and even lying about the same, he ventures to pursue. Within the chateau, Bond must avoid his cohorts, seemingly until he’s built a strong case, adding another dimension to the infiltration. It also reinforces something that’s been a part and parcel of every Bond through the years – working alone.
Distractions and Improvising
Of course, getting inside is the first real challenge, and charisma isn’t enough, so Bond needs to get creative. Using the Hints system, which is shades of Hitman, he finds an open window on the second floor. Reaching it requires distracting a guard with a hose, shooting him with the Phone Dart, gathering a lighter, and casually igniting a wheelbarrow full of leaves to lure someone away from a ledge. He then hangs off it, shimmying and climbing the pipes leading to the second floor in Uncharted-like fashion, and voila. Convoluted? Sure, but it’s only one method of gaining entry, and Bond’s method of acting like he belongs is just the cherry on top.
Car Chases
Things eventually take a turn, however, leading Bond to speed off in a borrowed car in pursuit of 009 with a mysterious DGSE agent. Upon barreling into the countryside, it’s clear that a few shortcuts are required to catch up with his target, leading to cutting across extensive fields (some with sheep), crashing through market stands, and even dramatically launching off ramps to bypass traffic. Throughout all of this, the car is damaged in real-time, with the bumper hanging off the back and finally falling off. I wouldn’t count on this being anything more than cosmetic, but it’s a nice touch.
License to Kill and Destruction
One failed infiltration attempt into an airfield later, and Bond receives his License to Kill. There’s cover-based shooting with shotguns, handguns, and SMGs for taking out hordes of enemies, and it looks solid enough, but the real-time destruction is even more compelling. Destroying explosive red barrels causes an overhead walkway to collapse, creating a ramp to better access the high ground. Such environmental changes come into play later, but I’m also a fan of how Bond picks up weapons, kicking them up from the ground to instantly ready them.
Melee Combat and Environmental Takedowns
That part where Bond grabbed an enemy and threw him off the ledge was pretty neat, but even more incredible is using another enemy’s body to cushion his fall. Such grabs are only one part of the melee combat system, which includes takedowns, strikes, and parrying. He can even slide across tables and car hoods into enemies, causing their weapons to fly into the air for an easy catch. The 007-to-be also isn’t opposed to using his environment to gain a leg up over foes, throwing empty guns and other objects at enemies, and even slamming them against tables and glass. Another moment involved kicking a cart full of explosive canisters at enemies and then shooting them, causing a massive explosion.
Blockbuster Setpieces
Of course, 007 First Light is as much about those big blockbuster set pieces as anything else. As Bond mows through hordes of enemies to catch 009’s plane, he somehow audaciously ends up inside an airport ladder vehicle. Driving alongside the plane, he grabs onto a hose and somehow climbs aboard the wing, fighting and throwing off enemies just before it takes off. Once onboard, he can hack the plane’s controls and tilt it left or right in real-time. A group of baddies blocking his path? Tilting to the right causes various crates and a jeep to crush them against the side. A second group of baddies awaits? Tilt to the left, causing the crates to create an open space, perfect for throwing enemies out of. Even when he fails to nab 009, Bond still manages a stylish escape, skydiving past crates and commandeering a parachute from an enemy (an obvious nod to the legendary scene from Moonraker).
Seizing Opportunities
Shifting gears, IO Interactive showcased the benefits of listening to NPC conversations and seizing opportunities. Infiltrating a gala in Kensington, London, to pursue an assassin, Bond needs to make his way to the upper floors, which is impossible without a press badge. Fortunately, he overhears a journalist complaining about her cameraman being late. After learning the man’s name, Bond returns as Mr. Rob Minkley, but he still has to obtain a camera, which can be done by using his Phone Dart as a distraction. This is only one example, as other opportunities may arise if you pay attention to the environment and converse with NPCs. Scanning with Bond’s signature wristwatch is helpful in this regard, but that’s not all it can do.
Q Gadgets
A key element of the 007 fantasy is the different gadgets that you can wield, and First Light is no exception. The wristwatch can cause mayhem in the skies, but its hacking is also great for creating diversions and luring away guards. It’s equipped with a laser that can stun enemies and shoot down hanging objects like chandeliers, either creating a diversion or causing big damage (which becomes necessary when dealing with different armored threats). Bond also has smoke devices to confuse enemies – perfect for silent takedowns or just pickpocketing a target – and the aforementioned Phone Dart. You’ll need Batteries and Chemicals to use them, which are present throughout environments, so careful scouting and surveying are key if you don’t want to fight your way through.
Bluff
One of my favorite elements from the gameplay showcase is the ability to Bluff certain targets. By using Focus, Bond can essentially sweet-talk his way out of a situation. It won’t always work, because some enemies are immune to his charisma, but it’s still pretty entertaining to lure away one particularly fussy enemy and then Bluff his buddies.
Mission Replay and Modifiers
As anyone who played Hitman World of Assassination can attest, it’s fun to replay missions and complete them in different ways, fulfilling challenges in the process. Based on the game’s Steam listing, 007 First Light will offer something similar, with fans replaying their “favorite missions with additional modifiers,” and maybe discovering different ways to leverage Bond’s many talents.
