Throughout the many decades and iterations of James Bond, the British superspy has proven a venerable one-man army. Shades of this are also apparent in IO Interactive’s 007 First Light, an origin story that showcases Bond’s journey to achieve his iconic status.
However, as creative director Hakan Abrak told Edge Magazine (via GamesRadar), the developer “didn’t want to create this Superman from day one”, where “he’s on top of the world, and he’s hardened and seasoned, and he’s had his heartbreaks and now he’s hidden behind this iron armor. That’s not necessarily interesting.”
Such a version of Bond was most notable in Dr No, released in 1962. Despite serving as the first film in the franchise, it’s not an origin story. “It is pretty insane that Dr No starts… and he’s just fully formed,” says narrative and cinematic director Martin Emborg.
“He’s winning at baccarat against a beautiful woman, who wants nothing more than to have him take her home. He’s drinking, and he’s just kind of bored. This is just another Thursday for him. It’s wish-fulfillment at its maximum, right? But it’s not very relatable.”
While Bond possesses his usual suavity and charm, there’s an element of brashness and intensity befitting his younger persona. As showcased in the gameplay demo, he outright disobeys orders to pursue a target, careening through the countryside. Then there’s the whole plane sequence, which is a spectacle in its own right.
007 First Light will arguably up the stakes even further when it launches on March 27th, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for updates and head here to learn why IO Interactive didn’t want to adapt a particular film from the franchise.
