| 007 First Light | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Embody James Bond as you play through his origin story to become the master spy in Project 007! Read on to learn how it plays, what it's about, and everything else we know so far.
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007 First Light Gameplay
007: First Light's gameplay experience combines the stealth and sandbox elements of IO Interactive's Hitman series with the cinematic action and set-piece moments of a blockbuster film. The core of the game is the "Creative Approach," which urges players to tackle missions with a variety of methods.
Spycraft and Stealth
Players can take a stealthy approach, using "Spycraft" to eavesdrop, pickpocket, and gather intelligence from the environment. They can also use "Instinct," a limited resource that allows Bond to bluff his way through conversations or lure guards for a silent takedown.
With the help of Q, MI6’s resident R&D expert, Bond can navigate multiple levels using a variety of gadgets. The multifunction Q-Watch allows Bond to cut locks and sever objects with its built-in laser. It can also fire sleeping darts and deploy smoke to cover movement.
Guns-Blazing Third-Person Action
When stealth fails, or in scripted moments of high action, the game seamlessly transitions into dynamic third-person combat. This includes a robust melee system with parries and throws, as well as precision gunplay. The game also features exhilarating sequences like high-speed car chases and on-foot pursuits.
Q Branch gadgets, such as hacking tools and distraction devices, are a key part of the toolkit, offering new ways to solve problems and navigate environments. This blend of open-ended espionage, cinematic combat, and scripted action ensures that players can truly embody the iconic spy and decide how they want to "Earn the Number."
Multiple Approaches to Missions
Similar to IO Interactive’s previous games, notably the Hitman franchise, 007: First Light allows multiple approaches to complete a mission. Players can choose to act stealthily or take a guns-blazing approach.
In a gameplay deep dive released by IO Interactive, they confirmed that despite the linearity of the levels, missions feature "multiple paths and strategic options" that players can experiment with. Players expecting the same level of stealth as Hitman will find 007: First Light to be a faster-paced and more free-flowing experience, where stealth is an option but not always required.
007: First Light Story
Story Plot
007: First Light is an original origin story for James Bond, created from the ground up by IO Interactive. The narrative follows a young and relatively inexperienced James Bond, voiced and motion-captured by actor Patrick Gibson, as he works to earn his legendary "00" status.
The game depicts Bond as a resourceful and sometimes reckless recruit who is on a mission to track down a rogue 009 agent. This central conflict, along with the story's focus on a conspiracy at the heart of the State, will mature Bond and guide his transformation into the seasoned spy people know.
Setting
007: First Light is a globe-trotting adventure set across multiple locations around the world. In the official Deep Dive Gameplay Trailer from PlayStation, players infiltrate a high-profile chess tournament in Slovakia. During the sequence, Bond mingles with high-society guests and uses his gadgets to slip inside restricted areas without drawing attention.
The next setting revealed in the extended gameplay footage is a lavish gala set somewhere in London. Bond can be seen entering the event using his trademark stealth, maneuvering across rooftops and terraces to avoid security.
Gameplay trailers released by IO Interactive have also showcased several unnamed locations, including a sprawling rural countryside and snowy mountain landscapes, further highlighting the game’s diverse global settings.
Characters
James Bond
007: First Light’s version of James Bond is portrayed as a young, 26-year-old agent, far from the iconic British spy fans know and love. As the game’s central character, players navigate his origin story, experiencing both reckless and resourceful moments as he works toward joining the elite 00 program.
John Greenway
John Greenway is Bond’s key mentor during his MI6 days. Depicted as an experienced agent, he guides the young James Bond through his early missions, including tracking a rogue 009 agent. He serves as Bond’s source of moral guidance, helping him navigate this treacherous world to become the 00 agent players know today.
M
M is the head honcho of the M16, one of the most elite spy organizations in the world. This reimagined version of M is played by actress Priyanga Burford, not the illustrious Judi Dench from the movies. She oversees Bond’s first missions and acts as a mentor figure, supporting him in a role similar to John Greenway.
Q
Q is MI6’s resident R&D expert. Throughout the game, he equips the young James Bond with the right arsenal to face a variety of threats. He is also instrumental in giving Bond options to solve problems using the proper tools, acting as the ultimate brains of the operation.
Miss Roth
Miss Roth is one of the antagonists of 007: First Light and an original character created for the story. She is a high-level agent working against MI6 and orchestrates schemes that the young James Bond must uncover. She serves as a foil to Bond during his early missions, using her wit and cleverness to challenge him during his formative days.
Miss Moneypenny
Miss Moneypenny is the reimagined personal assistant to M. Acting as a liaison between M and Bond, she handles all administrative paperwork and provides support for the budding spy by delivering mission briefings, intel, and advice.
Selina Tan
Played by Hollywood actress Gemma Chan, Selina Tan is another original character created for the game. She is also one of the antagonists, presenting a threat similar to Miss Roth. Like the rest of the original characters, her story remains a complete mystery.
Bawma
Played by musician and actor Lenny Kravitz, Bawma is one of the major antagonists in 007: First Light. While it remains unclear how he ties into the full story, he primarily serves as a powerful adversary who threatens global security with his private army.
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