Developer IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series, is crafting a new James Bond video game titled 007 First Light. This marks the first Bond game in nearly 15 years, and the studio faced the challenge of creating a version of the iconic spy that appeals to fans of all eras. The game's Bond, played by Patrick Gibson, blends elements from various portrayals: an Ian Fleming-inspired facial scar, Pierce Brosnan's charm, and the gritty combat style of Daniel Craig's Casino Royale. Gibson also brings a unique unease and arrogance, fitting for a younger, less polished agent.
The game offers multiple playstyles, from stealth and social manipulation reminiscent of Hitman to gadget-infused stealth and hand-to-hand combat. Players can eavesdrop, disguise themselves, or use gadgets like hacking devices and chemical darts. Unlike Hitman's Agent 47, Bond can de-escalate situations with one-liners or physical force, allowing for a more flexible approach. Senior combat designer Tom Marcham emphasised that players are free to choose their preferred style, whether stealth or action, and that the game is designed to accommodate all.
Marcham cited Daniel Craig as a major influence for action sequences, drawing on krav maga techniques, but also appreciated the 'craziness' of the Brosnan era, which suits the game's younger, wilder Bond. The game features high-drama combat and set pieces, such as a chase involving a bin lorry that evokes Brosnan's tank scene in GoldenEye. However, some transitions and animations show a slight clumsiness, indicating IO Interactive's departure from the precision of Hitman. One standout scene involves Bond strapped to an interrogator's chair, requiring players to time quips to avoid torture, reminiscent of Goldfinger's laser table.
