Get ready, Bond fans! The first new James Bond game in over a decade is here, and it’s shaping up to be a thrilling ride that feels like a mashup of the beloved Hitman series and high-octane action blockbusters. As of 2025, IO Interactive has switched gears from their successful Hitman franchise, which they wrapped up in 2023, and is now diving headfirst into the world of 007 with 007 First Light.
At a recent closed-door briefing at Gamescom, I had the chance to see some early gameplay, and let me tell you, it’s not just another rehashed origin story. Instead, it offers a fresh take on Bond as he begins his journey as a rookie agent, showcasing a character still figuring out the ropes. You’ll find him teamed up with more seasoned spies on a mission to track down a rogue double-‘o’ agent. Classic Bond, right?
The gameplay is divided into three thrilling parts, starting with an exploratory sandbox environment. Picture this: Bond attempting to infiltrate a luxurious mansion while simultaneously preparing for a quick getaway. Just like in Hitman, he can sneak around, triggering distractions to divert guards while he flirts his way through social interactions, pretending he belongs there. This clever blend of stealth and charm adds a whole new layer to the gameplay.
What sets First Light apart from its predecessor is its focus on more than just your typical shootouts. While there are moments of high-octane action (and rest assured, they’re coming), the developers aim to capture the essence of Bond’s adventures beyond bullets and explosions. One nifty gadget on display is the Omega-branded Q Watch, which offers a sleek way to access HUD features like location markers and gadget selection while simultaneously analyzing the environment for interactive opportunities.
The demo showcased a variety of approaches to missions, though we only got a glimpse of one during this presentation. The developers promised that players would have control over how they navigate through the game, blending action-packed set pieces with more thoughtful, exploratory gameplay. This is a significant departure from the traditional first-person shooter Bond games we’ve seen in the past—some of which have been less than stellar.
As the demo progressed, we jumped into a heart-pounding car chase reminiscent of the thrilling segments found in the Uncharted series. Bond speeds through a Swiss market, dodging obstacles and engaging in explosive chaos as he attempts to catch up with the rogue agent. However, despite your best driving skills, it’s clear that the game has its own pacing, and you won’t be able to catch your target until the story allows. The chase concludes at a heavily fortified airbase, leading us into the next exhilarating phase of the game.
Now, let’s talk gunplay. Bond makes a daring rush on the airbase, engaging in tactical combat that requires ducking for cover, using the environment, and even tossing his gun when he runs out of bullets. There’s a jaw-dropping moment where Bond barely makes it onto a departing military transport plane. With a flick of his Q Watch, he can tilt the plane, sending enemies and cargo flying against the walls or even out of the cargo door! It’s moments like these that keep the adrenaline pumping.
And just when you think the action is over, Bond is flung from the plane in a dramatic twist, scrambling to grab a parachute mid-air. This shift in pace from the earlier gameplay hints that First Light might hit all the classic Bond movie beats we know and love.
While I’m typically skeptical about yet another Bond origin story, I’m hopeful that IO Interactive can successfully blend these different gameplay elements into something fresh and engaging. 007 First Light is set to launch on March 27, 2025, for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Bond or just looking for an exciting new game to dive into, keep your eyes peeled for 007 First Light. It promises to deliver a unique experience that combines stealth, action, and a touch of that iconic Bond charm. Mark your calendars, because this is one adventure you won’t want to miss!
