IO Interactive's Largest Scale Title '007 First Light' Released on May 27

The spy action-adventure '007 First Light', developed and published by IO Interactive, was released on May 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam/Epic Games). The Steam version is priced at 8,910 JPY (tax included), with a Nintendo Switch 2 version scheduled for release this summer.

For many gamers, IO Interactive is synonymous with the 'HITMAN' series. Since its founding in 1998, the studio has upheld a philosophy of offering true freedom of choice within intricately designed sandbox environments for nearly 30 years. The 'HITMAN World of Assassination' trilogy, which has surpassed 75 million total players, is firmly established as a pinnacle of the stealth-action genre. '007 First Light' is the first 007 title from the studio since it acquired the IP license following its independence in 2017. After a long development period, it stands as the studio's largest-scale single-player title to date.

Main Story Exceeds 20 Hours: A Cinematic Experience Depicting Bond's True Origin

The game's main story spans over 20 hours and is composed of more than a dozen independent missions. Considering that 'Hitman 3' had a clear time of approximately 6-8 hours and 'Hitman: Absolution' 10-15 hours, this is IO Interactive's first attempt at crafting a linear story of this magnitude.

The story is an original origin story for 007, not an adaptation of existing films. It depicts the path of a 26-year-old former Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm pilot, James Bond, being scouted by MI6 and earning his '00' status through grueling missions. Players will take on worldwide tasks, starting with a prologue on the coast of Iceland, followed by a chess tournament in a hotel in the High Tatras, Slovakia, an infiltration of a corporate dinner in Kensington, London, a training facility in Malta, and the city 'Aleph' built in a 'ship graveyard' off the coast of Mauritania.

Lennie James ('The Walking Dead') portrays John Greenway, Bond's mentor, while Patrick Gibson ('Dexter: Original Sin') stars as Bond. Series staples M, Q, and Moneypenny also make appearances. The original theme song 'First Light' is a collaboration between Lana Del Rey and David Arnold. The prestigious aesthetic essential to Bond films is replicated without compromise.

In the 60-plus year history of the 007 series, this is the first work to provide a complete answer to the question of 'how Bond became James Bond.' It is a profound story that satisfies long-time fans while requiring no prior knowledge, making it an ideal entry point for new players.

Creative Approach: A System That Keeps 20 Hours of Missions Fresh

Throughout the 20-hour linear progression, the gameplay experience remains dynamic. This is supported by the 'Creative Approach' that forms the backbone of every mission. Within each mission, there are countless clear paths, including stealth, disguises, environment gimmicks, or direct combat. Players can freely choose their preferred style and seamlessly switch tactics as the situation changes.

Being discovered by enemies does not result in a game over. With the unique 'License to Kill' system, Bond shifts into combat mode the moment he is exposed, allowing him to regain control using the surrounding environment and gadgets. There is no need to restart from a checkpoint, ensuring a fluid transition into action. The sandbox freedom IO Interactive is known for is blended with series-staple car chases (featuring the Aston Martin Valhalla as the first drivable vehicle) and cinematic melee combat. It provides an unprecedented experience—a 'playable Bond movie' that transcends the bounds of a pure stealth game.

Furthermore, the array of latest gadgets provided by the Q Branch is not to be missed.