IOI’s newest dev diary gives us a closer look at their version of Bond, and the world we will soon be able to see through his eyes.

IOI’s version of James Bond will be significantly different than anything we’ve seen in the films. Bond is younger, so the world isn’t as dark as fans might be used to, especially the way things were in Craigs films.

“It’s not a dark and gritty or cynical world, it’s dangerous to be sure, but it’s fun and inviting and adventurous and ultimately hopeful.” -Michael Vogt, Main Writer of 007: First Light

If there’s two things I can say about IOI, they are as follows. One, they are a fantastic studio, and two, they know what makes Bond, well, Bond. Their past two dev diary’s have given us some great insight into their thought process and what they took into the account, such great insight that either they really understand the history behind the character, or they knew exactly what to say to make us think they did. Personally, I think it’s the former.

This version of Bond may seem like he is lacking. He’s not as refined, experienced, or jaded as the Bond we have come to know and love, and is instead a young man, one who show signs of innocence, youthfulness, and the need to belong. This paints a much different picture then what we are used to from the Bond we have come to know and love, but it is not due to a lack of effort, misunderstanding, or desire to change him. Bond’s traits have not been forgotten, but they haven’t been developed just yet either. I want to put strong emphasis on that word, yet, as Michael consistently uses it when discussing the traits that the character is missing. They aren’t erased, they just have not all presented themselves by the time we meet Bond.

Despite this earlier point in his lifetime, certain elements of Bond will be present from the jump. He is a risk-taking character who can be ruthless when needed, and his character is sure to evolve, although core character changes may not be in the cards. Instead, the game will heavily display the way other characters and the world as a whole changes because of Bond.

The young agent will definitely have more interactions with side characters throughout the game then he does in the films, a change that can be attributed to the difference in length and structure between a game like this and a film.

It is very clear that First Light will be much more linear than Hitman, but this doesn’t mean we should expect an on rails adventure. Michael explains that one of the bigger challenges was crafting a more linear experience while still including some of the elements IOI is known for, a challenge that I am confident the company will overcome, but am cautiously waiting for my chance to see how.

There will be a lots of opportunity for the player to make choices throughout the game, with different dialogue options providing worldbuilding possibilities to those interested, and different approaches to situations allowing each player’s version of Bond to feel unique. Even so, IOI opted to reign in the freedom a bit more than they do for Agent 47. In doing so, they blocked select actions that would make the character stray from who Bond is at his core.

They also discussed Bawma a little bit more, something I don’t care to dive to deeply into. As cool as he is, I certainly do not think he is the main villain, or on par with the main villain. I think 009 is being hidden, and I am glad that they are doing so, as it will make whatever twists, turns, or surprises they have in store hit a little bit harder.

I think we can expect a story that is much more character driven than most of the franchise’s films are, not just by Bond himself, but by the characters and the world around him. Personally, I have a lot of faith in the studio, and truly hope they deliver a product that Bond fans can enjoy for years to come.

Here’s the link to the most recent Beyond the Light episode, in case you haven’t had the chance to see it.

Thanks for reading!

-J.B.