James Bond is one of the most iconic fictional characters in history, with a legacy spanning over six decades. However, developer IO Interactive knows that his return to video games needs a fresh take on his origin story. Licensing the franchise comes with certain expectations, especially considering it's been five years since the last Bond game, 007 Legends.

Bond is a character who has undergone numerous transformations throughout the Eon Productions films, but he has always been portrayed as a seasoned and reliable agent. The younger Bond in 007 First Light is on the bottom rung of the agency's ladder, acting as a tag-along for more senior 00 agents. This fresh perspective adds a unique twist to the character's narrative, making him feel more vulnerable and eager to prove himself.

In one of the game's earliest missions, MI6 is searching for rogue agent 009, who seems to have gone off the grid. Young Bond is tasked with infiltrating an ostentatious Slovakian hotel, where he must use his skills to gather intel and stay one step ahead of the guards. Despite being given strict orders to stay in the parking lot and monitor the surroundings, Bond defies authority and takes matters into his own hands.

This bold move is par for the course with 007, as any major slip-up could result in severe punishment from M. However, it's clear that IOI wants to highlight Bond's gamified instincts, powered by analysis from his Omega Q Watch. This results in a unique blend of gameplay mechanics, where Bond can use his watch to scan the environment and identify potential leads.

The game features numerous open segments, which IOI calls the "core gameplay" areas. In these sections, players must work towards a set objective while experimenting with different approaches. These could involve searching for clues, pickpocketing, eavesdropping, or even manipulating NPCs to reveal information. The core gameplay is contrasted with guided gameplay segments, such as the car chase and airstrip shootout that follow the hotel infiltration.

These action set pieces have a tighter focus, with no time to explore freely. However, it's clear that exploration and experimentation are key elements of 007 First Light. The Q Watch is just one aspect of this approach, which also includes gadgets as an integral part of the gameplay.

Gadgets are a quintessential element of the James Bond franchise, but they're often used only once at the most opportune moment. In 007 First Light, however, gadgets take center stage and are used throughout the game's open-ended sections. Players can use everything from darts to lasers to stun enemies and override security cameras.

One notable absence is car gadgets, which may be due to narrative constraints. However, this shouldn't detract from the overall experience, as the guided gameplay segments are exhilarating in their own right. The car chase, for example, features Bond hotwiring an Aston Martin outside the hotel and pursuing 009 through the Slovakian countryside.

As the game progresses, it becomes clear that IOI is taking its James Bond heritage seriously. However, they're also injecting fresh blood into the franchise by making Bond a more vulnerable character. This unique take on the iconic spy feels like an exceptional blend of James Bond touchstones and IO Interactive's gameplay expertise.

While it's impossible to judge the quality of 007 First Light without playing it, this brief demo has left us feeling eager for more. With its open-ended gameplay and gadget-heavy approach, this could be a game that truly stands out in the Bond franchise.