When IO Interactive first revealed 007 First Light in 2020 (then as an untitled project), it seemed an instant match-made-in heaven for the Hitman development studio, and a dream come true for fans. After 3 hours playing 007 First Light myself, it fits the bill. Sure, Hitman's Agent 47 is a silent assassin of elite ne'er-do-wells, while James Bond is an MI6 spy in service of his government – in many ways, they couldn't be more opposite. But it's clear that the developer is bringing lessons from Hitman to Bond's baccarat table, all while using those strengths as a springboard to evolve the studio's specialities, as well.
"I think what we've done in the past shares a lot with Bond in general, in terms of premise and the larger world at play," says Poulsen. "However, what we've done before has had that dichotomy between the cool and then the absurdity of the actual game experience." Hitman might be a game about killing horrible people, but the many ironic accidental deaths, dark jokes, and ridiculous wardrobe of disguises for Agent 47 is extremely funny in an often deadpan way.
