The Absolution comparisons don’t really make sense on a deeper level. Yes, the environments are made of linear sections and small sandboxes in both games, but making your way through is actually fun in First Light.
In Absolution, even if the general art direction was cool at times, the broken disguise system meant that you really only moved through these environments by awkwardly hiding behind covers. Gunplay wasn’t great either. It made the basic gameplay loop frustrating.
With First Light there is 1000 options for engaging gameplay. Sneaking, gadgets, hand-to-hand, firefights, bluffs, environmental distractions etc.
Needless to say, First Light has been a great ride so far. I’m really impressed.