IO Interactive has achieved what many thought impossible: a James Bond video game that feels fresh, faithful to the source material, and genuinely thrilling in 2026. 007 First Light, released on May 27 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (with a Switch 2 version coming later), serves as a confident origin story for a younger, more reckless 007. Drawing smartly from the studio’s acclaimed Hitman series while delivering cinematic set pieces worthy of the big screen, this game successfully revives the spy fantasy for a new generation.
A New Bond for a New Era
In First Light, players step into the shoes of a 26-year-old James Bond, portrayed with strong voice and motion-capture performance by Patrick Gibson. This is not the polished, martini-sipping legend we’ve come to know. Instead, he’s a resourceful but impulsive young operative fresh from a heroic naval rescue, now recruited into MI6’s revived Double-O program. The narrative follows his journey to “Earn the Number,” creating an engaging character arc that feels personal and earned.
The story unfolds as a globe-trotting conspiracy thriller featuring rogue agents, deep-state intrigue, and escalating stakes true to Ian Fleming’s pulpy style. Early missions transport players from intense naval operations to sophisticated settings like a high-stakes chess tournament at the luxurious Grand Carpathian Hotel in Slovakia, with more exotic locales promised ahead. Strong writing, excellent performances, and meaningful player choices that influence mission outcomes elevate the narrative beyond typical action game fare.
Gameplay: Hitman Meets Uncharted
The core gameplay loop is where First Light shines brightest, blending IO Interactive’s signature stealth expertise with broader action-adventure elements.
- Stealth Systems: Expect classic IO Interactive design featuring disguises, silent takedowns, and environmental opportunities. The stealth is more accessible and fluid than in Hitman, with quicker movement between cover and more forgiving detection mechanics. While not revolutionary, it remains deeply satisfying and true to the spy fantasy.
- Action and Combat: Gunplay feels punchy and responsive, allowing players to switch seamlessly between silent approaches and loud, improvised chaos. Explosive set pieces—such as collapsing structures or erupting gas tanks—add spectacle, while close-quarters combat carries a John Wick-style intensity.
- Gadgets and Variety: Q-branch tools like exploding pens and grapple hooks bring iconic Bond flair without overwhelming the player. Driving sequences and high-speed chases deliver the essential vehicular thrills the franchise demands.
The game smartly mixes linear cinematic moments with semi-open sandbox levels that reward multiple playthroughs and different approaches. While it doesn’t reach the full emergent complexity of Hitman, the player agency feels meaningful and impactful.
Presentation and Technical Polish
Visually, First Light impresses with an evolved version of IO’s Glacier engine, showcasing stunning lighting, detailed environments, impressive destruction, and atmospheric volumetrics. The sound design is top-tier, complemented by a memorable theme song from Lana Del Rey that blends classic orchestral Bond swells with a contemporary edge. Performance remains solid across platforms, targeting 60fps on higher-end systems while maintaining visual fidelity (with 30fps modes on Xbox Series S).
Minor Criticisms
No game is perfect, and First Light has a few small shortcomings. Some missions lean slightly too heavily on on-rails sequences, and certain stealth sections feel familiar rather than groundbreaking. A handful of story beats rely on well-worn tropes. These are minor quibbles, however, in what is otherwise a polished and confident package.
Final Verdict
007 First Light masterfully balances something borrowed (IO’s proven mastery of stealth and systemic gameplay), something Bond (gadgets, glamour, globe-trotting espionage, and sharp one-liners), and delivers an experience that is utterly brilliant in capturing the essence of being the world’s greatest spy without feeling outdated.
This is easily the strongest James Bond video game in decades—a fresh, exciting restart the franchise has long needed. Whether you’re a longtime fan of action-adventure games, stylish stealth titles, or simply want to live out the ultimate 007 fantasy, 007 First Light is a must-play.
Score: 9/10 — Shaken, not stirred. Highly recommended. Earn the Number. You won’t regret it.
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