James Bond is back on consoles, and IO Interactive is going for a fresh start. Instead of a seasoned superspy, you follow a young Royal Navy serviceman on his path into the 00 program. That shift in perspective proves to be a smart move.
IO Interactive delivers a Bond adventure that convincingly captures the franchise’s signature blend of glamour, espionage, and larger-than-life action. The origin story makes it easy to jump in without leaving longtime fans behind. The story may be fairly predictable, and the gameplay rarely breaks new ground. But the way all of its pieces come together carries the game from start to finish. Fans of Uncharted, Hitman, or The Last of Us are in for a great time.
Score
- 4 out of 5 points
Verdict: An entertaining spy adventure with a few minor weaknesses that brings Bond’s early years to life with style.
Pros
- varied missions with multiple ways to reach your objective
- impressively staged hand-to-hand combat
- authentic Bond atmosphere
Cons
- antagonists often feel one-dimensional
- occasionally too little challenge
- noticeable product placement
Best for:
- fans of classic Bond movies
- players who enjoy story-driven stealth action
- anyone who likes cinematic campaigns
Less suited for:
- demanding tactical purists
- open sandbox fans who want maximum freedom
- anyone expecting major gameplay innovations
Story & Setting
Despite some over-the-top moments, the foundation of 007 First Light works surprisingly well because the dialogue, presentation, and dry humor hit the tone of the film series. The roughly 20-hour campaign keeps the pace high, rarely lets up, and drives toward a finale that ties everything together nicely. The spy story is solid, if somewhat predictable, but it brings newcomers and fans along equally well.
The locations take you from a grand hotel in Slovakia to a Vietnamese spa. IO makes good use of its in-house Glacier engine to create lively areas filled with dense crowds and activity. Technically, it does not always reach the very top tier, but the environments feel vibrant and believable.
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Gameplay & Fun
Structurally, the game alternates between climbing sections, detective work, stealth passages, and open firefights. You gather clues by eavesdropping, tailing targets, or stealing documents. This is where the Hitman makers’ sandbox experience comes through, as there are often several ways to reach your goal. In restricted areas, you distract guards, manipulate technology, or use gadgets from Q’s lab. Six tools — controlled through a smartwatch — gradually become available, from a cutting laser to a projectile-firing pen.
When fights move into close quarters, the game shines: Bond counters attacks, turns furniture into weapons, and chains actions into fluid combinations. Gunfights are solid, with interactive environments adding variety, even if enemies do not always act intelligently. Later on, the action ramps up noticeably, which pushes stealth somewhat into the background.
Facts and Screenshots
| Game: | 007 First Light |
| Publisher: | IO Interactive |
| Developer: | IO Interactive |
| Genre: | Action-adventure |
| Tested on: | PS5 |
| Available for: | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| ESRB: | Teen |
| Released: | May 27, 2026 |
