007 First Light

007 First Light is the first James Bond game in a long time. Setting aside the 2020 mobile game Cypher 007, the last AAA franchise game was 007 Legends, which was released in 2012 to mark the brand's 50th anniversary. Previous releases include GoldenEye 007: Reloaded (2011), James Bond 007: Blood Stone (2010) and 007: Quantum of Solace (2008). Before then, a new game was released almost every year, mostly shooters but also a racing game. However, it is mainly Rare's GoldenEye (1997) and 007: Nightfire (2002) that have remained in people's memories.

So, after a long break, the agent is returning to gaming screens. This time, 007 has been brought to life by the creators of Hitman at IO Interactive, who are focusing on an origin story (to earn the number) that still includes all the signature elements of the franchise. In the game, James Bond (portrayed by Patrick Gibson) enters the world of espionage after catching the attention of MI6 by beating the odds in a dangerous situation in Iceland. Bond finds an unexpected advocate in M (Priyanga Burford), who recognises his ability to remain in control under pressure and trusts his judgement. However, that confidence is tested by John Greenway (Lennie James), a former 00 agent and the programme's hardline training instructor. His disciplined philosophy clashes with Bond's instinctive, improvisational style. When the return of the rogue 009 becomes the first real test of the 00 Programme, Bond embarks on a global mission, pursuing leads from the Carpathian Mountains to the black market in Aleph and into the lair of the unpredictable Bawma (Lenny Kravitz).

"With 007 First Light, we wanted to reinterpret the origins of James Bond and explore the key moments that shaped him into the agent that fans know today, but not yet the legend that he will one day become. This version of Bond is inexperienced and has yet to find his feet in the world of espionage. However, he already possesses the instincts, intelligence and determination that set him apart as a top agent. Players will recognise the unmistakable qualities that define Bond from the outset." - Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive

The origin story and the interactions between the characters are pretty great. It takes a little while for the story to get going, and the story campaign is over after about 14 or 15 hours. It's a bit of a shame — it could have been longer, especially since Patrick Gibson's performance is outstanding. The young Bond’s personality is more closely aligned with that in the grittier original Ian Fleming books. He's charismatic, likeable and eloquent, but also arrogant and inexperienced.

No, 007: First Light is not just a reskin of Hitman. The game has its own identity, combining a more open and creative approach to missions with stealth, puzzle and exploration elements (infiltration, investigation and the art of the bluff, comparable to a lite version of Hitman), as well as cinematic, linear action reminiscent of Uncharted, which sometimes culminates in Call of Duty-style spectacle. In the latter, some stunts and actions can feel a bit over-the-top, even though the game largely tries to stay grounded beforehand.

The game sometimes struggles to balance the quieter stealth sections with the action-packed sequences, but the mix works quite well overall. This involves visiting a variety of locations, some of which are more linear to support the story and others of which are more expansive. Car chases are also a must, although they are probably the game's weakest element. Overall, the game does an excellent job of capturing the Bond atmosphere and spy vibe, including the cast — especially the dynamic between Bond, M, Q and Moneypenny — cutscenes and a fitting soundtrack. However, those expecting the same level of freedom as in the World of Assassination may feel somewhat restricted by the much more linear story structure at times. This is especially true since the enemies aren’t as smart or tenacious as they are in Hitman, but then again, this isn't a Hitman game.

Players can tackle objectives through stealth, direct action or a combination of the two, drawing on four gameplay systems: Spycraft, Instinct, Gadgets, and Combat. Bond infiltrates locations by closely observing his surroundings. He eavesdrops on conversations, gathers information and identifies opportunities to reach his targets. He also uses deception and social camouflage to move unnoticed through guarded areas. 007 can use his instincts to lure enemies, bluff his way out of suspicion — sometimes with humorous and cheeky responses when caught — or sharpen his focus for precision in combat.

His mission gear consists of tools that enable stealth, distraction and creative problem solving. This includes the Q-Lens, which highlights useful information and hackable devices; the Q-Watch, which activates gadgets and interactions to divert attention or neutralise threats; the Laser Bracelet, which can stun enemies, open new paths or use the environment for distraction; the Dart Phone, which silently moves enemies out of the way; smoke canisters, which block vision at close range; the Explosive Mine, which briefly blinds enemies; and more. However, players must decide what to bring because the number of equipment slots is limited. When stealth breaks down, combat blends impactful close-quarters takedowns with ranged gunplay. Bond can use the environment for melee attacks, take enemies by surprise before a firefight breaks out or use his Focus ability to slow down time and perform precise disarms and targeted eliminations. However, in the game, he must first receive a licence to kill from MI6 when things go really wrong or he is being hunted himself.

After completing the story, there is TacSim mode, which allows players to replay the missions. Initially, TacSim opens with the first two missions and becomes fully accessible once the game has been completed. This allows players to replay challenges in other levels. TacSim presents players with modifiers in scored missions and progression-driven unlocks, encouraging experimentation and new ways of approaching each scenario. After each mission, players receive an agent evaluation, allowing them to compare their performance with friends or on a leaderboard. Players receive XP and Intel by completing TacSim missions. XP increases the release level, unlocking new skins for weapons and gadgets, as well as cosmetic content. Intel can then be used to purchase these items.

Visually, 007 First Light is stunning, especially in the more expansive areas teeming with detail and crowds. This compensates for the shortcomings in other areas, such as the animations. Additionally, IO Interactive has collaborated with Nvidia. 007 First Light incorporates DLSS 4.5 Dynamic Multi-Frame Generation. Path Tracing and DLSS Ray Reconstruction will also be added to the game later this summer.

The title sequence continues the long-standing tradition of the Bond franchise's opening credits showcasing the film's motifs and identity. The title song is performed by singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey and was written and composed by her and David Arnold, marking the composer's return to the Bond franchise. The Flight, a UK duo, composed the score for 007 First Light. The soundscape is further enriched by cameo appearances from DJ Dimitri Vegas and drum and bass duo Chase & Status. Naturally, there is also plenty of product placement, including the Aston Martin Valhalla supercar, a selection of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, and a Triumph motorcycle. Also featured are Leica cameras, an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M chronograph, Orlebar Brown clothing, Coca-Cola and Herman Miller furniture.

007 First Light was developed by IO Interactive, an independent video game developer and publisher with studios in Copenhagen, Malmö, Barcelona, Istanbul and Brighton. The company was established in September 1998 as a joint venture between Reto-Moto and Nordisk Film. In 2004, IOI was acquired by Eidos Interactive, which was subsequently absorbed by publisher Square Enix. In 2017, Square Enix sold the studio. IO Interactive completed a management buyout, retained the rights to the Hitman brand, and has since operated entirely independently.

The transition period was challenging, but the subsequent Hitman games reached a large player base. In addition to the Hitman series, the latest instalment of which is Hitman: World of Assassination (more than 85 million players, including those using subscription services and the free trial; as of March 2026), the studio is also known for Freedom Fighters, Kane & Lynch, and Mini Ninjas. All of the company’s modern titles are based on its in-house Glacier Engine. The studio is currently working on a new IP under the codename "Project Fantasy". It is an online fantasy RPG. "A world and a game built from the ground up to entertain players and expand for many years to come. (...) This idea—that a diverse group of individuals with different skills and strengths can work together and become more than the sum of their parts—is what inspires us," says the studio.

"With 007 First Light, we set out to honor the incredible legacy of 007 while creating a Bond gaming experience like no other. This is a Bond still finding his footing, one players can grow with on his journey shaped by instincts, intelligence, and the resolve that ultimately build the character’s lasting impact." - Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive.

007 First Light was released on 26 May 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon.com, as well as for PC on Steam and Epic Games Store. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 will follow later in summer 2026. The game is available in Standard, Deluxe, Collector's and Legacy editions, priced at €69.99, €79.99, €199.99 and €299.99 respectively. Customers who pre-ordered received a free upgrade to the Deluxe Edition. The game sold 1.5 million copies within the first 24 hours, making it the fastest-selling title in the history of IO Interactive.

Conclusion

It's been a long time since the last James Bond game, and this one is really, really good. IO Interactive delivers spectacle, humour and action in levels that are sometimes spectacular. Hopefully, this will continue with DLC or a sequel — or both!

Features

• Spectacular return to playing as 007 in an original story
• Creative stealth and exploration missions alternate with linear action-adventure sequences.
• Outstanding level design and stunning visuals