007 First Light is shaping up to be not only the best James Bond game ever made but also a serious contender for Game of the Year in 2026. After spending three hours with IO Interactive's upcoming title, it's clear that this is a remarkably authentic and exhilarating spy-action game that skillfully blends lessons from the past with modern cinematic storytelling.
A Fresh Take on the Iconic Spy
Patrick Gibson's portrayal of Bond strikes a perfect balance between intelligence and brashness, capturing the essence of a younger, more impulsive secret agent. The game applies the Hitman formula as a foundation but quickly establishes its own identity, offering a wonderfully cinematic third-person experience that feels both fresh and familiar.
Initially skeptical due to marketing materials that made the shooting look dated and the driving stiff, I was pleasantly surprised to find that 007 First Light is genuinely great. The first Bond game in 14 years feels surprisingly modern, implementing head-on action and stealth in a way that pays homage to linear cinematic adventures while still offering systemic freedom.
Gameplay: Uncharted Meets Hitman Meets Metal Gear Solid 5
The prologue mission in Iceland is particularly Metal Gear Solid-inspired, with Bond as a Navy aircrewman whose plane is shot down. Forced to survive enemy patrols without a weapon, the sequence emphasizes tension and stealth, requiring quick thinking and careful maneuvering. The climax, involving a dramatic escape with rescued hostages and an explosion set to Lana Del Rey's hypnotic theme, perfectly captures the Bond franchise's attention to detail.
The second section in Malta serves as a training facility, allowing players to master sneaking, melee combat, and gadgets like the Q-lens vision and laser watch. This brighter, sun-soaked mission offers multiple ways to approach combat, from silent takedowns to all-out brawls.
London's Kensington Quarter: A Cinematic Showcase
The highlight of the preview is a mission set in London's Kensington quarter. After returning to his flat, Bond chases an intruder across town, engaging in rooftop chases, foot pursuits, and even controlling a crane to smash into a building. The sequence culminates in a gala infiltration that turns into a Hitman-style sandbox, with multiple paths to reach the target—posing as a photojournalist, eavesdropping on partygoers, or using gadgets to distract enemies.
The Q-lens functions as detective vision, but cleverly justified within the game's universe. Gadgets like the laser watch and hacking devices add variety, ensuring players always have influence over their approach. The chase ends in a commandeered bin lorry, a delightfully British touch.
Old-School Charm with Modern Polish
007 First Light is unabashedly old-school in its linear, cinematic structure, but it never feels outdated. The game delivers spectacle in both loud and stealthy approaches, with natural transitions and few instant-fail states. It's not just Hitman with a Bond skin; it's a wonderful evolution of all things Bond, distilled into an epic adventure that challenges players to 'earn the number'.
With a release date of May 27, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, followed by Nintendo Switch 2, 007 First Light is poised to be the quintessential Bond game for modern times.
