IO Interactive's latest title, 007 First Light, stands as a thoroughly enjoyable action romp, drawing clear inspiration from the developer's own Hitman series but carving out its own distinct identity, closer in spirit to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The game launched on May 26th, 2026, for Windows, priced at £59.99/€69.99/$69.99.
Built upon the foundations of Hitman, First Light doesn't shy away from its DNA. However, it transcends being a mere reskin of Agent 47. This distinction becomes particularly apparent in moments that echo Hitman's signature stealth sandbox gameplay. Players step into the polished shoes of James Bond, dispatched to a luxurious Vietnamese resort under the guise of 'St John Smythe' to resolve a bureaucratic issue with characteristic flair. The game expertly balances Bond's inherent privilege and often insufferable Englishness with enough unique substance to keep him engaging.
Espionage and Gadgetry
The setting, The Pearl, is a testament to IO Interactive's mastery in crafting opulent environments. While much of First Light is a fast-paced journey through action set pieces and infiltration sequences, certain segments allow players to engage in more deliberate espionage, hunting down targets and utilizing Q's ingenious gadgets. These sections, while not as complex as a full Hitman level, capture a similar thrill through eavesdropping and accessing restricted areas. Bond's arsenal includes a variety of watch-powered MI6 devices, such as a laser for disabling security, a dart gun for incapacitation, and a camera flash that can deliver an electrical burst. A classic pen that doubles as a rocket launcher is also available for more dire situations. A unique ability allows Bond to tell a lie when caught in restricted areas, temporarily pacifying enemies and creating an opening for escape.
Combat and Confrontation
First Light is designed to ensure that neither melee nor gun combat becomes a last resort. Adhering to MI6 protocol, Bond avoids outright massacre. His first approach is often hand-to-hand combat, featuring sneaky takedowns, quick brawls against small groups before backup arrives, and open combat centered around punches, timed parries, and environmental throws. However, the melee combat can be challenging, with enemy attacks featuring tight parry windows and devastating finishing moves that leave Bond vulnerable. Enemies on the standard difficulty can absorb a significant number of hits, while Bond can be taken down relatively quickly.
When stealth fails and Bond is fired upon, he enters 'licence to kill' mode. The game features a range of firearms, including pistols, rifles, SMGs, and shotguns. While headshots are satisfyingly lethal, enemies wearing helmets require them to be shot off first. The gunplay is slick and accessible, with shootouts often featuring enough adversaries to keep the player engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Narrative and Themes
The game's narrative explores themes relevant to modern espionage, moving away from traditional nation-versus-nation conflicts to focus on internal struggles within MI6 and the growing reliance on artificial intelligence. Bond, as a new recruit to a restarted 00 program, serves as a counterweight to the agency's increasing trust in a supercomputer named Theia. Bond's instinct-driven, human approach clashes with this data-driven methodology, creating compelling character dynamics.
The story establishes Bond's relationships with fellow 00 recruits, such as Cressida and Monroe, creating a sense of camaraderie that is disrupted by a significant plot turn. While the narrative's brisk pace doesn't allow for extensive exploration of Bond's emotional reactions, it dedicates sufficient time to his personal journey. The development of Bond's relationship with his mentor, John Greenway, is a notable highlight, as are encounters with the intelligent thief Isola Vale. The antagonists, however, are less memorable.
A Polished Experience
Driving sections in 007 First Light serve primarily as transitions between action sequences, showcasing brand placements for Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover. These segments lack tactile feedback, but their brevity prevents them from becoming a significant issue. The game also incorporates quick-time events for cinematic flair during set pieces, ranging from button presses for actions like push-ups to specific stick movements for tasks like tying a bow tie.
Overall, 007 First Light is a highly enjoyable experience recommended for fans of the Bond franchise, IO Interactive's work, or linear action adventures. While it may lack the extensive replayability of Hitman's sandbox levels, its strong narrative and polished gameplay offer a compelling adventure. The inclusion of a more arcade-like tactical simulation mode, featuring missions with unique rulesets, could potentially add longevity. Ultimately, First Light stands as a testament to IO Interactive's ability to adapt their signature style to new, beloved franchises, offering an experience akin to MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.