007 First Light

I did not know what to think when I first heard IOI was working on a James Bond game, but having played 007 First Light, I can think of no studio better for this. It nailed the experience and the tone, and used its expertise in a way that feels fresh, engaging and fun. The team knows what it is doing and has gone all out to build a game that is unmistakably James Bond while feeling like a natural evolution for the studio. [3-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

007: First Light is promising, though not perfect, with issues such as misaligned footstep and voice audio pointing me in the wrong direction as enemies snuck up on me -- something crucial in a stealth game that I hope gets fixed before release. Hitman fans may be split on how much of their favorite gameplay is repackaged for Bond's adventure -- a great tonal match that could still feel too familiar. Those new to IO Interactive's games will likely enjoy it. But despite how polished the stealth gameplay was, a lot hinges on the plot IO Interactive is building out, one that marks a novel departure from other Bond narratives by telling the story before the spy became super, yet one that'll be tricky to get right. [3-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

What I played left a strong impression overall. First Light already has the foundation of something confident, stylish, and occasionally very clever, even when it is still adjusting its tie in the mirror. It’s Hitman roots are clear as day, but the strong narrative pivot First Light is really diving into really kept things feel fresh throughout my session. I think fans of both Hitman and James Bond are really going to like what First Light showcases, and it could become something genuinely memorable. [4-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

Based on what I played, 007 First Light is shaping up to be a phenomenal IO Interactive game through and through. It takes everything the developer has learned from many years of creating, refining, iterating, and evolving Hitman games, and puts the pieces that make the most sense together to create a James Bond game that could end up being one of the best games of the year, and also the best James Bond game ever created. 007 First Light could be the culmination of IO Interactive's vision for modern sandbox action games, as well as a spectacular payoff for a 16-year audition to make a James Bond game. [Hands-On Impressions]

There have been some great 007 games before, but none of them have managed to capture the experience of a full Bond adventure and the way it ebbs and flows between explosive set-pieces, grounded action, and quieter moments like IO Interactive manages here. 007 First Light just gets James Bond. [Hands-On Impressions]

As someone with over 3,000 hours in the Hitman games, and also hugely into the Bond movies, I never assumed that IO Interactive would fumble the licence. But I never realised just how much I'm up for a new James Bond game, so long after the last one was released. I even think this may be the best one since GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64. I’m already excited to jump in and play some more to see if the rest of the game matches what I’ve played so far, and it’s reassuring to know that at least I won’t have to wait long to do that. [3-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

What we played wasn't perfect. Bond's movements can feel weighty, the dash button magnetically putting you into cover can be annoying (and gets you killed), and the first level in Iceland is overly long with little to do, but these are all small nitpicks in what was an exciting romp through Kensington. Hopefully, the rest of the game can match that level of clever level design, pacing and action. [Hands-On Impressions]

With 007: First Light's character-first approach to delivering a fully realized Bond adventure, it's so far got the charm, wit, and raw energy to make this spy thriller one to keep an eye on as its May release fast approaches. [Hands-On Impressions]

So far, 007 First Light feels like an awesome blend of what makes a good James Bond story work. It’s equal parts moody espionage thriller and high-octane action film, and its gameplay mechanics reflect these tenets well, despite it forgoing some risk-taking in terms of exploration and combat. Despite playing it safe, it feels like IO Interactive has concocted a recipe for a great 007 game, if not a mechanically revelatory one. The game truly shines when it comes to its story, characters, performance capture, and sandbox elements, and even when combat feels like it treads familiar ground, it’s some of the most fun and engaging I’ve had the pleasure of previewing, with enough of its own DNA to set it apart from the pack. From what I played, I anticipate 007 First Light will be a standout among 2026’s slate of blockbusters. [3-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

Ultimately, I walked away even more excited than when I first sat down to play it. IO Interactive proved that they know what it takes to create a memorable Bond experience. As I’m writing this, I can’t help but wonder how the overall story will play out. That said, I’m extremely excited to see what 007 First Light has to offer upon its full release next month on May 27. [Hands-On Impressions]

I’m not completely aware of the stakes that Bond is currently facing, but the origin story is being handled better than I could have imagined. Bond is just an insanely difficult character to get right, especially when this game is dealing with him before he becomes the fully formed legend everyone already knows. [3-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

Based on around three hours of play across three missions from 007 First Light, yes, IO has made it work — although its grasp of the gameplay style that would make a perfect James Bond game is a good deal firmer than its grasp of the Bond character itself. [3-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

I am confident that, at the very least, 007 First Light is going to be a great Bond game. I just hope that come the end of it, it leaves me both shaken and stirred. [2-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

007 First Light feels like a fresh take on the franchise, delivering a version of the character and a vision of gameplay that are both different from what we've seen before. If anything's going to manage the tall order of topping previous heights like 007 Goldeneye and Nightfire, 007 First Light stands a real shot. [Hands-On Impressions]

Besides fun gameplay, 007 First Light packs a punch in the presentation department. Its audiovisuals are stunning to behold; you’ll feel like you’re playing a Bond movie, but with all the accoutrements of a modern video game, alongside decision-making that feels uniquely yours. [Hands-On Impressions]

007: First Light goes far beyond being a pleasant surprise for me. You can certainly see where IO Interactive has adapted key aspects from Hitman, but it’s been done with such a deft touch, using them as highlight moments that fit with a different kind of covert action star. You should put this straight to the top of your wish list. [Hands-On Impressions]