007 First Light Review

James Bond’s history in video games is often remembered through a nostalgic lens. For many players, the franchise begins and ends with GoldenEye 007 on the Nintendo 64, a game celebrated for helping bring first-person shooters to consoles at a time when the genre was still finding its footing outside of PC gaming. While Bond enjoyed a steady stream of releases throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the series eventually faded away, becoming little more than another casualty of the declining licensed-game market. Now, after years of silence, the developers behind the Hitman series have been given the keys to one of entertainment’s most iconic characters. The result is 007 First Light, a game that not only surpasses the legacy of GoldenEye but stands alongside the very best Bond stories of the modern era. In fact, it may be the most exciting thing to happen to 007 since Casino Royale reinvented the character nearly two decades ago.
Rather than retelling a familiar film, First Light serves as an origin story for a younger Bond who has not yet become the polished superspy audiences know. This approach allows IO Interactive to build its own interpretation of the character while preserving the core traits that have made him endure for generations. The story balances espionage, action, and globe-trotting adventure in a way that feels distinctly Bond without relying on nostalgia as a crutch. The writing is surprisingly strong, delivering memorable characters, sharp dialogue, and enough intrigue to keep the plot engaging throughout its runtime. While a few twists can be seen coming well in advance, the narrative succeeds because it focuses less on shocking the player and more on watching Bond grow into the man he is destined to become. It gives the game a sense of purpose beyond simply being another licensed action title.

Where First Light truly distinguishes itself is in its mission design. IO Interactive wisely avoids turning Bond into a one-dimensional action hero and instead embraces the many skills associated with the character. Missions are designed as elaborate sandboxes where players are encouraged to observe, plan, and improvise. Objectives can often be completed through stealth, social manipulation, gadget use, or direct confrontation, depending on the player’s preferred style. The result is a game that constantly rewards experimentation without overwhelming players with complexity. Every mission feels handcrafted, packed with alternate routes, hidden opportunities, and clever interactions that make replaying them almost as enjoyable as experiencing them for the first time. It captures the fantasy of being a secret agent far more effectively than simply handing players a gun and pointing them toward the nearest objective marker.

The presentation is equally impressive. Visually, the game delivers the sort of lavish spectacle one would expect from a Bond adventure, taking players across a variety of stunning locations that range from glamorous luxury to dangerous isolation. The attention to detail throughout these environments helps sell the illusion that you are participating in a big-budget spy thriller rather than merely playing through levels. Character performances further elevate the experience, with strong voice acting helping establish both allies and villains as memorable figures in Bond’s world. The soundtrack deserves particular praise, blending classic Bond sensibilities with a modern cinematic style that gives the game its own identity. Whether sneaking through hostile territory or escaping a collapsing operation, the audio consistently enhances the tension and excitement of the moment.

What makes First Light special, however, is not any individual feature but how seamlessly everything works together. The narrative provides motivation, the mission design encourages creativity, and the presentation gives every moment a sense of importance. Many licensed games succeed in one area while falling short in others, but First Light maintains an impressive level of quality from beginning to end. There are minor flaws. Certain story beats feel predictable, and a handful of sections are slightly more restrictive than the game’s otherwise open-ended design would suggest. Yet these issues are small enough that they rarely detract from the overall experience. Instead, they serve as reminders that even a remarkable game can leave room for improvement.

For years, Bond fans have wondered what a modern 007 game should look like. 007 First Light answers that question with confidence. It respects the character’s legacy without being trapped by it, delivering a fresh interpretation that feels both contemporary and timeless. More importantly, it succeeds as a great video game in its own right rather than relying solely on its license. Much like Casino Royale revitalized Bond on the big screen in 2006, First Light accomplishes something similar in the interactive space. It is stylish, intelligent, endlessly entertaining, and establishes a foundation that future Bond games will struggle to match. If this is the beginning of a new era for 007 in gaming, then Bond is finally back where he belongs.

Score: 9 out of 10

Reviewed on PlayStation 5 Pro