007 First Light review: IO Interactive delivers the best James Bond game in years

007 First Light is being praised as one of the strongest James Bond video game adaptations in decades, with critics highlighting IO Interactive’s successful blend of cinematic storytelling, stealth mechanics and action-driven gameplay.

Developed by IO Interactive, the studio behind the globally successful Hitman franchise, the game reimagines James Bond’s early career before he officially becomes agent 007. Instead of focusing on an already polished superspy, the story introduces a younger and more impulsive Bond navigating training missions, espionage assignments and dangerous international operations.

The review describes how IO Interactive avoided simply turning Hitman into a Bond reskin and instead built a more cinematic and story-focused experience. Players travel through multiple international locations including castles, luxury hotels, markets and high-profile corporate events, capturing the glamorous and adventurous atmosphere traditionally associated with the Bond franchise.

Actor Patrick Gibson, who portrays the younger Bond, reportedly delivers a performance that evolves naturally throughout the game. Supporting characters like M and Q also receive expanded roles, helping deepen the narrative and modernise the franchise’s classic relationships.

Gameplay combines stealth infiltration, gadgets, hand-to-hand combat and large-scale cinematic action sequences. Unlike Hitman’s open sandbox structure, 007 First Light leans more heavily into linear narrative progression while still retaining social stealth elements, environmental manipulation and tactical infiltration mechanics.

One of the standout features mentioned in the review is the game’s immersive Bond fantasy. Beyond gunfights and explosions, players participate in social interactions, luxury events, intelligence gathering and gadget-based missions that recreate the feel of classic Bond films.

The game also introduces AI-powered gadget systems, hacking tools and environmental interaction mechanics that allow players to create distractions, manipulate guards and trigger creative stealth opportunities.

Critics particularly praised the game’s world-building, cinematic pacing, soundtrack integration and attention to Bond franchise details. The use of iconic musical cues and stylish environments reportedly helps recreate the atmosphere long-time Bond fans have been waiting for in modern gaming.

The review acknowledges some weaknesses in combat balance and scripted action encounters but concludes that the overall experience successfully modernises the James Bond gaming franchise for current-generation consoles and PC platforms.

007 First Light launches on May 27 for PC, Xbox and PlayStation 5.