Review: 007 First Light

When, five years ago, IO Interactive announced that its next major project would be part of the James Bond universe, I felt that I would finally have the chance to experience what it’s like to be a real 007 agent. It was something I’d been waiting for for a very long time. I remember playing a James Bond game when I was very young, but I didn’t remember much about it. I’ve always wondered why no one was trying to bring this franchise back to the world of modern video games. Now, after nearly two decades, IO Interactive has decided to do just that, and, in my opinion, it has managed to exceed expectations.

I'm a fan of James Bond movies. I've watched all the films from the Pierce Brosnan era, and I've rewatched the ones starring Daniel Craig several times. I’ve also seen a few of the classic films starring Sean Connery, and I’ll probably stir up some controversy when I say that, for me, Daniel Craig remains the best James Bond. I’m aware that this preference is also influenced by the generation I belong to, because I grew up with this version of the character.

Why am I focusing on the Daniel Craig era? Because 007 First Light seems clearly inspired by the tone and style of those films. Time and again, I felt like I was playing scenes straight out of *Casino Royale* or *Quantum of Solace*. The action, the way Bond is portrayed, and the pace of the missions all convey that same energy. For me, this is one of the greatest compliments I can pay the game, because, for the first time, I finally felt like I was stepping into the shoes of an MI6 agent.

The story in *007 First Light* is not an adaptation of any Ian Fleming film or novel, but rather a completely original adventure. We meet Bond at the beginning of his career, when he is not yet the calculating, experienced agent we know from the movies. He makes mistakes, improvises, and learns as he goes, and this evolution is one of the most interesting parts of the game.

This is also evident in the gameplay. Unlike other action games, 007 First Light doesn’t turn you into a killing machine from the very first minute. Most of the time, you’re encouraged to observe, plan, and choose the best approach for each situation. Sometimes you can charge in with a gun in hand, but more often than not, the game rewards patience, stealth, and the use of Bond’s signature gadgets.

Although the missions are mostly linear, that didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, I think it fits perfectly with the game’s cinematic pace. IO Interactive makes up for the lack of fully open maps with a multitude of interactions, characters, and events that make each location feel alive. You always feel like you’re part of a spy movie, not just moving from one arena to another.

Gadgets, of course, play an essential role. Q provides you with a range of classic gadgets from the Bond universe, and each one has its own purpose. The OMEGA watch, which has already become a symbol of the franchise, can disorient enemies, activate mechanisms in the environment, or create diversions that allow you to go unnoticed. Nothing seems to be included just for the sake of spectacle; every gadget has a practical use during missions.

Another aspect I really liked is the level design. Each mission takes you to a different location and manages to convey the feeling that you’re part of an authentic James Bond adventure. From ultra-modern corporate headquarters and secret bases to exclusive parties and exotic locations, each level has its own personality and offers plenty of opportunities to experiment. Even though the structure is linear, there are almost always multiple ways to approach a situation, and the game encourages you to observe your surroundings and take advantage of what they have to offer.

Combat is undoubtedly one of the game's strengths as well. I can’t recall many recent titles where hand-to-hand combat is this fluid and satisfying. You can choose to defeat your opponents with just your fists, but the real fun begins when you use the environment to your advantage. Shoving an enemy across a table, slamming them into a wall, or throwing them over a railing aren’t just spectacular animations—they’re moments that make you feel exactly like you’re in a James Bond movie. For me, these are the details that give the game its own identity and set it apart from other action titles.

After nearly two decades away, James Bond returns to the world of video games in a way that does him justice. 007 First Light doesn’t try to reinvent the genre or copy the movies frame by frame. Instead, it creates its own experience, blending espionage, action, and freedom of approach in a very natural way.

If there’s one question many people probably ask themselves before playing, it’s this: “Is it just Hitman with James Bond?” From my perspective, the answer is no. You can feel the experience IO Interactive has gained from developing the Hitman series, but 007 First Light has its own identity. It’s more cinematic, more fast-paced, and places much more emphasis on spectacle and on the feeling that you’re actually Agent 007.

For me, this is one of the best action and espionage games of recent years and proof that the James Bond franchise still has a lot of potential in the video game industry. I just hope this is the start of a new series and that we won’t have to wait another two decades for Agent 007’s next adventure.