James Bond is finally playable again, and the result is a pleasant surprise. 007 First Light is out now, and it comes from IO Interactive — the studio behind the Hitman trilogy. That pedigree turns out to be the whole point.
The game launched on May 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. A Nintendo Switch 2 version follows later in 2026. It tells an origin story, with a younger, rougher Bond still earning his 00 status.
Why 007 First Light works
IO Interactive made one smart call early. It built the Bond experience on Hitman’s rock-solid stealth systems. So sneaking through a guarded compound or improvising a takedown feels great. Levels stay open enough to reward patience, gadgets, and clever routes.
Critics have noticed. Engadget’s review lands on a clear recommendation, praising the level design and the cinematic flow. The reimagined Bond — younger and less of a caricature — also drew praise for feeling more human.
It is not flawless, though. Reviewers flag the big shootouts as the weak spot. Extended gunfights turn repetitive, and a few boss fights and fetch quests sag. Some gadgets also feel pointless. When the game forces loud combat, it loses the spark that makes the stealth sing.
There is also a clear audience for this approach. IO Interactive spent years perfecting systemic stealth in Hitman, and Bond slots neatly into that sandbox. So players who love planning a flawless infiltration will feel right at home. Newcomers, meanwhile, get a cinematic origin story that eases them in before the harder missions arrive.
Still, the foundation is strong, and IO Interactive plans long-term support. So if you enjoyed Hitman, or a tense stealth run over a run-and-gun shooter, 007 First Light is an easy pick. Fans who follow big launches like other major game drops should take a look.
