IO Interactive's 007 First Light Blends Stealth, Action, and Bond's Origin
IO Interactive is set to release its new James Bond game, 007 First Light, on May 27th. The title reimagines Bond's early career with a focus on stealth, gadgets, and player choice. Previews highlight a blend of cinematic action and Hitman-style sandbox freedom, though a Switch release is delayed.
Coverage across 19 outlets
007 First Light is the stealthy James Bond game I've dreamed of
IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series, has developed a James Bond game titled 007 First Light. The article suggests it fulfills the dream of a stealthy James Bond experience.
FZ Play spelar 007 First Light!
IO Interactive is set to release the James Bond game 007 First Light tomorrow. The article previews the game by highlighting the developer's pedigree and reminiscing about the classic Goldeneye 007. A live stream of the game is scheduled for tonight.
First 13 minutes of 007 First Light
IO Interactive has released the first 13 minutes of gameplay for its upcoming James Bond title, 007 First Light, showcasing a blend of stealth and action. The game is set to launch on May 27th for most platforms, though the Nintendo Switch 2 version has been delayed. GoldenEye 007 was also mentioned as being available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
007 First Light – 15 New Details That Caught Our Attention
007 First Light introduces a younger James Bond focused on heroism and improvisation, differentiating itself from the Hitman series. The game will feature branching choices for combat, stealth, and dialogue, with a narrative that follows Bond's early career before MI6. Key gameplay elements include hacking with the Q Lens, a slow-motion 'Focus' mode, bluffing mechanics, and conditional approaches to missions, though players cannot move bodies.
007: First Light – 15 Details That Have Us Excited
IO Interactive is developing 007 First Light, a new James Bond origin story that rethinks the traditional Bond game formula. The game emphasizes instinctual action, flexible mechanics, and semi-emergent gameplay, allowing for multiple solutions to missions. It features four core gameplay pillars: Spycraft, Instinct, Gadgets, and Combat, with both stealth and direct confrontation being equally viable. The game will be built on IO Interactive's Glacier engine and will feature PC and PlayStation 5 Pro support.
Round Up: The Previews Are In For 007: First Light
Previews for the upcoming James Bond game, 007: First Light, have been released, with the game set to launch on May 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A Nintendo Switch release is planned for "later this summer." While some previews praise IO Interactive's systems-driven approach and tone, others express concerns about the depiction of James Bond himself, finding the character too young and chatty.
007: First Light’s Stealth, Action, Set-Pieces and Gadgets Detailed in Hands-On Preview
A hands-on preview of 007: First Light details its blend of stealth, action, and gadgets, set to release on May 27th for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The game's story begins with James Bond in the Royal Navy before he is recruited by MI6 to retrieve a mysterious item, involving infiltration and intense chase sequences. Early missions showcase stealth mechanics, the Q Lens gadget for enemy detection and hacking, a laser watch, and a melee combat system, alongside social stealth elements in a London gala setting.
007 First Light Is Chasing Bond Authenticity In A New Universe
IO Interactive is developing 007 First Light, a new third-person, story-driven action-adventure game that reimagines James Bond through an original origin story. The game will combine stealth, gadgets, car chases, and cinematic set pieces, aiming for authenticity with brand partners like Aston Martin and Omega. Theuns Smit, licensing producer at IO Interactive, discussed the collaborative process of integrating these elements to create a unique gaming universe for Bond. 007 First Light is set to release on May 27, 2026, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, with a Nintendo Switch release planned for summer.
007 First Light First Looks
Previews for IO Interactive's upcoming young James Bond game, 007 First Light, have been released following the lifting of an embargo. The article indicates that various previewers have shared their initial impressions of the game.
IGN goes hands-on with 007 First Light in final preview
IGN has provided a hands-on preview of 007: First Light, highlighting a blend of stealth, fist fighting, and gadget use alongside firefights. The game is described as a mix of Hitman, Uncharted, and Watch Dogs, with players experiencing sections in Iceland and Malta. The Nintendo Switch version is delayed to summer, while other platforms will see the game released on May 27th.
007 First Light perfectly balances cinematic Bond action with Hitman's signature sandbox freedom
007 First Light aims to balance cinematic James Bond action with the sandbox freedom of the Hitman series. The preview highlights how players can approach objectives through stealth, impersonation, or direct confrontation, with combat feeling more action-oriented than in Hitman. Gadgets and realistic animations enhance the immersive experience, suggesting a successful blend of the two gameplay styles.
Playing 007: First Light makes me wonder if it's actually possible to nail James Bond - but IOI has made a cracking attempt
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007: First Light, diverges from the studio's Hitman formula, opting for a linear, third-person stealth-action experience. The game emphasizes forward momentum and spectacle, aiming for a broader audience than the Hitman series. Early impressions highlight impressive production values and a focus on cinematic Bond moments, though questions remain about its ability to truly capture the essence of James Bond.
007 First Light Preview – From IOI with Love
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007: First Light, blends elements of the Hitman series with the distinct swagger of James Bond. The preview showcases Bond's early days as an MI6 agent, featuring fluid movement, cover-based shooting, and stealth mechanics enhanced by gadgets like the Q-Lens and Q-Watch. The game promises a mix of action-adventure and stealth, allowing players to choose their approach to various combat and infiltration scenarios.
007 First Light Preview – A Cinematic Spy Game With Hitman DNA
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007 First Light, offers a cinematic spy experience blending stealth and action, reminiscent of Hitman. The preview highlights a younger James Bond learning the ropes, featuring intense gunfights, gadget use, and a combat system that mirrors the Batman: Arkham series. Players will have freedom in approaching objectives, with the game balancing linear cinematic moments with open-ended gameplay.
007 First Light Preview - So You Want Me to Be Half-Monk, Half-Hitman?
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007 First Light, aims to capture the essence of James Bond with a blend of stealth, action, and improvisation, differentiating itself from the developer's Hitman series. The preview highlights a more charismatic and bold approach for Bond, with dynamic environmental destruction and nuanced gadget usage. The game is set to release on May 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
007: First Light hands-on report — using stealth, action, and charm to become a legendary spy
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007: First Light, aims to capture the essence of James Bond by blending stealth, action, and charm. The preview showcased three missions that highlight the game's focus on improvisation, gadget use, and a narrative delving into Bond's origins. The game is set to release on PlayStation 5 on May 27.
007 First Light Preview - IO Interactive Might Be The Perfect Bond Studio
IO Interactive's upcoming game, 007 First Light, is shaping up to be the James Bond title fans have been waiting for, offering a story-driven experience with strong action and set-piece moments. The preview highlights Bond's early days as a 00 agent, showcasing nimble traversal, strategic combat, and a believable portrayal of the character. The game utilizes the Glacier engine, similar to Hitman, but focuses on a more dynamic and responsive gameplay style with a strong emphasis on non-lethal takedowns and emergent gameplay possibilities.
007 First Light: A Full Debrief After 3 Hours with IO's New James Bond Game
IO Interactive's upcoming training simulation, 007 First Light, offers a curated three-hour preview focusing on stealth and problem-solving. The game draws heavy inspiration from the Hitman series, emphasizing player adaptation and iteration through various operations set in Iceland, Malta, and London. While combat is present, the core gameplay loop prioritizes social stealth, environmental interaction, and strategic decision-making over direct confrontation.
007: First Light - The Final Preview – Maybe the Most Detailed Bond Game Ever
007: First Light is shaping up to be a detailed Bond adventure with charm, wit, and energy. The game's character-first approach aims to deliver a fully realized spy thriller experience, with its release expected in May.
007 First Light passes the James Bond authenticity test - hands-on preview
007 First Light, the first James Bond game in 14 years from developer IO Interactive, aims for high authenticity to the franchise's mythos. This preview highlights the game's blend of stealth, action, and platforming, drawing comparisons to the Uncharted series and IO Interactive's own Hitman. The game features a young James Bond, portrayed by Patrick Gibson, and emphasizes earning the iconic Bond theme through gameplay progression.
