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In November 2020, IO Interactive announced they would give their own spin on the legacy James Bond video game with an original story in collaboration with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Eon Productions. Previously known as Project 007, the cloud of mystery surrounding the game has finally cleared. Thanks to PlayStation’s State of Play, we now get a preview of what looks to be a worthy reboot for the iconic globetrotter. During its extended gameplay reveal of 007 First Light, we saw a mix of blustering action and slick stealth in this blockbuster spy thriller. Put simply, Hitman meets Uncharted in the best way.
For context, this isn’t the seasoned, world-weary Bond we’ve seen on the big screen. IO describes their take as a younger James Bond, charming, stylish, still finding his footing before officially earning the 007 title. That framing opens new possibilities: we’re not just playing as a perfect super-spy, but as someone learning, improvising, and carving out his legend. It’s Bond with rough edges, a fresh entry point that lets players experience how the icon is forged rather than simply stepping into his tux at the height of his powers.
The essence of IO Interactive’s Hitman series runs through 007: First Light. Right away you’re met with striking visuals full of vibrant colors and textures, detailed environments, and dense spaces. Hitman 3 was known for its dazzling graphics, but First Light pushes further with large-scale spectacles and meticulous facial animations. It’s impressive how IOI’s Glacier engine handles so much complexity without missing a step.
Naturally, First Light borrows stealth mechanics from its predecessor. Familiar tactics return: tossing coins to distract guards, scouting multiple routes, and listening in on conversations that reveal new opportunities. A welcome addition is dialogue options, giving players more choices that can alter mission trajectories.
The sandbox approach is still here, but what separates the two games is fluidity. Agent 47 was rigid, precise, and mechanical in both animation and systems. Bond doesn’t abandon that foundation, but his actions carry a cinematic edge only he could pull off. A standout example is when Bond casually flicks a lighter to ignite a pile of leaves, distracting a guard. It’s a small moment, but the smooth, stylish animation highlights the game’s focus on gestural stealth. Agent 47 could theoretically achieve the same outcome, but Bond is given the design freedom to make it look natural, aligning perfectly with the espionage style that defines him.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a James Bond game without a thrill ride of action. The reveal delivered everything from gunfights, barrel explosions, and close-quarters combat to car chases and outrageous cinematic stunts. Not only does the choreography recall Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series, it also channels Daniel Craig’s hard-hitting Bond films. The hand-to-hand combat feels closer to Sifu or the Batman: Arkham games, with Bond using the environment to his advantage, slamming enemies into walls, countering attacks with improvised objects, and chaining combos that feel both brutal and stylish. That mix of spectacle and physicality shows how First Light isn’t just borrowing from its influences, but blending them into something distinctly Bond: a game where stealth and improvisation can explode into cinematic chaos without breaking tone.
One standout sequence is the skydiving set piece, which instantly calls back to Nathan Drake’s mid-air chaos in Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. Bond dives headfirst through clouds, dodging debris and enemies, a spectacle that feels right at home in the Bond universe, echoing the franchise’s long history of outrageous stunts.
Although 007: First Light looks promising, there are concerns. What made Hitman great was its replayability, missions could unfold in dozens of ways. This Bond game seems more story-driven, which risks leaning into a linear experience closer to Uncharted. That’s not inherently bad, but it does shift expectations. And in a climate where games are only getting more expensive, replay value matters. Keeping multiple paths to each objective would give First Light the longevity that kept me coming back to Hitman for years, while still delivering the narrative thrills IO is aiming for.
Overall, 007: First Light has the potential to stand alongside its inspirations in the third-person action-adventure genre. If IO can balance Hitman’s open-ended creativity with the cinematic spectacle of Uncharted, this could be a defining moment for Bond in games. 007: First Light is set to release March 26, 2027, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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I come from this culture. I marched in Morehouse College’s “House of Funk” Marching Band. My father marched in Southern University’s “Human Jukebox”. For us, marching bands weren’t a halftime distraction, they were the show. They’re the heartbeat of HBCU sports, and our unique approach to musical performance has been influencing broader marching culture for decades.
