Video Game Review: 007 First Light
007: First Light feels like the Bond game many fans have been waiting for. It captures the style, swagger and danger of the franchise while giving us a younger, more impulsive James Bond who still has plenty to prove. From the opening moments, it is clear IO Interactive understands what makes Bond work: sharp dialogue, sleek locations, explosive action, dry humour and a lead character who can move from charm to violence in a heartbeat.
Visually, the game is excellent. The environments are rich, cinematic and full of detail, whether Bond is slipping through high-security locations, racing through dangerous set pieces, or walking into the kind of glamorous spaces the series is known for. The lighting, character models and overall presentation make this feel like a proper blockbuster Bond experience. It looks expensive, stylish and confident.
The story is one of the game’s biggest strengths. It gives Bond a compelling origin-style narrative without stripping away what makes the character iconic. The supporting cast is strong, the villains leave an impression, and the performances across the board are excellent. The writing also gets the tone right. The one-liners are funny without becoming forced, and Bond actually feels like Bond.
The action is also a major highlight. There is a good mix of stealth, combat, chases and cinematic spectacle, and when everything clicks, First Light delivers some brilliant moments. The music deserves special praise too. It adds real energy, class and tension, helping the game feel connected to the wider Bond legacy while still standing on its own.
That said, it is not flawless. The game has a slow start, and it takes a little while before it fully finds its rhythm. There are also some bugs, though nothing that completely ruins the experience. Combat can be fiddly at times, especially when the camera struggles during busier encounters. Those moments can make certain fights feel more awkward than they should.
Even with those issues, 007: First Light is a hugely enjoyable Bond game. It has the graphics, story, characters, action, humour and atmosphere needed to do justice to the franchise. More importantly, it feels like the beginning of something with real potential.
IO Interactive has delivered a strong first outing, and I really hope this becomes a full series of Bond games. Because when First Light is at its best, this is Bond exactly as he should be.
