007 First Light
28th of May, 2026
IO Interactive’s Hitman WoA trilogy is one of my favourite game trilogies of all time. A huge part of that comes from how believable its environments feel. Every location feels true to life, filled with atmosphere and incredible ambiance. It genuinely feels like you’re actually there.
The NPCs engage in surprisingly interesting conversations and make each level feel alive rather than scripted. There’s also light comedy sprinkled throughout the dialogue which adds to the atmosphere.
The freedom of approach is what truly elevates the experience for me. There are countless ways to eliminate your target, whether through careful planning, social stealth, environmental manipulation, or complete improvisation.
Naturally, when 007 First Light was announced, I was hyped. From the trailers and teasers, it felt like Uncharted meets Bond. Developed by the same team behind one of my favourite franchises of all time, I preordered it right away.
The wait was agonizing, but it was worth it. 007 First Light is one of the best games I’ve ever played.
There are few aspects similar to Hitman. You can listen to conversations which generates opportunities you can follow, and distractions and stealth are pretty much the same. With that being said, the gameplay sequences are largely linear.
Some locations, particularly Aleph and Vietnam, were fantastic. They captured the same atmospheric immersion and environmental detail that made Hitman so memorable to me. I felt that there was so much to do and see. Other locations, however, felt noticeably more barebones and lacking in depth in comparison, which was admittedly a little disappointing.
Thankfully, First Light makes up for that with its combat and set pieces. The moment things escalate, the game becomes incredibly difficult to put down. IOI absolutely nailed the high-octane sequences.
The gunplay is great, though I wouldn’t say perfect. Hand-to-hand combat feels especially satisfying, with every punch and dodge carrying real weight behind it. Fights flow smoothly, even against multiple enemies at once, and the ability to seamlessly use the environment around you makes encounters feel dynamic and reactive. Something as simple as throwing a bottle mid-fight feels completely natural.
Although I am not usually a fan of car chases and similar sequences, I did feel that the game included too few vehicle-based moments, especially considering how much they were emphasized during training. Even so, the driving mechanics themselves did feel punchy if I could put a word to it.
In terms of stealth, the bluffing mechanic is both hilarious and charmingly Bond. Listening to Bond improvise his way out of precarious situations had me grinning. The gadgets are a lot of fun to use, especially during stealth approaches. I did find myself holding back on them at times, as they can feel a little too powerful.
The story is engaging, though it is largely carried by its characters, most of whom I found interesting. That said, it is not particularly memorable on its own and does not stand out as one of the game’s strongest aspects.
My criticisms have been described, but to summarize: the story is not its strongest suit, some locations and levels lack depth, and there are too few vehicle-based sequences.
Despite its shortcomings, the overall experience remains highly satisfying. IO Interactive delivered a strong blend of stealth, action, and narrative focus. For anyone who values immersive stealth gameplay paired with action-packed sequences, 007 First Light is well worth your time.