Hands-On Preview: Bond is Back on Form in 007 First Light

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I realized the other day that it’s been over 20 years since I last played a James Bond video game! I did a quick search online, and wow, it instantly brought back a flood of memories I hadn’t thought about in ages. It was like opening a time capsule!

We were on the floor, battling it out head-to-head on Skyrail using PlayStation 2 controllers. Firing the Sentinel rocket launcher and guiding those missiles around the map to find each other was surprisingly hilarious – it definitely kept us entertained for hours!

I was really surprised and excited when IO Interactive invited me to try out the new 007 game, First Light, in Los Angeles. It had been 14 years since the last Bond game, so I definitely didn’t want to miss it – and I’m glad I didn’t! It was a fantastic experience.

A New Direction

What exactly is the new James Bond game going to be like? Instead of playing as the experienced spy we all know, this game starts at the very beginning – when Bond was just starting out as an Army recruit.

We’re accustomed to seeing James Bond as a highly skilled, action-ready agent in films and games. This new portrayal, showing him as a beginner grappling with the dangerous world he’s entering, feels like a welcome change.

This is a fantastic way to begin the story because it feels like we’re going through everything with the main character, not just watching from the outside. We see his difficult start, the tough training, and everything leading up to him becoming the skilled operative he’s known for.

Despite everything, the character still has that charmingly over-the-top quality that originally made us adore them. Add a dash of classic British wit and sarcasm, and I’m completely captivated. And it’s not just because I’m British, I promise!

Becoming Bond

I recently spent three hours with IO Interactive, and I got a really good sense of what they’re planning. I experienced quite a bit, and I’m excited to share what I learned.

The game begins in Iceland, where James Bond isn’t officially a 00 agent yet. He’s talented, but still needs the specialized training MI6 provides. Players, just like Bond, learn as they go – navigating a rainy, mountainous landscape and following instructions from an unknown source.

This story kicks off with Bond infiltrating a secretive militia, stumbling upon top-secret information, and rescuing hostages – all while cheerfully ignoring his superiors. Bond’s always been a rule-breaker, and that’s a big part of what makes him so compelling! The opening sequence is fantastic, quickly showing us his skills in both combat and stealth. He hasn’t officially been given a license to kill just yet, but frankly, he doesn’t need one to get the job done!

I’m so excited about the new direction IO Interactive is taking with Bond! They’ve jumped ahead in time, and we now get to see Bond start his training. It’s this cool little training area in Malta where you have to sneak around and capture a flag – it really feels like a sneak peek at the kinds of missions we’ll be doing later in the game, and I can’t wait!

Bond has never played by the rules, but that’s all part of his killer charm!

You can choose to fight your way through the area, using force, or sneak through, using the surroundings to stay hidden. The training area has several different paths, and we were encouraged to play through it multiple times to fully explore all of its options.

Those earlier parts were really just practice, helping us learn how the game works. Now, we’re skipping ahead to a section that feels like it’s about halfway through the game.

The Real Deal

The episode starts with a really intense, almost movie-like attack on James in Kensington. Then, things shift to a museum, and that’s when I really started to get what this show was going for. It’s this huge, beautiful hall, full of people just enjoying themselves – chatting, taking pictures, and with drinks everywhere. It felt so immersive!

You need to get to the CCTV room, and there are several ways to do it. Just like you had options for reaching the training grounds in Malta, you can approach this however you choose. I decided to disguise myself as a photographer, using my Q-Watch to swipe a camera, and then convinced a journalist to give me access. But you might find a different solution – listening in on conversations, pickpocketing, or simply bluffing your way through are all useful skills for a 007 agent.

The game has you quietly moving through shadowy offices, fighting enemies, and teaming up with surprising characters. I was especially surprised by the boss battle! Even after earning the ability to eliminate your opponents, it’s still smarter to stay hidden and avoid direct confrontation.

Eavesdropping, pick pocketing, and bluffing are all powerful tools in your 007 arsenal.

Use distractions like gadgets to divert attention, or even temporarily incapacitate enemies to create openings. Keep an eye out for things in the environment you can use to your advantage – like chandeliers or explosive objects – and always find cover. While shooting is effective, rushing in with guns blazing is a quick way to get overwhelmed. Remember, Bond relies on stealth and strategy, he’s not just a soldier.

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Okay, wow, that mission was a serious time commitment, way longer than I thought it’d be, but honestly, I couldn’t put it down. It struck a great balance – tough when it needed to be, but it also gave me moments to catch my breath. And just when I thought I was done, things went completely insane! I was suddenly tearing through London in a garbage truck, smashing everything in my path. It was absolutely intense, super thrilling, and I was practically white-knuckling the controller the whole time. The action sequences were incredible, and this feels like just the beginning of something really special.

Not Simply a Character

Beyond the technical aspects, it’s important to remember the emotional core of the game. James Bond isn’t just a cold-blooded killer like some other characters; he’s a person who’s constantly facing challenges and fighting to survive in a dangerous world.

James Bond faces incredible hardship – loss, betrayal, and all kinds of pain – but he always finds a way to become stronger. He’s a character we naturally want to support and genuinely care about. When things look their bleakest for him, it’s a reminder that he’s not invincible. This makes the danger feel authentic and well-deserved, adding to the tension.

I finished playing 007 First Light, and I really didn’t want to stop! The developers, IO Interactive, practically had to make me leave – I was enjoying the Training Grounds so much I wanted to play them over and over.

I walked away feeling fantastic and totally buying into what the developers were aiming for with this game. Honestly, even the small glitches – like photographers with cameras that weren’t there, a few typos, or clipping through enemies – didn’t bother me at all. They just faded into the background because I was having so much fun. All I can say is, James Bond is back and better than ever, and I think we’re going to see a lot more of him!

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2026-05-01 03:10