When it was announced that IO interactive were making a Bond game, I was somewhat curious. Hitman has become one of my favourite series thanks to World of Assassination, but at the same time, I have no investment in Bond. As trailers and information was released about 007 First Light, I was becoming more interested. And, having seen the story all the way through, I’m happy that I gave it a chance.

Starting out in helicopters heading to a battle, Bond is part of an SAS task force and the only survivor when those helicopters get blown out of the air. The first instances of movement and stealth are introduced with this opening chapter, as Bond gets recruited by MI6 over his earpiece to do some investigative work for them. Heading into the heart of the hostile operation.

Much like in Hitman, Bond can crouch to hide behind low walls or within tall grass. He can climb pipes, shimmy along ledges, and jump across distances when required. It all feels very smooth to control, except for a few instances where Bond would go back the way he’d come instead of climbing up to a higher ledge. Fortunately, there’s no issues with the stealth, even if I’m not the best at using it.

The first true test of which comes in this opening chapter. Wanting to help the hostages despite the MI6 handler’s objections, Bond continues exploring the site. If an enemy has not seen Bond, he can use a takedown to easily dispatch them. There are objects such as radios around that can cause noise to lure enemies to those locations. Something Bond can simply do with his mouth, though there is a limit on how much it can be used. Same goes for bluffing his way out of situations in later chapters.

With mission complete, even if not the way MI6 wanted it, Bond gets called to the MI6 headquarters. Entering into training at another exotic location, there’s a nice training montage here, that teaches combat mixed in with some time trials and driving in playable segments. Extra layers of stealthing utilising the Q-Watch and gadgets follow that montage. Such gadgets are easily used, with anything that can be interacted with them marked when using the Q-Lens.

This second chapter introduces the range of characters Bond will interact with for the story. There’s Bond regulars such as M, Q, and Moneypenny, along with new characters such as training handler John Greenway and the 00-recruits. I enjoyed seeing these characters interact with each other, especially those with Greenway. Who has a lot of presence throughout the story.

Which fully kicks into gear with tracking down rogue agent 009. This story will take Bond to other exotic locations in the hunt for the rogue agent and what follows when they do. I loved the places I would go, with each being a visual treat. Slow-paced spy work transitions to fast-paced action, with some great vehicular set pieces thrown in on occasion. It’s also at the end of the first of those set pieces that gunplay gets properly introduced.

Now, I did set the difficulty to its medium setting in first starting 007 First Light. It was with this first gunfight I swapped it down to novice. There is nothing wrong with the gunplay. It feels great, with a focus action to slow things down to properly aim for headshots. The only issue I faced was the lack of bullets. Having to break cover to grab another gun, having a load of enemies shooting at me while doing so, only to find it only has a limited amount forces a careful approach.

Much more fun is the hand-to-hand combat, which is very fluid. Enemies can be grabbed and thrown around, with the same going for me, too. Hit a table, and a person will roll over it. Charge into someone, and they’ll be forced back. Punch an enemy while they’re backed into a wall, and Bond will slam them into it. The takedowns when an enemy is low on health are also satisfying to see play out.

The name of First Light feels appropriate, given that this is an origin story for Bond. But it’s also fitting in other ways. Bond lets people see things in new ways. He brings confidence to those around him. And he is the only one willing to push through on what he considers important, even if told no. His fresh eyes to the secret service uncovers the lie they have all been living.

007 First Light is a great experience in both its gameplay and story. There’s a lot of discoveries to be made when visiting these locations, with many characters encountered with unique personalities. There’s some light humour to be found with some interactions, and quite a few sad moments too. With such a great story, and fun gameplay, 007 First Light is an easy recommendation from me.

Images Taken From:
007 First Light | Xbox Series S