Okay real talk: when IOI Interactive first announced they were making a James Bond game, I was kinda nonchalant about it. I’ve never been a huge Hitman fan, for multiple reasons. I can’t just do a stealth sandbox if there’s not a strong story to push me forward. Plus, I’ve never been a fan of the Hitman‘s slickness and found myself leaning more towards a gritty style of stealth, which is why I’ve been so obsessed with my replay of Metal Gear Solid V. But 007 First Light is really starting to look like it’s going to be so much more than that.
007 First Light got featured at Sony’s State of Play presentation this week, with a new trailer to go with it. You can check it out for yourself here.
Right off the bat, it looks like 007 First Light will have a story I can actually get invested in. I haven’t been too hot on the last couple of Bond movies, but I’ve always been a fan of the MI6 agent himself and I’m ready to commit. The trailer gives us hints as to what Bond’s mission will be, and of course, no James Bond trailer would be complete without the iconic “Bond. James Bond.” line. Really, all we’re missing is his martini line.
Anyway, the trailer shows off plenty of gameplay goodness. You’ve got the Hitman-style sneaking, yes, but you’ve also got close quarters combat with gadgets at your disposal, exciting car chases, and epic fights up in the air on top of a plane. When did this become Uncharted? Truth be told, though, the James Bond movies really have always been a bit of a mix of both Uncharted and Hitman at their core, and I’m very happy to see this game embrace that.
The English voice cast for the main characters has also been confirmed, as listed below:
- Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin, The OA) as James Bond
- Priyanga Burford as M
- Alastaire Mackenzie as Q
- Kiera Lester as Moneypenny
- Lennie James (Fear the Walking Dead, Save Me) as John Greenway
- Noemie Nakai as Miss Roth
And here are the gameplay features, per the press release:
- Spycraft ensures that stealth and observation are just as powerful as any weapon in Bond’s arsenal. From eavesdropping on key conversations and pickpocketing vital items, to inspecting the environment for hidden clues and gathering critical information, these mechanics open new pathways and opportunities in every mission.
- Instinct is a signature gameplay feature in 007 First Light, giving players a versatile resource to turn the tide in any situation. Bond can use his instincts to lure enemies into vulnerable positions, bluff his way out of suspicion when discovered, or sharpen his focus for greater precision and power in combat. This mechanic captures Bond’s quick thinking and adaptability, allowing players to respond to changing circumstances with style and control.
- Gadgets from Q Branch are a core part of Bond’s toolkit in 007 First Light, woven directly into moment-to-moment gameplay. From hacking and cutting locks to creating distractions or incapacitating targets, these versatile tools open up new possibilities for stealth, misdirection, and tactical improvisation in any mission. Players will unlock new gadgets as they progress through the missions, which will expand their loadout and strategies to deal with the challenges they will have to face.
- Combat in 007 First Light is designed to be fast, fluid, and true to Bond’s character, blending precision ranged shooting, visceral and impactful melee encounters, and a unique escalation system that reflects his measured use of force. In close quarters, Bond can deliver dynamic takedowns, throws, and parries that feel weighty and cinematic, often using the environment to his advantage. When enemies escalate to lethal force, Bond is granted his License to Kill, unlocking his expert marksmanship with firearms that can be seamlessly integrated into the flow of action. This interplay between ranged and melee combat, which integrates Bond’s gadgets, ensures every confrontation feels personal, responsive, and grounded in the 007 fantasy.
007 First Light is set to be released for PC and consoles on March 27, 2026.
