IO Interactive’s eagerly anticipated Hitman-with-hair title, 007 First Light, officially launches today. While a review is still in the works, it’s worth noting that PC Gamer’s own Joshua Wolens is diligently crafting his analysis after receiving a review key just hours ago.
007 First Light is one of the greatest James Bond games ever made
ShackNews has awarded the game a commendable score of 90/100. Reviewer Donovan Erskine describes 007 First Light as “a major departure for developer IO Interactive,” marking their first non-Hitman title since 2010. While the term “major” may be up for debate, Erskine ultimately concludes that the game stands as “a crowning achievement for IO Interactive and the culmination of the studio’s growth over the years.” He adds that it injects “an invigorating shot of life” into the James Bond franchise.
IO Interactive’s Hitman formula fits Bond like a glove
WccfTech rates the game 8.5/10, with reviewer Alessio Palumbo praising it as “a finely crafted third-person action/adventure game” that boasts “a wholly original story worthy of the best James Bond movies.” This is particularly notable given the scarcity of memorable James Bond video games, with the iconic 1997 Nintendo 64 release, GoldenEye, being the standout title.
Bond’s greatest game to date, this is a well-oiled spy thriller machine
PCGamesN’s Paul Kelly offers an 8/10 rating, noting that while 007 First Light may not embody the same free-form creativity as IO’s Hitman series, it still delivers a compelling narrative centered around a well-defined character.
A narrative tour-de-force, though one lacking the replayability of Hitman’s fathomless sandboxes
Eurogamer’s Rick Lane gives the game a score of 4/5, pointing out several shortcomings, including “adequate” gunplay and limited replayability. However, he emphasizes that the overall experience transcends its individual flaws, stating, “First Light knows exactly when to be funny, exactly when to be serious, exactly when to deliver the right character beats.” He believes it consistently lives up to the cinematic standards of the Bond films.
007 First Light completely retcons Bond as we know him, to great success
Polygon’s Ford James shares similar sentiments, mentioning bugs and pacing issues but ultimately hailing the game as “incredibly shiny” and possibly the best Bond game to date.
A triumphant James Bond game made by obsessive fans
The Guardian’s Matthew Castle gives 007 First Light a perfect score of 5/5, highlighting its immersive experience that captures the essence of the Bond fantasy. He notes that players can engage in activities beyond action, such as relaxing by a pool in Vietnam, which adds depth to the character.
James Bond returns for a dense, sexy blockbuster
Newsweek’s Nazmul Roosevelt rates the game 10/10, suggesting that IO’s portrayal of a young Bond allows for a flexible character evolution reminiscent of the film series. He argues that video games may now be the ideal medium for exploring Bond’s full range.
IO nails the James Bond fantasy with a globetrotting epic
VGC’s Jordan Middler praises 007 First Light as an action game that combines elements reminiscent of top-tier studios like Naughty Dog, while also incorporating the best aspects of the Hitman series.
The best James Bond game since GoldenEye
Vice’s Brent Koepp echoes this sentiment, noting the game’s polished narrative and world-building, drawing parallels to the Uncharted series.
Not content with being one of the best stealth-action games in years, it also comes with a huge warning to the world
Windows Central’s Jez Corden also rates the game 5/5, calling it “absolutely essential” for fans of cinematic action games. He appreciates the fresh take on the franchise, which pays homage to iconic tropes while introducing a unique IO Interactive perspective.
As the early reactions suggest, 007 First Light is off to a promising start, with user reviews on Steam reflecting a “very positive” rating. Although only pre-order customers currently have access, anticipation is high as the wider audience awaits its release. A comprehensive review from PC Gamer will follow shortly, ensuring that fans won’t miss out on this significant addition to the Bond legacy.
