007 First Light for Windows

James Bond’s action-packed origin story

007 First Light plunges players into the formative years of James Bond, presenting a gripping action-adventure that serves as a modern, standalone origin story. Developed by IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series, this action title trades sandbox assassinations for a structured, narrative-driven spy thriller.

007 First Light blends high-stakes espionage reminiscent of the cinematic feel found in the Uncharted or Tomb Raider franchises. The focus on a grounded, younger Bond separates it from contemporaries like the recent Deus Ex titles. The game promises breathtaking global missions, iconic vehicles, and a quest to earn the coveted Double-0 designation.

The core appeal of 007 First Light lies in witnessing the audacious young naval airman, James Bond, transition into the world’s most famous spy. After a heroic act, he's recruited into the revived Double 0 program. His first high-stakes mission — stopping a rogue agent — ends tragically, forcing him to team up with his reluctant mentor, Greenway, to expose a looming coup at the heart of the State.

The making of a secret agent

The game delivers an authentic cinematic action experience, taking players on missions across breathtaking, diverse locations, from bustling metropolitan centers to exotic remote compounds. The gameplay blends hand-to-hand combat and intense gunfights with the signature use of gadgets essential for any spy. The exhilarating action sequences, involving chases and escapes in iconic Bond vehicles, provide variety and high-octane thrills to the espionage loop as you hunt the rogue agent.

Promising a personalized approach to espionage, the game puts the tactical choice directly into the player's hands. You are free to go silent using stealth and bluffing, or you can go loud with fists or firepower. This flexibility, coupled with the MI6 training program's replayable missions and customizable modifiers, offers endless espionage fun. One notable flaw, though, is the relatively short length of the main campaign.

Mission accepted

007 First Light is a thrilling, well-executed action-adventure that successfully establishes a fresh, reimagined origin for James Bond. The title is faithful to the spy’s legacy and innovative in its choice-driven gameplay, offering a solid foundation for future installments. Despite a relatively brief campaign, the high replayability of the MI6 missions and the cinematic presentation make this a must-play title for both Bond aficionados and fans of the espionage genre.