007 First Light Review: IO Interactive’s Reboot Is The Ultimate James Bond Experience

The history of adapting films into the gaming space occupies a space similar to the James Bond franchise itself. Its troughs and peaks tell the story of video game evolution, with the previous chapter putting this property’s licence to thrill in stasis. (Thanks 007 Legends.) Over a decade later, we arrive at the dawn of a new day, thanks to IO Interactive’s 007 First Light.

On paper, the developer of the Hitman video games bringing Ian Fleming’s literary creation to digital life is a pairing that makes sense. But as any good Bond villain will tell you, it’s the execution that truly makes the mark – not the notion. The latest reinvention for this well known character sees James Bond (Patrick Gibson) drafted into the newly rebooted 00-program at MI6.

Reckless heroics during a training mission in Iceland are what enter Bond into the 00 Program this time out; giving him the chance to train as one of His Majesty’s best and brightest spies. Our future 007 and his fellow recruits are put into the field on an urgent mission to prove their worth, while hunting the spy formerly known as 009. That may sound like familiar ground, but First Light finds some inventive ways to create an experience that will blow the minds of both gamers and hard core James Bond fans.

IO Interactive’s Latest Is A Must Play For Action Gamers, And Hardcore 007 Fans

James Bond is a mythic figure in literature and pop culture, which means adapting that character will encourage varying levels of dedication. It’s easy to put any action hero in a tuxedo, give them a martini, and include a smutty double entendre worthy of Roger Moore’s winning smirk. That’s not what 007 First Light does with the Bond licence, although Patrick Gibson does get some wisecracks that make for what Bond fans call “pure Rogertainment.”

High marks go to writer Michael Vogt’s script, which feels like an amalgamation of each era of 007. Gibson gets to slip into each actor’s hallmarks throughout the narrative that drives First Light, while also making the role very much his own. Much as Daniel Craig did in 2006’s Casino Royale, we see our eager young spy develop right before our eyes – with the turn being so consistently subtle throughout. 

Above all else, 007 First Light’s greatest service is to the Bond fans starving for adventure while waiting for Bond 26 to truly get underway.

Of course, that doesn’t mean anything if you can’t pull together a story filled with adrenaline and betrayal, whilst skirting the edge of death for king and country. 007 First Light exceeds all around in that case, as IO Interactive’s entire team (led by directors Hakan Abrak and Martin Emborg) clearly understand the world James Bond in and out. 

You can also see that fandom ringing true through a wide ranging library of Bondian references and line drops throughout this game provides. At least, that applies to the easter eggs players do catch, as they for their digital lives. Yes, some fan favorite quips and heartbreakers make their way into the dialogue – but it never feels like mere fan service when a familiar line crops up. Also, seeing as this adventure pulls from the entire Bond canon (cinematic and literary), the ensuing mash up adds some novelty to the final formula.

While First Light’s Action Set Pieces Are Brilliant, Spycraft Actually Rules The Day

Gameplay wise, 007 First Light pleasantly surprises with its mix of stealth, spycraft, and all out mayhem. Control wise, the title is a quick study, and doesn’t hesitate to prompt you with certain button combos needed to fulfill your objectives. It seems fair that those who currently engage with Hitman-style gameplay will take to young Bond’s exploits like a duck to water. 

For anyone who isn’t, the learning curve isn’t a killer. Refusing to hold the player’s hand, First Light organically pushes those operating the control to move forward – with more than one option available to achieve certain objectives. It’s a breath of fresh air that this version of Bond in the gaming realm doesn’t just to shoot people at will – giving puzzle solving and critical thinking some time to shine. 

Seamlessly transitioning between cutscenes and gameplay, 007 First Light is easily one of the most addictive action games on the market. Theoretically, anyone could play through the entire experience in a single sitting. That’s thanks to the lack of stopping and resetting between missions, with all of the action flowing continuously from pre-titles to credits.

007 First Light Is Basically Bond 26, And Patrick Gibson IS James Bond

These days calling a game “truly immersive” sounds like a cliche; but those two words actually do embody the total 007 First Light experience. Countless games, especially ones that adapt a major IP like James Bond, promise that sort of feeling; but IO Interactive’s teamwork and dedication results in the best Bond game to have ever existed. Which, if we’re being honest, is what any franchise should strive to provide when stepping up with a new entry. 

Moments of adrenaline filled, button mashing action spectacle and slower narrative-centric moments are equally engrossing throughout the finished product. Whether you’re wandering the halls of Q Branch, or one of the many exotic locations James Bond is visiting, the texture and details add up to a gaming experience that encourages enjoyment, while maintaining the momentum of urgency. So grabbing stray collectables while chasing down an assassin isn’t an odd impulse to experience.

Above all else, 007 First Light’s greatest service is to the Bond fans starving for adventure while waiting for Bond 26 to truly get underway. Just like devoted followers of 007 consider EA’s 2004 masterpiece James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing the fifth Pierce Brosnan film, First Light is practically Patrick Gibson’s first picture in the role.  

It’s a result that ensures director Denis Villeneuve and writer Steven Knight have their work cut out for them with delivering the actual Bond 26. Between a timely narrative that balances grounded realism with outrageous James Bond gadgets, and a tonal blend that should satisfy fans across the spectrum. Anyone stuck on how James Bond should return after No Time To Die need only play 007 First Light to find those answers – because as it stands, nobody does it better than IO Interactive.

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