007 First Light praised as best Bond game since GoldenEye

Early reviews for IO Interactive’s 007 First Light are largely positive. The game holds an 88 on Metacritic. Several reviewers awarded top scores and multiple critiques described it as the best James Bond game since GoldenEye. IO Interactive has confirmed a Switch 2 release window for this summer; current reviews cover versions on other platforms where critics had access.

Reviews highlight how the game adapts cinematic Bond elements into gameplay. Critics noted a blend of sandbox mission design with stealth and action mechanics developed by the studio on previous titles. The campaign runs around 14 hours and moves across multiple international locations. Reviewers pointed to varied set pieces, mission variety and the use of classic Bond musical cues as prominent features.

Some reviewers singled out specific sequences, mentioning exploration of a Q lab, conversational escape scenarios and a high-altitude sequence without a parachute as standout moments. One reviewer called the game “the best James Bond game ever,” while another described it as “a James Bond film that you can play.” Several reviews noted that review codes arrived late, so some publications published initial impressions and others published final scored reviews.

Not all coverage was uniformly positive. A portion of reviews scored the game below the top marks, with examples at 8/10 and 7/10. Those reviews described a content-rich and polished core experience but pointed to visible flaws. Reported issues include technical bugs, inconsistent driving mechanics and concerns about price. Some critics said they will update their assessments after completing the full story and testing replay modes that add new challenges.

IO Interactive is known for its sandbox and stealth work on the Hitman series. First Light centers on a younger, canonical James Bond and applies the studio’s design approach to franchise characters and narrative sequences. Reviewers consistently cited mission design, narrative moments and music choices as defining aspects, and they noted that technical polish and post-launch updates will affect how the game is received over time.