007 First Light emerges as PS5 Game of the Year contender

007 First Light launched on PlayStation 5 last week. The game was developed by the studio behind recent Hitman titles and presents a more linear, story-led take on James Bond, with missions set across multiple international locations.

The single-player action-adventure mixes scripted set pieces with larger sandbox missions. Gameplay combines cover-based shooting, close-quarters combat, stealth and subterfuge, and levels move between confined indoor encounters and larger outdoor or vehicle sequences.

Early reviews have been positive. Several critics have placed First Light among the highest-rated releases of 2026 so far, and some have identified it as a candidate for year-end awards. One reviewer awarded the game an 8/10.

Stephen, our reviewer, gave the title an 8/10 and wrote: “It really shines in its sandbox missions, but it weaves these together with its more linear moments in a seamless, cinematic way.” He also described the game as “more or less exactly what I was hoping for.”

Commentary on the release noted its production values and broad narrative scope. Some reviewers pointed out similarities with the developer’s previous stealth-focused work and with other action-adventure franchises, while also describing the project as a AAA, story-driven outing. At launch the game is available for single-player play on PS5.