007 First Light brings young-Bond origin to PS5

IO Interactive released 007 First Light for PlayStation 5. The game presents an origin story for a young James Bond and alternates between scripted, cinematic set pieces and open sandbox levels. The studio applied design lessons from its previous stealth work to the title.

The campaign begins with a helicopter being shot down over Iceland and follows Bond as he moves from Royal Navy air crewman into 00 training at MI6. Early sequences include scenes at MI6 headquarters and a training segment set in Malta. Players encounter established characters M, Q and Moneypenny and meet fellow trainees Cressida and Monroe and instructor John Greenway. Missions take Bond to locations that include London, Slovakia, Mauritania and Vietnam.

Gameplay combines linear action moments with larger levels that allow multiple approaches. Sandbox sections support stealth, social deception through a bluff mechanic, gadget use and direct combat. Melee combat requires parries and sidesteps and offers contextual takedowns. Certain chapters grant a license to kill when enemies are using firearms.

Gunfights in the game are frequently scripted and can feel chaotic when many opponents appear. Reviewers noted that combat scenarios sometimes encourage the heavy use of explosives to clear groups of enemies. Driving sequences received consistent criticism for vehicle handling; players have reported that the game’s corrective assistance can conflict with input, producing a sense of resistance in car control.

Visually, the game delivers strong set pieces but can appear soft around the edges. Disabling some post-processing effects can sharpen the image. On a standard PS5 in Performance mode, the title generally reaches its 60 frames-per-second target, though reviewers reported noticeable dips during intense firefights.

007 First Light includes a TacSim mode with repeatable scenarios focused on stealth, melee or shooting and online scoreboards. The mode launched with a limited number of scenarios; the studio indicated plans to add more content over time.

Reviewers highlighted the writing and character work. Coverage described Bond early in his career as impulsive and inexperienced, with his charm and cunning emerging as the campaign progresses. The interaction among trainees and instructors was noted as a significant element of the story.