As players are still tearing apart Doom: The Dark Ages‘ medieval chaos, one of the most recognizable characters is gearing up for a comeback. IO Interactive’s 007 First Light shifts gears to the more refined world of espionage. The third-person action-adventure title, due in 2026, delves into James Bond’s back story.
Unlike the suave 007 from the films, this Bond is a 26-year-old MI6 trainee, brimming with potential but not yet authorized to kill. The game’s original narrative, developed in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, aims to rethink Bond for a newer generation. Expect a story that’s fewer martinis and more learning about the espionage business.
The Story of a Young 007
In 007 First Light, players meet a young James Bond, a Royal Navy airman who’s recruited into MI6’s elite training program after a heroic act. Not yet the tuxedo-clad spy, he’s reckless and still figuring out when to bluff or vanish. The story, standalone and outside of film canon, follows Bond to the point of his 00 status.
A mission to stop a rogue agent from getting out of control spirals into catastrophe, and he is forced to partner with his mentor, Greenway, to uncover a conspiracy. This story, based on Ian Fleming‘s novels, offers a more accessible Bond to the younger generation, says IO Interactive’s Jonathan Lacaille.
Gameplay – Spying Your Way
007 First Light also offers a dynamic gameplay experience. As a third-person adventure, it’s all about player choice, much like IO Interactive’s Hitman series. You can sneak through shadows, pickpocket guards, or burst in with fists on fire. Free-flow combat, which developers have described as brutal, enables Bond to slam enemies into the environment.
Fast-paced car chases and gadget-centric stealth offer variety. However you take your takedowns, whether silent or loud, the game complies. This flexibility, which is based on IO’s sandbox experience, allows missions to feel fresh on replay.
Key Features of 007 First Light
- Release Year: Scheduled to be released in 2026.
- Platforms: Releasing on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.
- Gameplay: Guarantees stealth, open combat, driving sequences, gadget usage, and player-driven mission choices.
- Notable Characters: Features Bond, his mentor Greenway, M, Q, and Moneypenny.
- Engine: Powered by the Glacier Engine for better graphics.
- Story Focus: Centers on an original narrative of a young Bond’s MI6 training and 00 status pursuit.
Iconic Gadgets and Vehicles
Gadgets are a signature of the Bond experience as well. 007 First Light explores the origins of these gadgets, with contributions from Omega, Aston Martin, and Range Rover. Expect prototype variants of iconic gadgets, such as initial watches or customized cars. These elements, in addition to driving sequences, ground the game in the world of Bond.
Art director Rasmus Poulsen discusses the focus on creating “agenty” feelings in players through smart gadget use. This blend of authenticity and creativity improves gameplay.
Familiar Faces, New Bonds in 007 First Light
On top of that, the game brings back familiar characters with a spin. M, Q, and Moneypenny guide Bond through MI6’s bureaucracy, each with a fresh twist. Q, for instance, gives Bond a lecture on style, heralding his future flair.
Greenway, a new mentor, is Bond’s grounding, a counter to his impulsiveness. Players choose how to act out these relationships, which propel the story. Unlike Doom: The Dark Ages’ lone warrior, Bond’s story hinges on bonds, so character interactions are one of the big draws.
Globetrotting Adventures
Additionally, 007 First Light sends players through breathtaking environments. Snowy mountains to beaches bathed in sunlight, every locale tests your approach. These Glacier Engine-powered environments feature high-fidelity graphics.
On PS5 Pro, anticipate 60 FPS and greater clarity through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. The varied environments, which recall the expansive levels of Hitman, provide several avenues for missions. Infiltrating a nightclub or fleeing crocodiles, the world is alive and immersive.
IO Interactive’s Vision
Characteristically, IO Interactive’s lineage comes to the fore. Having made its name with Hitman’s stealth proficiency, the studio considers Bond a natural fit. CEO Hakan Abrak calls it “the ultimate spycraft fantasy,” condensing 25 years of expertise into a cinematic mission, as seen on the 007 Official Site.
The team’s focus on player-driven narrative means Bond is designed to be heroic, not an assassin like Hitman’s Agent 47. The shift, Lacaille says, required new skills, such as gunplay and driving, expanding IO’s repertoire.
Technical and Platform Information about 007 First Light
Meanwhile, 007 First Light leverages contemporary tech for a sophisticated experience. The Glacier Engine promises smooth play across all platforms. While campaign length is uncertain, IO’s history suggests a substantial narrative with replayable missions.
The absence of multiplayer, as confirmed by Lacaille, allows for a focus on single-player depth. This choice aligns with Bond’s lone wolf nature, rather than the split-screen convention of prior titles.
Why Third-Person Matters
Additionally, the third-person perspective enables Bond’s actions. It lets players see his physicality, ranging from bullet dodging to guard seducing. This choice, which Poulsen said was implied, enables narrative weight, showing Bond’s growth visually Inverse.
Compared to first-person Bond games like GoldenEye 007, this angle provides a sense of attachment to the character. It’s a deliberate choice to let Bond’s genesis be close and personal, distancing 007 First Light from its predecessors.
A Bond for All
Ultimately, 007 First Light aims to bridge the gap between old and new fans. Its origin story makes Bond human, and retro nods are a love letter to the series. The game’s 2026 release, although distant, is exciting. Additional details, promised for summer 2025, will likely reveal the gameplay depth.
For now, IO Interactive’s track record and passion suggest a worthy installment in Bond’s gaming legacy. Veteran fan or MI6 rookie, this mission is going to turn the spy action genre on its head.