While I had originally planned to pick this up on the Switch 2, I simply couldn’t wait and ended up downloading it from the PS5 Store instead. With the Switch 2 version still lacking a release date, buying it on PS5 made perfect sense. These are my first impressions after a few hours with the game.
I opted for the digital version as I couldn’t find a physical copy in the shops on the day I wanted to buy it, which perhaps says something about how popular the game remains. I would have liked the hard copy so I could have sold on. However, as I’ve since heard that PlayStation will stop selling discs, you have to wonder if stock is already more limited.
The opening mission provides an excellent introduction to the controls and gameplay while giving players a taste of what lies ahead. Stealth plays a major role from the outset, and the visuals are immediately impressive, with a cinematic quality that feels very much like a Bond film.
Following a stylish opening sequence complete with classic Bond music and title graphics, it’s clear this is a high-budget production. The presentation is first class, the graphics are exceptional, and the gameplay feels intuitive. Having now experienced it on PS5, I’m glad I didn’t wait for the Switch 2 version.
After a brief introduction featuring M and Moneypenny, the game moves to Malta. This section effectively serves as Bond’s training mission, introducing driving, combat and core gameplay mechanics while showcasing some impressively photorealistic environments and character models. Familiar faces, including actor Lennie James, help bring the story to life.
In terms of gameplay, it feels like a blend of Hitman and Uncharted, which is hardly surprising given that it has been developed by IO Interactive. Progression relies heavily on observation, planning and stealth rather than charging into firefights. Regular use of Bond’s watch to scan the environment is also encouraged.
The opening hours can feel a little drawn out as Bond works through his training, but the game becomes more engaging once it begins to open up. The Nightlife mission in London offers a glimpse of the freedom to come, although I found it a little too guided. Despite being set in a nightclub that functions as a mini-sandbox, objectives are so clearly signposted that it can sometimes feel as though you’re simply following instructions rather than making meaningful choices. Fighting mechanics felt clumsy.
The following mission felt much closer to Hitman’s style. There is more freedom to experiment with some (limited) different approaches, gathering information and working out solutions. The difficulty also increases, and midway through I switched from Standard to Novice to keep the experience enjoyable. While the mission itself was excellent, some of the action sequences still felt a little scripted.
So far, 007 First Light is a very good game, but I’m not convinced it quite lives up to all the hype. Is it the best Bond game in years? Absolutely. Is it better than Hitman? Probably not. I’ll certainly continue playing, but at this stage I don’t find it quite as addictive to keep playing as a game like Uncharted.
Based on my first few hours, I’d recommend it to Bond fans and anyone who enjoys stealth-action games, even if it doesn’t quite reinvent the genre.
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