Review - 007 First Light

Nikolas Tolgyesi
2 hours ago
5 min read

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfRZRwu4aEc

Developer: IO Interactive

Publisher: IO Interactive

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, PC

Reviewed on: Xbox Series X

When I learned I was going to have the opportunity to review 007: First Light, I may or may not have done a lap around my house. It is not every day you have the honor of reviewing one of the most anticipated games of the entire year. The game emphasizes the stealth or “sneak” tactics, but I assure you, there was nothing slow about this title.

As players start the game, it quickly becomes clear that this is a fast-paced bloodbath right out of the gate. Starting with a plane crash, a routine mission quickly becomes a fight for survival. Making it out alive sees James recruited by a top-secret organization known as MI6. It is here that Bond will hone his skills and really show what a deadly agent can do through rigorous training at the institution’s boot camp. The story will then see players go everywhere from Iceland to Slovakia to the tropical paradise deep inside Vietnam. Following leads and unlocking clues, James will have to piece together the truth to discover who has honorable intentions and who is out for blood and destruction. This critical knowledge will be the difference between world peace and impending chaos.

Polished to Perfection

Very quickly, it becomes clear that IO Interactive spent a lot of time making sure 007 First Light was silky smooth and visually stunning. Each cutscene made me feel like I was at the movie theater. All that was missing was the popcorn. As the cinematics unfolded throughout the story, the attention to detail was not only visible in the environment, but also in the characters, which made me feel like I was right there in the action.

When a game is brand new, there are usually bugs that have to be discovered and subsequently squashed. I was extremely impressed that I did not find a single bug during my playthrough. Launching a game that can deliver an uninterrupted adventure from start to finish is simply incredible. The streamlined experience did not go unnoticed.

Story Time

The storytelling in any game can be the difference between a “must buy" and a "steer clear at all costs." 007 First Light had some of the most well-written storylines and engaging gameplay I have seen recently. Just as you thought things might be settling down or stagnating, you find yourself on the edge of a cliff or shooting at someone from your boat. The changing settings also mean the story can take a chilling or sweltering turn without any warning. Taking you from the frozen tundra to a luxury beachside resort will demand packing not just a parka.

With the stealth aspect, trying to move around unnoticed presents a challenging yet tenacious experience. At several points, you are faced with the task of pick-pocketing to gain critical items. When there are multiple sets of eyes glued to you, reaching for a keycard can quickly become quite exhilarating and nerve-wracking all wrapped up in one.

Keep the Boxing Gloves Handy

The combat was on another level throughout the entire adventure. When I think about fighting in a stealthy game, I certainly did not envision tossing all caution to the wind and throwing down. In 007 First Light, you can choose to sneak around and try to take down enemies silently. However, if you decide to become a one-person army and go for broke, that is perfectly acceptable too. Using your fine-tuned combat skills will give you the tools you need to muscle your way through waves of enemies.

There is so much variety in how you can engage in combat that picking a favorite would be next to impossible. My personal go-to was the devastating knee shots. I found these to be most effective for quickly eliminating multiple foes in the shortest amount of time. When the villains were becoming weak, you could inflict a devastating finisher with the press of a few buttons, leaving no opportunity for them to recover.

Planes, Boats, and Automobiles

If I hadn’t experienced it firsthand, I would not have believed it. 007 First Light not only gives you the ability to drive a boat but also to pilot a dump truck with devastation on your mind as you eliminate anything in your path. At another pivotal point, you are at the wheel of a snazzy sports car, locked into a heart-pumping pursuit. As you fly through the air after hitting a sweet jump, you won’t have time to wonder if this game plays slowly. At a shootout on a secret airstrip, after wreaking havoc on an army of bad guys, you must board a plane. Unable to catch up to it, you will find yourself driving a loading vehicle, racing alongside the jet, where you will then soar through the air as you jump on.

Gizmos are Great for Puzzles

Did I mention you have a watch that can shoot missiles? This same watch can also make people sick, blind them, and even hack equipment. All tucked away discreetly on your wrist. 007 First Light incorporates a gadget I have never seen come loaded with so many features. Making the most of your watch will be another key to success on your journey. There were a few points where I was standing, scratching my head, as I was at a dead end. Using the watch’s built-in scan feature, a clue became visible that I had missed. Not all solutions will be visible to the naked eye.

Controlling my Emotions

I am always very much in tune with controls inside a game. I feel like the button whisperer sometimes since I hyperfocus on controller layouts and button remapping functions. When I started 007 First Light, I was really excited to see how the layout fit me as a one-handed gamer. On top of everything else, I was once again floored. IO Interactive made sure important actions were on the front-facing buttons, as well as ensuring remapping was available in-game. The “run” button was set to the right bumper by default, and I was able to move this with one press to the “A” or “Cross” button depending on your platform. Since I was able to use the remap function right inside the game, all interactive buttons remained unchanged. With a visual reference next to the current action, you can see exactly what is currently assigned; no guessing needed.

No Blood Splatter on This Review

The creators of Hitman have put together an amazing work of art in the form of 007 First Light. With no shortage of adventure, adrenaline, exploration, and combat, this title brought everything to the table. The story delivered a captivating experience, and this game can easily be replayed multiple times. Guns, gadgets, and a keen eye will send you down a road of deceit and deception as you find the answers you need to unravel the mystery. No martinis needed for this MI6 operative.