In a 30-minute preview of the latest Bond game, I find myself more thrilled about the gunplay than the covert operations.
In the world of gaming, excitement is brewing as the Danish studio IO Interactive gears up for the release of their new James Bond game, titled "007 First Light". Scheduled for release on March 27, 2026, this highly anticipated title promises to deliver an action-packed experience that will leave players on the edge of their seats.
Written by Tyler Wilde, a seasoned gaming journalist who joined PC Gamer in 2011 and is currently focusing on the site's news coverage, the anticipation for this game has been fueled by Wilde's insightful article. With a background in playing classics like Zork, Myst, SimCity, and Command & Conquer, Wilde brings a unique perspective to the table.
The game offers a thrilling blend of third-person shooting, stealth, and hand-to-hand combat. Bond, the protagonist, is equipped with a variety of tools to navigate the game world. He can negotiate with guards, climb walls, light fires, turn on hoses, jump into flower beds, and even chuck guns at enemies when out of ammo.
One of the game's standout features is the Bond-vision mechanic, which slows down time during gunfights, providing players with a strategic advantage. The game also boasts a nice action movie special effect of white dust where bullets impact bodies, adding to the realistic feel.
The game offers a linear story with freedom in the details of how missions are accomplished. This freedom allows players to opt for loud, action-packed gameplay, as opposed to a non-lethal approach. Bond's hand-to-hand combat resembles that of Sifu, with the ability to throw enemies into bookcases and use improvised weapons.
The game demo showcases Bond infiltrating a hotel using non-violent distraction and deception. A highlight of the demo is a scene where Bond knocks out a goon and catches his flung sidearm without missing a beat. The game also features a mechanic where Bond can remotely hijack a plane and use it to squish enemies with unsecured cargo crates.
While the game does not seem to leave nearby enemies standing after explosions, it allows players to choose their approach, making each playthrough unique. Tyler Wilde, the creator of the article, did not finish Baldur's Gate 3 with any of the characters he made, but it seems he has found a new game to immerse himself in.
With its over-the-top pyrotechnics, engaging gameplay, and a story that promises to keep players guessing, 007 First Light is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the James Bond franchise and action-adventure games alike. Keep an eye out for more updates as we approach its release in 2026.
In addition to 007 First Light, Wilde's article mentions several upcoming games and categories of games, including 2025 games, best PC games, free PC games, best FPS games, best RPGs, and best co-op games. Whether you're a fan of first-person shooters, role-playing games, or cooperative gaming, there's something for everyone in the world of gaming.
