After years of forgettable entries and long silence, James Bond games are finally back in the spotlight. And not just back – 007: First Light is being called the best Bond game in nearly three decades.
007: First Light
Release Date: May 27, 2026
Genres: Adventure, Shooter
IO Interactive, the studio behind Hitman, didn’t just revive the franchise – they may have redefined what a modern Bond game should look like.
TL;DR
- 007: First Light currently holds an 88 Metacritic score
- Best-rated Bond game since GoldenEye 007 (1997)
- First major 007 game in nearly 15 years
- Strong Game of the Year contender for 2026
Table of content
007 First Light Reviews – A Huge Comeback
With over 50+ reviews already live, 007: First Light sits at an impressive 88/100 on Metacritic.
That puts it comfortably ahead of most modern Bond titles – and firmly in “this is actually worth playing” territory.
Why This Bond Game Actually Works
Short answer: It’s made by the Hitman devs – and it shows.
IO Interactive brought their signature design philosophy into the Bond universe:
- Open-ended mission design
- Multiple ways to approach objectives
- Blend of stealth, action, and gadgets
- Strong cinematic storytelling
Instead of a generic shooter, First Light feels like you’re actually playing as a spy – not just a guy with a gun.
15 Years Without Bond – Was It Worth the Wait?
Let’s put it into perspective:
- Last major Bond game: 007 Legends (2012)
- That game… wasn’t great
- Since then: basically nothing meaningful
So yeah – expectations were low.
Which makes this comeback even more impressive. First Light didn’t just meet expectations – it blew past them.
Game of the Year Contender?
With a score like this and strong early reception, 007: First Light is already entering GOTY conversations.
Of course, 2026 still has heavy hitters coming:
- GTA 6
- Marvel’s Wolverine
- Gears of War: E-Day
But even in that lineup, Bond is holding his own.
A New Bond Gaming Franchise?
Worth watching: If First Light performs well commercially, this could be the start of a brand-new Bond game series.
And honestly? It makes sense.
IO Interactive has already proven they can build long-term franchises – just look at Hitman. Applying that formula to Bond could mean:
- Sequels with evolving gameplay systems
- Expanded espionage mechanics
- A consistent modern identity for the franchise
Final Thoughts
After decades of hit-or-miss attempts, James Bond finally has a game worthy of the name again.
It may not dethrone GoldenEye, but it doesn’t need to. What matters is that:
007: First Light proves Bond still belongs in gaming – and maybe more than ever.