007 First Light review (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2): Bond stealth, action, and which version to buy

007 First Light is a James Bond game built around a simple promise: you’re not just playing a shooter, you’re playing a spy. That means sneaking when it suits you, using gadgets when it saves your skin, and only reaching for the loud option when you’ve run out of quiet ones. IO Interactive, the developer behind the modern Hitman series, is crafting an original narrative that serves as an origin story for a young James Bond, the legendary spy.

Find 007 First Light Games

This review guide is for Bond fans who want the right tone with authenticity from Eon Productions, and for stealth action players who care about controls, mission design, and how fair the game feels when things go wrong. It covers the story feel (spoiler-free), gameplay flow, visuals and sound, performance expectations across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, plus buying value online.

Platform experiences can differ a lot by hardware, settings, and patches, so treat the platform sections as a practical checklist for what to look for on your own setup.

What 007 First Light feels like to play, stealth, action, and smart choices

At its best, this single-player action-adventure and espionage adventure feels like juggling three plates at once, sneaking, action, and decision-making. A typical mission loop is easy to grasp: scout a space, tag threats (or learn them the hard way), choose a route, then move between cover, distractions, gadgets, and quick bursts of violence when you need a clean exit.

Pacing matters in a Bond game. You want moments of quiet tension, followed by sudden noise, then a calm reset. First Light’s missions are at their strongest when they let you slow down and plan, rather than pushing you into a fixed solution. Light puzzle-solving fits nicely here too, such as using the environment, timing patrols, or finding a safe way past a camera cone.

If you’re new to sneaking games, difficulty options and assist settings make a big difference. The useful ones to look for are basic but important: adjustable aim assist, clear subtitle size options, readable UI on a TV from the sofa, and difficulty modes that change enemy awareness rather than just making you weaker. When those tools are present and well-tuned, the game feels welcoming without feeling watered down.

Stealth and gadgets, where the game shines and where it can get fiddly

The clandestine approach is usually built on tiny rules. Can guards hear footsteps? How quickly do alarms escalate? Do cameras behave in a way you can learn? First Light is most satisfying when it’s consistent, so your mistakes feel like your fault, not the game’s, with gameplay flow and AI powered by the Glacier Engine.

The best kits for sneaking give you a few reliable moves:

Distractions that pull a guard off a route without feeling random.
Takedowns that are quick and readable, not awkward animations that get you spotted.
Camera and alarm play, where you can disable, avoid, or bait them.

Gadgets are the real flavour here. A good gadget isn’t just a key for a locked door, it’s a new way to think. A tool that creates a diversion, opens an alternate path, or helps you gather intel changes how you approach the space. That’s when you start feeling like Bond, because you’re solving problems with nerve and cunning, not just bullets.

Sneaking can get fiddly if the game expects perfect timing but doesn’t give you clear feedback. Watch for AI that swings between blind and all-seeing. Also check how the game treats failure: generous checkpoints and quick restarts keep experimentation fun, while long reloads make you play safe and bland.

Gunplay, hand-to-hand combat, and set pieces that bring the Bond fantasy

When the clandestine approach breaks and it’s time to fall back on your licence to kill, the action needs to hold up. Bond action should feel sharp and controlled, like snapping from a whisper to a shout. The best gunplay feels responsive from the third-person perspective, with clean recoil, clear hit feedback, and enemies that react in ways you can read. If shooting feels floaty, you end up fighting the controls instead of the room.

Hand-to-hand combat is where a Bond game can either sing or stumble. In close quarters, you want simple choices that still feel stylish: a quick stun, a shove into cover, a takedown that buys time. If melee is too animation-heavy, it can feel like you’re watching the fight rather than steering it.

Set pieces are the Bond icing. Chases, escapes, and big explosions should feel cinematic without turning into a long cutscene you can fail. The sweet spot is when the game gives you a clear goal (reach the car, lose the tail, get out alive) but still lets you improvise. If these moments are too scripted, they look flashy once, then lose their spark on replay.

Story and presentation, does it capture classic Bond without trying too hard

Bond stories work when they are confident and clean, true to Ian Fleming’s vision and supported by production partners like Amazon MGM Studios. You do not need endless lore, you need the momentum of the Double 0 program: a mission that goes sideways, a clue that points abroad, and a villain problem that keeps tightening like a knot. 007 First Light is at its most “Bond” when it balances spy craft with glamour and tension, rather than trying to be grim for the sake of it.

Tone matters as much as plot. A good James Bond game can switch from a quiet infiltration to a sharp one-liner without feeling silly. It also needs to respect the player’s time. Clear objective prompts, strong MI6 mission briefings, and good signposting help new players stay in the flow, especially when levels get complex.

Presentation is the glue. Voice acting can carry a scene even when the animation is simple. Music can lift an ordinary corridor into something that feels like danger. Sound design is also gameplay, not decoration, because you are listening for footsteps, alarms, and the soft click that means you have been made.

Mission variety and locations that keep you moving

A Bond adventure should travel well. Mission variety is what stops the game feeling like the same hallway in a different suit. The most satisfying mixes usually include infiltration, tailing, quick escapes, gadget-based problem solving, and lighter investigation sections where you slow down and read the room.

Level design is the make-or-break factor. Strong levels reward curiosity with alternate routes, side rooms, and optional approaches that change the tone of the mission. Even small choices help, such as deciding between a rooftop entry with fewer guards, or a ground-level route with more cover and more risk.

Replay value tends to come from optional objectives and scoring systems that nudge you to do it “the Bond way”. Think silent completions, clean exits, or extra intel to find. Collectibles can work too, as long as they are tied to world-building rather than busywork.

Visual style, cutscenes, and audio that sells the spy vibe

In this cinematic adventure, a spy game lives or dies by mood. Lighting does a lot of heavy lifting, especially in stealth. When shadows are readable and enemy sightlines are clear, stealth feels fair. When everything is murky, stealth turns into guesswork.

Cutscenes should blend with play, not interrupt it. The best ones hand you control right after a key line or reveal, so the story feels connected to what you do. Facial animation and body language matter for Bond, because so much of the character is confidence and restraint.

Audio is where the spy vibe really lands. A tight soundtrack can build pressure without becoming noise, while good audio cues can teach you stealth rules naturally (a rising alarm tone, a guard’s callout, the hum of a camera). If you find yourself turning the music down to hear the world, the mix might be fighting you.

PS5 vs Switch 2 vs PC, performance, controls, and what to expect

Choosing a platform for 007 First Light is less about loyalty and more about what you value: sofa comfort, portable play, or settings control. Even when a game is well-optimised, each version tends to come with its own strengths and trade-offs.

Here’s a practical way to think about it:

PlatformBest forWhat to check before buyingTypical trade-offsPlayStation 5Plug-in-and-play comfort on a TVPerformance mode options, haptics support, install sizeLess settings control than PCXbox Series X|SPowerful home console gaming with Quick ResumeFrame rate stability, controller features, load timesFewer tweaks than PC, not portableNintendo Switch 2Portable missions and handheld convenienceHandheld readability, docked sharpness, frame rate in busy scenesLower image detail in heavy actionPCTweaking visuals and frame rateStutter reports, graphics options, controller supportSetup time, driver updates

For UK buyers, the “right” version often comes down to your screen and your habits. If you mostly play on a 4K telly in the lounge, stability and load times will matter more than ultra settings. If you play on the train, readability and battery life are the real test.

PS5 experience, smooth action, fast loading, and controller features

On PlayStation 5, players tend to care about three things: consistent performance, quick restarts, and controller feel. For a stealth action game, fast loading is more than a luxury. It makes retries painless, which makes you more willing to experiment with routes and gadgets.

If the game supports controller features, they should add clarity, not noise. Subtle rumble for nearby danger, or trigger resistance for certain weapons, can help the action feel grounded, akin to the mechanical polish in the Hitman series across consoles. If it’s overdone, it becomes distracting in long sessions.

PlayStation 5 also suits “sofa stealth”, where you’re sat back, scanning a scene on a big screen. That makes UI scale and subtitle size worth checking, because small text on a TV can ruin story scenes and briefings.

Switch 2 experience, portable Bond with trade-offs to watch for

Nintendo Switch 2 is the “Bond anywhere” option, which is a strong pitch for a mission-based game. Handheld play can also make stealth more personal, like reading a thriller on a night train.

The key thing to watch is readability. Stealth relies on seeing small cues, such as camera angles, tripwires, and UI prompts. On a smaller screen, those details need crisp contrast and sensible text scaling. Docked mode can help, but it can also reveal image softness in busy scenes if the version is tuned for portable power limits.

Battery drain is another practical concern. Long action set pieces and brighter screens can chew through charge, so portable players should expect to plan around shorter sessions unless they’re near a plug.

PC experience, best image quality if your specs are right

PC is usually the best place for image quality and frame rate, provided your machine meets the system requirements and the game behaves. The biggest win is flexibility: resolution options, upscaling choices, frame rate caps, and fine control over shadows and reflections, which can matter in a stealth-heavy game.

Controls are also your choice. Keyboard and mouse can feel great for aiming, while a controller suits driving and close combat. A good PC version supports both cleanly, with easy button prompts and full rebinding.

Common PC concerns are predictable: stutter during new areas, shader compilation hitches, and the occasional patch that needs a driver update to behave. If you want smooth play with fewer headaches, aim for a balanced mid-to-high spec system and don’t run everything maxed just because the slider exists.

Is 007 First Light worth buying online, and how to pick the right edition

Buying it online can save money and hassle, but it also makes it easier to buy the wrong thing in a rush. The upside is choice. You can compare editions, check what’s included, and time your purchase around discounts without leaving home.

Digital copies are convenient, with instant access and no delivery wait. The trade-off is storage space and refund rules that can vary by platform. Physical copies can be easier to share or resell, and they don’t rely on a download to prove you own them, but you still might need a big update on day one.

Value also depends on how you play. If you finish story games once and move on, you might want to wait for a price drop. If you replay stealth missions chasing better runs, true to Hakan Abrak’s vision for the project at the studio, buying earlier can make sense because you’ll get more hours out of it.

How to buy online safely and get better value

Use a quick, calm checklist before paying:

Total cost: Compare the full price, including delivery where relevant, and watch for extra fees.
Platform and region: Make sure the copy matches your console account region and your device.
What’s included: Check base game vs Deluxe Edition extras, including rogue agent story paths, and whether bonuses are cosmetic or actual content like iconic vehicles.
Storage and updates: Plan for install size plus patches, especially on consoles with limited free space.
Return policy: Read the rules before purchase, because they differ between digital and physical sales.
Price timing: If you’re unsure, use wishlists or price alerts and wait. Bond games don’t get worse after the release date, but your wallet might feel better.

Quick checklist before you hit buy (PS5, Switch 2, PC)

Your preferred control method (controller, keyboard and mouse, or both)
Where you’ll play most (TV, monitor, handheld)
Free storage space for the game plus updates
Your internet situation for patches and downloads
Accessibility needs (subtitle size, colour options, difficulty assists)
What you value more, sharp visuals, smooth frame rate, or portability
Whether you’re happy waiting for discounts or want to play right away

Conclusion

007 First Light hits its best moments when it lets you think like a spy for MI6, then punishes sloppy choices with sudden heat. The strongest draws are the Bond tone, stealth options, and those big cinematic beats when everything goes loud. IO Interactive has crafted a compelling origin story for young James Bond, though the main drawbacks to watch for are platform-specific performance differences and any fiddly stealth AI that feels inconsistent.

If you’re stealth-first, prioritise the version with the smoothest frame rate and quickest reloads. If you’re action-first, pick the platform with the best controls for shooting and driving. James Bond fans who want the full vibe should focus on audio and presentation, while portable players should weigh readability and battery life. Check current prices and platform differences before buying, and you’ll land on the version that fits your play style.

Shop 007 First Light Games