We first saw the first light of the 007 in the new play showcase dedicated to the UK’s most iconic spies.
The showcase competed in a smaller, more guided 10-minute view of how gameplay elements and options play into the overall approach through a 20-minute mission filled with spy, stealth and bucket action.
Elegant events
It can be assumed that the first segment of the showcase follows James Bond in his first mission as recruit, and will only take place relatively early in the game.
Bond is tasked with escorting his group of bosses to an event attended by 009, who now appears to have become a fraudulent agent. What begins as a daily mission is to see bonds throwing their bags down on the edge of the property as they get a glimpse of the unwavering bellboy. Bond continues, and we see that he appreciates the landscape and options:
Bond is not specifically invited to this event, so the main door is off limits as a press pass is required for the unit to enter. Bond can investigate the optional landscape, and the game tells you how things actually go, and whether you’re being watched. Certainly you can jump on that shelf, but not in a public place.
Bond distracts some guards as they sneak away more lighters and burns a small wheelbarrow of leaves. Drawing onlookers, Bond lets the ducks beside the property, shrink the walls and enter the windows on the second floor.
Next, head to the main ballroom as Bond catches a suspicious target. Here, it is clear that bonds can interact with certain people of interest and get Intel at the optional dialogue prompt. Thanks to the handy Q technology, he can also hack phones and throw small smoke bombs to deflect others in the area.
Tailing the target will cut the game’s snap into a car chase. Along with Ross, a mysterious French Secret Service agent, you whip in a vangela of Mustard Yellow Aston Martin V8 in an incredibly cinematic close call.
Bond quickly finds an abandoned car, which leads to the runway. Bond then falls into the eyes of some soldiers and he tries to spread the situation. The screen will flash with the Kill License banner.
Below is an action-packed shootout that runs through this runway. On this runway, you must shoot explosive barrels with enemies, throwing weapons from the sky.
The firefight is soon on the plane and Bond runs, and when he sees it barely making it on his wings, it descends to the chaos. After going inside, you’ll even get the opportunity to hack into plane controls to help with turbulence as enemies are exposed to floods.
Before you get the bearings, the bond is sucked out from behind the plane upon free fall. Cut to black. It’s a real thrill and I can’t wait to see how these remaining missions stack up.
Deeper diving
This second segment feels like a more intensive and detailed approach that breaks down more gadgets, approaches and stealth gameplay.
But it’s nice to know that like a hitman game, there is an element of player choice and freedom. For example, players can weigh the odds, but if they wish, they’ll squeal and loudly.
Catching an enemy camera doesn’t even make you fail on your mission. The guards simply ask you questions and even approach you.
Overall, the 007 First Light looks great and I can’t wait to see more. An additional bonus was the game’s release date, which is March 27, 2026. We have included the complete showcase below.
I also got a small gameplay trailer after the event, but pre-orders are now available. In addition to the standard version, fans will be able to get the Fancy Specialist Edition with 24-hour early access, additional merchandise, and legacy editions that come with Golden Gun figurines.
007 First Light is falling, so stay tuned for more news.
