007 First Light — Launch Trailer Drop + Preview Roundup, 3 Days Out

Launch Trailer — Released May 21

IO Interactive and Amazon MGM Studios dropped the official launch trailer on May 21, three days before today and six days before release. The trailer establishes the Iceland-set opening mission and introduces M (Priyanga Burford) backing a young Bond's instincts in the field — setting up the game's central premise of a 26-year-old recruit earning his 00 status.

At a Glance

Media Preview Roundup — 3-Hour Hands-On Impressions

Outlets received 3-hour preview sessions, and the impressions published this week tell a more complicated story than the early buzz suggested.

The Enthusiastic Side

Video Games Chronicle — "GOTY Contender — Maybe the Best Bond Yet"

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"The structure resembles the best Hitman missions — dense, multi-layered sandboxes where each objective is solvable multiple ways, combined with Uncharted-style directed action sequences. Based on what I played, this sits comfortably among 2026's best."

Tom's Guide — "Could Be the Best Bond Since GoldenEye"

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"The story, characters, performance capture, and sandbox elements are where it genuinely shines. It's going to stand out among 2026's blockbuster slate."

GameSpot — "Could Be 2026's GOTY and the Best Bond Game Ever"

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"IO Interactive's decade of Hitman design philosophy translates to the Bond universe in ways that feel inevitable rather than forced."

The More Cautious Side

PC Gamer — "IO's Weaknesses On Display in Ways Not Seen Since Hitman: Absolution"

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"On standard difficulty, enemy AI is unintelligent and stealth options feel restricted. The moment-to-moment tension that made Hitman great is inconsistently present. I'm hoping the full game addresses these concerns."

Kotaku — "Fun Bond Game That Plays It Safe"

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"A ton of fun, but IO is clearly playing it conservative. The risk-averse approach isn't necessarily wrong — but it keeps the game from reaching the genre-defining heights some expected."

What We Know About the Game

Hitman-Meets-Uncharted Structure: Large sandbox mission zones where approach is player-determined, alternating with tightly directed cinematic action sequences. The balance between the two will define the experience.

Story Length — 20 Hours: Confirmed by multiple outlets. Appropriate for the scope of game being delivered, though opinion on whether that's enough will vary by player.

Patrick Gibson's Bond: A 26-year-old Bond who is eager, occasionally reckless, and notably chatty — deliberately different from the composed franchise icon most audiences know. A few reviewers found this characterization didn't read as "Bond." Others found it refreshing.

Amazon MGM Studios Partnership: Positioned as official Bond canon, not just a licensed product. Original score, full performance capture, and the IP holder's active involvement in the production.

Pre-Order Bonus — Free Deluxe Edition Upgrade

Pre-ordering 007 First Light currently upgrades you to the Deluxe Edition at no extra cost:

• ▶24-hour Early Access starting May 26
• ▶Exclusive in-game skins and outfits

Three Days Out — Should You Pre-Order?

The preview consensus is more nuanced than the early hype suggested. IO Interactive's sandbox design strengths are clearly present, and the story and character work draws consistent praise. But concerns about AI quality and conservative design choices have appeared in enough outlets to flag.

If you're a Hitman fan and Bond fan: The fundamentals are sound and the risk of disappointment is low. The Deluxe Edition pre-order bonus (24hr early access) is a genuine incentive if you know you're buying day one.

If you're on the fence: Wait for May 27 reviews. Three hours of preview is enough to reveal a game's character but not its full quality — the concerns raised may be addressed in areas that weren't shown.

GamePeak review will publish at or shortly after launch on May 27.

Buy 007 First Light on Steam →