007 First Light Shines in PlayStation State of Play

007 First Light brings a young James Bond back to the gaming scene with stealth, gadgets, and cinematic action, all the latest details.

James Bond has officially returned, and developer IO Interactive is putting its signature style all over it. During a special 30-minute State of Play showcase, 007 First Light was unveiled in its most detailed form yet with a gameplay deep dive. Launching March 27^th, 2026, the game offers an ambitious take on the world of espionage, mixing stealth, action, gadgets, and cinematic flair in a way that feels both familiar and refreshing.

As a lifelong Bond fan, I was thrilled with what I saw and can’t wait to go hands-on. Here’s everything that was at the 007 dedicated State of Play.

The Creative Approach in 007 First Light

At the core of First Light lies what IO Interactive calls the “Creative Approach.” Missions are designed to give you flexibility in how you approach certain situations. Whether you want to infiltrate quietly, blaze through enemies with gadgets and gunfire, or improvise your way through a blend of both styles.

This philosophy looks to offer unique gameplay elements and encourages replayability as you can take different approaches to each objective.

To reinforce this, Bond’s skillset is broken into several layers. Spycraft allows you to eavesdrop, steal intel, and exploit subtle environmental details. For example, you can hand out at a bar, eavesdrop on a conversation and use that intel to pose as someone and offer access to restricted areas. The “Instinct” element represents Bond’s quick thinking, letting him manipulate situations, bluff enemies, or line up the perfect shot. Then, of course, there are gadgets, courtesy of Q Branch—tools like hacking devices, lasers, and distractions. They appeared to be integral to your mission rather than gimmicky, which is great, as cool espionage tech has always set James Bond apart from other action characters.

007 First Light Offers Plenty of Combat and Cinematic Action

When things escalate, combat takes center stage. IO Interactive is blending sharp melee mechanics with fluid gunplay, ensuring Bond can seamlessly transition from throwing an enemy over a railing to pulling off a precision headshot. Gadgets also play into combat, creating opportunities to disorient, distract, and disable opponents in stylish ways. The result feels less like an unstoppable killing machine and more like a capable spy improvising in dangerous situations. The showcase also introduced high-octane driving sequences, a must for any Bond experience. Expect chase scenes, quick escapes, and some jaw-dropping set pieces, we got a look at a midair showdown that looks ripped straight out of a blockbuster.

Missions and Setting in 007 First Light

Two missions were highlighted in the demo. One takes Bond to a high-stakes chess tournament in Slovakia, culminating in a dramatic confrontation at altitude. The second sees him infiltrating a glamorous gala in Kensington, London. These scenarios showcase IO’s attention to detail, crafting environments that feel alive and reactive to player choices.

Meet the New Bond

Alongside the gameplay reveal, the cast was confirmed. Patrick Gibson steps into the iconic tux as James Bond, joined by Priyanga Burford as M, Alastair Mackenzie as Q, and Kiera Lester as Miss Moneypenny. Lennie James portrays Bond’s mentor John Greenway, while Noemie Nakai plays the mysterious Miss Roth. This ensemble looks to bring emotional weight and nuance to Bond’s early years as an MI6 recruit, so far what we saw in the State of Play performances for key characters and supporting cast looked great.

Early Impressions of 007 First Light

The footage makes it clear that 007 First Light is shaping up to be a stylish blend of IO Interactive’s sandbox DNA and the spectacle fans expect from Bond. The freedom of choice in missions echoes Hitman, while the cinematic presentation feels closer to Uncharted.

This is exciting for someone like me as these are two of my favourite gaming franchises. Some of the early footage shows rough edges in terms of performance. I noticed slowdown in some chase scenes when there were a lot of explosions and destruction. With that in mind, there are still months to go before launch, and there’s plenty of time for polish.

Can 007 First Light Strike the right balance?

The biggest question will be whether IO can strike the right balance between stealth, action, and narrative without losing the mystique that makes Bond such an enduring character. Early signs point to a strong foundation, one that could redefine spy games for a new generation and bring Bond back to the gaming masses in top form.

Final Thoughts on 007 First Light State of Play

It’s been over a decade since Bond’s last major video game outing, and 007 First Light looks like its shaping up to be something special. By combining creative freedom, cinematic action, and the unmistakable flair of Britain’s most famous spy, IO Interactive may have crafted one of 2026’s most exciting releases.

If the State of Play showcase is any indication, Bond is back in style—and ready to leave his mark on gaming once again. What did you think of Bond’s First Light gameplay debut? Let me know in the comments below!

About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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