IO Interactive shared the launch trailer for 007 First Light today, less than a week away from the game's full launch on May 27. This title is a standalone and reimagined origin story for James Bond that players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic, and Switch 2 (though, later this summer) will get to experience.
Now, despite the game having a release date of the 27th, you can actually play 24-hours earlier than that. Everyone that pre-orders 007 First Light will get upgraded to the Deluxe Edition of the game for free, which grants 24-hour advanced access to the game. You also get added in-game skins and outfits.
Given that you can literally only pre-purchase one version of the game right now, it effectively means that the official release date is really May 26. Release dates have really lost all meaning.
In 007 First Light, James Bond (portrayed by Patrick Gibson) steps into the world of espionage after catching MI6’s attention, beating the odds in a precarious situation in Iceland. Bond finds an unexpected advocate in M (Priyanga Burford), who sees his ability to stay in control under pressure and backs his judgment in the field. That confidence is tested by John Greenway (Lennie James), a former 00 agent and the program’s hardline training instructor, whose disciplined, by-the-book philosophy clashes with Bond’s instinctive, improvisational style. When the rogue return of 009 becomes the 00-Programme’s first real test, Bond is set on a journey across the world, pursuing leads from the quiet Carpathian Mountains to the dangerous black market of Aleph, and into the lair of the unpredictable Bawma (Lenny Kravitz).
007 First Light puts creativity front and center through IO Interactive’s Creative Approach gameplay, following Bond across exotic but dangerous locations as he enters the world of espionage. Players can tackle objectives through stealth, direct action, or a mix of both, powered by four gameplay systems:
007 First Light puts creativity front and center through IO Interactive’s Creative Approach gameplay, following Bond across exotic but dangerous locations as he enters the world of espionage. Players can tackle objectives through stealth, direct action, or a mix of both, powered by four gameplay systems:
- Spycraft that rewards observation: eavesdropping on key conversations, pickpocketing vital items, and uncovering environmental clues to open new pathways.
- Bond’s Instinct gives players a versatile edge to lure enemies, bluff their way out of suspicion, or sharpen focus for precision in combat.
- Q Branch gadgets expand tactical options for hacking, lock cutting, distractions, elimination, and quiet takedowns.
- When stealth breaks, combat is fast and fluid, blending impactful close-quarters takedowns with ranged gunplay and an escalation that reflects Bond’s measured use of force, up to his Licence to Kill.
If there was a cheaper, non "Deluxe" version that could be pre-purchased that doesn't give you access until the 27th, then sure... release date is the 27th.
On a side note, I can never be one of those zealots that say "never pre-purchase games" because gawd knows I've done it enough times!