007: First Light launch in 4 days
The hype is peaking hard with the May 27 release (early access May 26 for Deluxe/pre-orders) and a fresh launch trailer that dropped May 21.
Hands-on previews from April–early May remain the main Community buzz is strong on gameplay, with some recent leaks adding drama around physical copies and day-one content.
Latest Hands-On Previews & Impressions
Previews (3+ hours across multiple missions) are mostly very positive on the core loop, calling it polished, slick, and a strong hybrid. Common praise:
- Gameplay hybrid that feels like Hitman meets Uncharted (open-ended stealth/choice zones + cinematic linear action set pieces). Fluid transitions between stealth, brutal environmental melee (Arkham-style takedowns with objects), gadgets, and “License to Kill” gunplay.
- Excellent gadget and improvisation systems — Q Watch laser (blind enemies, cut ropes, hack), Q Lens (see through walls), poison darts, social bluffing/eavesdropping/flirting to recover from mistakes, environmental interactions.
- High production values, smooth performance in previews, replayability via multiple approaches, and strong cinematic presentation.
Key examples from previews:
- Iceland (opening/origin mission): Helicopter crash survival, infiltration of a facility, stealth + action escape. Often compared to MGSV: Ground Zeroes vibes.
- Malta (training): Ruined castle infiltration testing stealth, gadgets, and combat.
- London/Kensington gala: Social manipulation (pose as journalist), party infiltration, boss encounter using wits/environment, then a wild chase (garbage truck/mall smash).
PlayStation Blog hands-on was enthusiastic: It highlights how the game captures Bond’s “charm, improvisation, and freedom” alongside stealth/action — chaining gadgets, disguises, flirting to de-escalate, and thinking on your feet. Tone is cinematic and fun, positioning it as a “smooth and savvy spy” experience.
Polygon was a bit more nuanced/critical: “Extremely slick and handsome” AAA production, mechanics “work” very well as a stealth-action game, but questions whether it fully captures the iconic Bond character. They felt the young Bond came across as “too young, too eager, and far too chatty” — lacking classic cool/sang froid and feeling more like a modern AAA protagonist. Still called it a “fine stealth action game.”
Other round-ups note a mix: Strong excitement for systems and variety; some debate on how “Bond-like” it ultimately feels vs. just being a great spy-action game. Many outlets and YouTubers are still hyping it as a potential 2026 Game of the Year contender or “best Bond game ever.”
Launch trailer (recent) reinforces the globetrotting origin story vibe with stealth-action footage and the tagline “#EarnTheNumber.”
Leaks & Early Copies (Very Recent – May 22–23)
Physical copies are already circulating (normal for big AAA titles pre-launch). Key discoveries from players with early access (offline, pre–Day One patch):
- PS5 disc leak: Only the first mission (Iceland/prologue) is on the physical disc. The rest of the game requires a large Day One patch/download. Without it (or internet), the game ends after the opening mission. This has sparked discussion and some pre-order concerns/cancellations from physical buyers.
- Early players confirm you can boot and play the opening offline right now in some cases, but progression is limited until the patch.
- Spoiler warnings are circulating on X, Reddit, and elsewhere: Copies are out, and story/details are starting to appear online. If you want a completely fresh experience, be careful scrolling feeds in the next few days.
- Other notes from leaks/community: In-game store confirmed; campaign length discussed around ~20 hours in some commentary (unconfirmed); mandatory Day One patch was already known from IO Interactive, but the limited disc content surprised some.
This is typical pre-release behavior for big games — review copies and early physicals leak. No massive story bombs yet, but caution is advised.
Quick Launch Info
- Early Access (Deluxe/pre-order): May 26 — starts ~7 AM PT / 10 AM ET / 3 PM BST (global times vary; check your platform).
- Full Launch: May 27.
- Physical needs the Day One patch for the full game; digital pre-orders get the full experience on early access day.
Overall vibe right now: Gameplay hype is legitimately high from previews — it looks like a polished, choice-driven spy action game with strong systems.
The leaks around the disc have added some noise (especially for physical owners), but they haven’t killed the excitement for most. Many are counting down the days.
