- Primary Subject: 007 First Light
- Key Update: The upcoming linear spy game will feature sandbox-style missions, giving players the freedom to choose how to approach each objective (such as using gadgets, hacking, or bluffing).
- Status: Confirmed / Opinion
- Last Verified: May 20, 2026
- Quick Answer: 007 First Light launches on May 27, combining a linear story with sandbox missions that allow players to choose their own stealth or combat approach.
Am I a James Bond fanatic? No. Do I play a lot of espionage video games? Also no. Am I hyped to jump into 007 First Light? Absolutely.
Typically, games like 007 First Light wouldn't usually interest me. It feels like most spy games are just shooters with a pinch of espionage, and my experience with them is pretty much non-existent.
But the upcoming James Bond game is different, and that's because of the freedom of choice.
Why 007 First Light Is Attracting This Stealth Game Newbie
Anyone who knows me will understand that I love video games where my choices actually impact the game. It's why I love visual novels and RPGs. Heck, it's even why I love Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream - I'm basically the god of every Mii on my island.
So when I heard about 007 First Light, I wasn't too fussed originally. However, as I kept updated on the story trailers and the Rules of Spycraft video, my interest piqued. And that's because in First Light, you aren't just shooting to kill (though you do have a license to kill when necessary!)
While the game has a linear story and just one ending, it doesn't trap you into taking one set choice or route. Instead, each mission is like a sandbox area where the next step is up to you - which is cool, because 007 First Light isn't an open-world game per se, but almost everything in a mission's location can be interacted with.
Do you want to eavesdrop to get info and then bluff in front of the enemy? Do you want to use gadgets from Q-Branch and hack into electronics in the area? Or perhaps you want to sneak up on your enemy and bang their head against the wall?
It's up to you. 007 First Light gives you the freedom to take any step you wish in order to progress. This mechanic takes away the feeling that you're being guided like a baby towards a goal point. You can be as peaceful or as violent as you want - and you can experiment with a mix of both.
The mechanic feels like a beautiful blend of freedom of choice with a linear story. You actually feel like your choices matter, even if the ending will be the same. This was such a good choice by IO Interactive, as it really has you stepping into the shoes of Bond and thinking like a spy.
The ability to make your own choices is also perfect for a stealth newbie like me, as I'm able to pick an approach that suits my style without directly impacting the story. It's how I would envision it if a spy game and a visual novel had a baby.
So when 007 First Light launches on May 27, I absolutely will be joining MI6 and trying to get my Double 0 Status. And I'm going to try to bluff my way through enemy fights and ambushing bad guys, thank you very much.
READ MORE: 007 First Light Story Length Confirmed as IO Interactive Teases Additional Content
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