There were theories that 007 First Light could slide in as one of the sleeper hits of 2026, and, at least critically, that idea seems to be panning out.

After review copies went out right before this holiday weekend (ugh), review scores for 007 First Light have dropped this morning, coalescing on Metacritic for a score. A good one. A very good one, making it one of the top-rated games of 2026 so far.

007 First Light has nabbed an 88 Metacritic score on both PS5 and PC at the moment. That puts it on par with other big hits this year. Here’s the current rundown of the top scores:

  • Forza Horizon 6 – 91
  • Pokemon Pokopia – 89
  • Resident Evil Requiem – 89
  • Mewgenics – 88
  • 007 First Light – 88
  • SAROS – 87
  • Nioh 3 – 86
  • Mixtape – 86
  • Pragmata – 85

So, tied for third, and we’re almost halfway through the year. Obviously, there are big releases to come, but that’s an excellent debut. First Light is a take on Bond from Hitman’s IO Interactive, a pairing that seemed like it could go well, and it has. It features a young, 26-year-old James Bond, serving as a sort of origin story for the character. Patrick Gibson, who I know from the great (and sadly canceled) Dexter: Original Sin prequel. He was also in the much-loved The OA a decade ago.

What are critics saying? Here’s a sampling:

  • VGC (10/10) – “007 First Light might just be the best James Bond game ever. The way IOI has translated the Bond fantasy into a 14-hour globetrotting epic is masterful. It's a game full of spectacle, humour, action, and romance. Everything James Bond should be. New Bond owners Amazon must ensure this franchise continues.”
  • IGN France (9/10) – “James Bond is back, in his best, most polished, and most immersive form yet—and all without relying on an existing movie, instead rewriting his history and origins. The visual experience is mind-blowing, the game is technically top-notch, and the gameplay is so addictive that you’ll go back for more without a second thought.”
  • Eurogamer (8/10) – “007 First Light is less cerebral and replayable than IO's World of Assassination trilogy, but makes up for it with excellent fistfights and oodles of charm.”

First Light joins the world of James Bond as work is spooling up on the upcoming Amazon James Bond reboot, where the first film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve. It’s easy to wonder that if he landed a role like this, if Gibson could possibly be a contender to play the actual James Bond, where reportedly, they’re looking to cast someone younger.

So, 007 First Light is great. It releases tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27.

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Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy .