The gaming world held its breath in anticipation. After a decade-long hiatus, James Bond was finally making his return to consoles, and he was in the capable hands of IO Interactive, the acclaimed studio behind the Hitman trilogy. The promise of a new, original 007 story was thrilling, and the dedicated State of Play showcase for 007 First Light was set to be the moment that cemented the game as a must-buy. However, for many viewers, the 30-minute gameplay deep dive had the opposite effect. The presentation, while showcasing a variety of gameplay elements, ultimately raised more questions than it answered and left a large portion of the fanbase feeling underwhelmed. From performance issues to a seeming identity crisis, the showcase did the game no favors.

The Performance Jitters: A Shaky Foundation

One of the most immediate and glaring issues that plagued the State of Play presentation was its subpar technical performance. The gameplay footage, which was likely running on a PlayStation 5, suffered from noticeable frame rate drops, particularly during action-heavy sequences and a fast-paced car chase. Viewers noted that explosions and other dynamic events caused the game to visibly stutter, with some even claiming the framerate dipped into the 15 FPS range. While developers often show early builds that are not fully optimized, this level of choppiness in a major, dedicated showcase for a marquee title is worrying. It suggests that a significant amount of work remains to be done, a red flag for a game slated for release in March 2026. The technical issues created a jarring and unprofessional impression, overshadowing the gameplay itself and raising concerns about the final product’s polish.

An Identity Crisis: More Hitman Than Bond?

IO Interactive’s expertise in the stealth-sandbox genre is undeniable. The Hitman franchise is a masterclass in open-ended, creative assassination. But a large segment of the fanbase felt that 007 First Light leaned too heavily on this formula, to its detriment. The showcased stealth sections, where Bond is seen using disguises and environmental distractions to bypass security, felt like a direct lift from Hitman. While this can be a welcome element, many fans argued that Bond is a different character entirely. He is a charismatic spy with a license to kill, not a bald, stoic clone assassin. The lack of a distinct “Bond feel” in these moments left a hollow impression. Furthermore, the AI appeared to be overly predictable, with some viewers noting that Bond could perform actions that would instantly get him spotted in a Hitman game without any consequences. This created a sense that the stealth was simplistic and lacked the depth that IOI’s previous work is known for.

On-Rails Action and Unconvincing Set Pieces

While the stealth sections were criticized for being too similar to Hitman, the action sequences were criticized for being too generic. The car chase, which should have been a high-octane spectacle, came across as bland and “on-rails.” The vehicle’s movement felt floaty and lacked a sense of weight or speed. Similarly, the gunplay, while featuring some cool environmental interactions, was perceived as a step down from other contemporary action-adventure games. The overall feeling was that the action sequences, which are a cornerstone of the James Bond fantasy, felt more like a series of scripted events rather than dynamic gameplay opportunities. This was a significant disappointment for a game that promised to deliver on the franchise’s cinematic flair.

A Promising Concept, a Flawed Showcase

It’s important to acknowledge the positive aspects of the showcase. The game’s premise—an origin story detailing Bond’s journey to earning his 00 status—is compelling. The voice cast, featuring new talent like Patrick Gibson, sounds promising, and the game’s original narrative is an exciting prospect for fans eager for a fresh take on the character. However, a showcase is a developer’s chance to put their best foot forward, and the 007 First Light presentation fell short. The technical issues, the perceived identity crisis, and the unconvincing action sequences created a narrative of concern that the game may not live up to its immense potential. While there is still time for optimization and polish before its 2026 release, the State of Play did not generate the widespread hype that IO Interactive was likely hoping for. For many, the golden gun of potential was overshadowed by the rusty mechanics on display.