The ‘007 First Light’ Metacritic Review Score Is In

InnovationGamingThe ‘007 First Light’ Metacritic Review Score Is InByPaul Tassi,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. News and opinion about video games, television, movies and the internet.Follow AuthorMay 26, 2026, 08:53am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.007 First LightIO InteractiveThere 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 – 91Pokemon Pokopia – 89Resident Evil Requiem – 89Mewgenics – 88007 First Light – 88SAROS – 87Nioh 3 – 86Mixtape – 86Pragmata – 85So, 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.007 First LightIO InteractiveWhat 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 own...