After The February 2026 State of Play, It's Clear 007: First Light Is Never Escaping the Uncharted Allegations

Why It Matters

As the first major Bond video game in years, its reception will influence franchise licensing strategies and the viability of blending stealth with action‑adventure mechanics across the industry.

Key Takeaways

• Release delayed to May 27 2026.
• Combines Hitman stealth with Uncharted‑style action.
• Younger Bond portrayed by Patrick Gibson.
• Villain Bawma voiced by Lenny Kravitz.
• Set pieces echo Uncharted 3 plane sequence.

Pulse Analysis

The James Bond franchise has long relied on film and literature to sustain its cultural relevance, but interactive experiences have lagged behind. IO Interactive’s entry marks a strategic move to revive the brand in the gaming sector, leveraging its proven Hitman expertise while targeting a broader audience that craves cinematic action. By aligning the launch with a May 2026 window, the publisher positions the title ahead of the summer blockbuster season, hoping to capture both Bond enthusiasts and core gamers seeking fresh third‑person adventures.

A central narrative in the marketing push is the game’s visual homage to Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series. While the cargo‑plane sequence and jungle set pieces promise high‑octane thrills, they also raise the specter of genre fatigue; players may perceive the title as a derivative experience rather than a novel Bond iteration. The hybrid design—melding precise, methodical stealth with fluid, cover‑based shooting—could, however, set a new benchmark if executed with the polish expected of IO Interactive’s previous releases. Balancing these influences will be crucial for critical reception and long‑term franchise health.

Casting choices further differentiate First Light. Patrick Gibson’s portrayal of a younger, more reckless Bond offers a narrative counterpoint to Daniel Craig’s seasoned incarnation, while Lenny Kravitz’s vocal performance as the enigmatic villain Bawma adds star power and cultural cachet. Such high‑profile talent signals confidence in the title’s storytelling ambitions and may attract non‑gaming audiences. If the game successfully melds its diverse inspirations into a cohesive experience, it could redefine how legacy IPs are adapted for modern consoles, encouraging other publishers to pursue similarly ambitious cross‑genre projects.

After The February 2026 State of Play, It's Clear 007: First Light is Never Escaping the Uncharted Allegations

By LB Beistad · Published Feb 13, 2026, 1:00 PM EST

Introduction

007 First Light is set to be the first James Bond game in a long time, and Hitman developer and publisher IO Interactive is in charge of bringing the project to life. The studio behind the Hitman series is an ideal developer to adapt a James Bond game. While the game could have easily felt like a reskinned version of Hitman, the trailers already show it setting itself apart from the long‑running stealth franchise. From the trailers, it’s clear there are still plenty of stealth‑focused moments, though 007 First Light also cranks up the action. And when it does, some of the action (and the settings where it occurs) is straight out of an iconic PlayStation series.

A strong blend of stealth and action is compelling, but it’s hard to ignore that the more action‑forward moments look incredibly similar to the Uncharted franchise. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing—Uncharted remains one of the best action‑adventure franchises, and 007 First Light could feel like an unofficial return for the series. It’s important that IO Interactive’s take on James Bond feels unique and not like a different version of Nathan Drake. Sony’s February State of Play revealed another thrilling sneak peek at what to expect from 007 First Light. The game looks as fun as ever, but it also reminded us that the James Bond‑led title will have a hard time shaking the Uncharted comparisons.

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007 First Light Is Going to Be Facing Some Serious Uncharted Comparisons, and That Could Help or Hurt It

Naughty Dog’s best games have boasted fantastic fighting and shooting mechanics. If 007 First Light takes note of Uncharted’s mechanics, that bodes well for how the gameplay is received. Uncharted‑inspired combat is definitely more of a plus than a con, but there’s also the question of 007 First Light’s newness to be considered.

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007 First Light Risks Being a New Game That Doesn’t Feel All That Fresh

The biggest issue with potentially playing too much like Uncharted is that it could keep the game from truly feeling unique. IO Interactive has to achieve a very specific balance. On one hand, it could feel too close to Hitman; on the other, it could feel like another Uncharted clone. Plenty of games similar to Uncharted have managed to carve out their own identities, but that’s easier said than done.

007 First Light was originally slated for a March release, but it has officially been pushed back to May 27, 2026.

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Some of 007 First Light’s Eye‑Catching Set Pieces Feel Pulled Straight From Uncharted

Earlier 007 First Light trailers have shown James Bond fighting on a large plane. Anyone who has played Uncharted 3 will immediately be reminded of the “Stowaway” level, where Nathan Drake fights in a cargo plane, gets blown out of the bay, and grabs falling boxes in an unforgettable sequence. It’s iconic, and 007 First Light will have a tough time topping such a heart‑pounding scene.

The plane levels aren’t the only similarities. A moment in the newest trailer takes place on an old ship that also looks pulled straight from Uncharted 3. While Uncharted 3 is a fantastic entry to draw inspiration from, it raises the question of how many more Uncharted 3‑like moments will appear in the game. Uncharted is one of my all‑time favorite franchises, but I hope 007 First Light stands on its own instead of feeling like a repeat of a series many have already played through multiple times. 007 First Light is set to be one of the biggest games of 2026, and such a stacked lineup means it really needs to stand out. Thankfully, there may be one secret weapon that gives the game enough uniqueness.

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007 First Light’s A‑List Villain Casting Is So Crazy It Just Might Work

At the 2025 Game Awards, IO Interactive revealed 007 First Light’s villain: Bawma, voiced by Lenny Kravitz. Knowing who the villain would be was exciting enough, but Kravitz’s cool demeanor mixed with Bawma’s flashy style creates a fantastic contrast with the makings of a great new Bond villain. Bawma remains mysterious, but it’s been confirmed he’s some kind of black‑market dealer. The mix of danger and coolness makes him one of the most exciting parts of 007 First Light right now. He isn’t the only exciting casting, though.

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007 First Light Showcasing a Younger Bond Is the Right Call

Bond’s actor, Patrick Gibson, is a strong choice to bring a younger, more reckless version of the character to life. Many gamers are familiar with Daniel Craig’s steely stoicism, but Gibson could highlight a different side of James Bond. Between Bawma as the villain and the fresh take on Bond, this could be the special combination that keeps 007 First Light from feeling too much like an Uncharted game. James Bond and Nathan Drake have very different personalities, and the promise of the former growing as a character and becoming more hardened as the story continues is compelling.

Other major actors confirmed for the cast include Lennie James and Gemma Chan.

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Conclusion

It’s hard for almost any third‑person action‑adventure game to avoid Uncharted comparisons now, but 007 First Light definitely wears its inspiration on its sleeve when it comes to set pieces. The main differences will come down to the story and gameplay. The game’s cast and blend of stealth and action have the potential to be a perfect recipe for creating a special James Bond title. Only time will tell, but 007 First Light’s Uncharted‑inspired settings and Hitman‑like stealth may be the perfect building blocks to actually create a game that feels one‑of‑a‑kind.