The top James Bond movie alternative is set to launch in three weeks.

Five years ago, James Bond faced a dramatic end, shot, infected with an uncurable tech virus, and obliterated by a hail of intercontinental missiles. They say he was more dead than anyone could be. Since the 2021 release of No Time to Die, Bond has been laid to rest (and no, Prime Video’s The Night Manager doesn’t count, even if Tom Hiddleston’s Jonathan Pine has a certain Bond-like flair).

With Amazon now at the helm of the franchise, the search for a new Bond has taken its sweet time, suggesting that 007 will remain dormant for a while. The hunt for a new director, Denis Villeneuve of Blade Runner: 2049 fame, dragged on for years, and writer Steven Knight, known for House of Guinness, only joined the project late last year. It seems Bond’s return to the big screen is still a ways off.

But wait! 007 is making a comeback sooner than anticipated. The new video game, 007 First Light, brings Bond back into action, albeit in a fresh format.

Set to launch on May 27 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version arriving later in the summer, 007 First Light is developed by IO Interactive, the team behind the beloved Hitman series, known for its intricate setups in some of the world’s most picturesque locations. Early previews indicate that IO Interactive has infused the same level of detail and opulence into this Bond adaptation, allowing players to explore a beautifully rendered Maldives that feels almost tangible.

In a recent discussion, IO Interactive’s Martin Emborg shared insights on reimagining Bond for this 2026 title.

However, 007 First Light isn’t just a Hitman clone. A three-hour preview revealed that it also draws inspiration from Uncharted, blending third-person shooting with cinematic action sequences. The game features a linear narrative with open-ended levels, allowing players to sneak through environments and utilize Bond’s charm to navigate branching dialogue options when things go awry. Importantly, players can only engage in combat if enemies draw their weapons first, though it seems easy enough to provoke them into doing just that.

The story, which IO Interactive estimates will take around 20 hours to complete, centers on a young Bond at 26 years old, still finding his footing in the world and grappling with the challenges of adulthood. This youthful portrayal might explain why he doesn’t fully embody the iconic character just yet.

Patrick Gibson, known for Dexter: Original Sin, voices Bond, while Lenny Kravitz takes on the role of one of the game’s villains. Why not?

Players eager to dive into 007 First Light can get a slight head start by preordering the game, which grants access to the deluxe edition featuring additional content.

Preordering the game, set for May 27, allows you to play it a day early on May 26. While most AAA titles typically offer a full three days of early access (as seen with Sarosis), this is the best option for those itching to experience First Light at the crack of dawn.

007 First Light is shaping up to be an exciting stealth action game. The real question remains: does it capture the essence of the legendary character?