007: First Light's opening cinematic is here, and it just surpassed Skyfall as my favorite James Bond opening sequence ever

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Hitman developer IO Interactive has always seemed like a natural fit to make a James Bond game, and everything we've seen and heard about its next game, 007: First Light, has been pretty encouraging. However, any remaining doubt in my head has been completely obliterated after watching the game's newly revealed opening cinematic.

Every James Bond fan has their own favorite opening credits sequence. I'm partial to Skyfall's with that Oscar-winning Adele song, but I can certainly respect The Spy Who Loved Me and GoldenEye as extremely valid choices. Stylish, seductive, mysterious, and usually backed by a swelling musical arrangement performed by a famous singer, 007 opening credits are trademarks of the franchise, and IO Interactive knocked it out of the park with the opening cutscene to 007: First Light. In fact, I'll even say it's my new favorite of the entire franchise.

OK, shutting up now, watch:

Article continues below 007 First Light Title Sequence – Lana Del Rey - YouTube Watch On

It's just so damn cool, man. Everything about it feels cinematic, large-scale, sultry, and, well, I'm running out of words to describe James Bond opening scenes. But that song from Lana Del Ray, appropriately titled First Light, really brings it all home. It's signature Lana, but it somehow also sounds like the perfect James Bond song, which really isn't an association I've made before. There's just something surprising about the Summertime Sadness person coming out with one of the best James Bond opening title tracks I've ever heard. But I suppose in hindsight, a lot of Lana's music is a tonal fit for sure.

Yeah, I was already hyped for 007: First Light, but this opening scene alone has driven IO's Bond game to the very top of my list of most anticipated 2026 games right up there alongside Marvel's Wolverine, The Blood of Dawnwalker, and yes, GTA 6.

After weeks spent locked into Hitman's frustratingly good Freelancer mode, I realize that there's one vital thing 007 First Light needs to learn from Agent 47

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Jordan GerblickStaff Writer

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.

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