Originally developed by Rare for the N64 console in 2000, Perfect Dark quickly became a beloved title. Now, more than two decades later, Microsoft and developer The Initiative are bringing back this classic in the form of a reboot with a fresh new look and updated visuals.
After its gameplay reveal at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase, the Perfect Dark reboot has been a topic of much excitement and speculation among gamers. Fans of the original game are naturally excited and eagerly await its release, hoping this game will capture the essence of what made the original Perfect Dark so special.
While the game is finally here, the journey to this reboot has not been entirely smooth. Over the years, several attempts at developing a new Perfect Dark reboot have failed. One of them was from Rare, the developer of the original game.
Now, after years of waiting, this new trailer suggests the development of this new game seems to be going well enough. Fans are always eager for some information on their favourite new game. Hence, as we await more concrete details, let’s discuss the aspects of this reboot that have already been confirmed.
The journey of the ‘Perfect Dark’ reboot: From delay to a surprise trailer drop
The Initiative started working on this game back in 2018; it was announced with a teaser, and after that, no one heard of it for a long time. In 2021, it was announced that Crystal Dynamics would assist The Initiative in developing this game.
In 2023, fans were disappointed to know that by June, this game was still in the pre-production phase. This reportedly happened due to their shift from Unreal Engine 4 to 5 as this game’s base.
After that engine shift, it appears the development finally started without any troubles, as is evident from the incredible trailer.
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A surprise show during the Xbox Games Showcase
While there was no shortage of incredible games during the Xbox Games Showcase, fans were holding their breath after rumours surfaced that Perfect Dark’s development is still troubled and that it will not be present at the show.
This changed when the series’ protagonist, Joanna Dark, appeared on the screen holding a gun in her hand.
More about ‘Perfect Dark’ reboot: Visuals and gameplay features
The first gameplay trailer for Perfect Dark looked polished; its visuals are significantly better than their predecessors and Joanna’s movement felt much smoother. It even looked like this game was running at 60 FPS. Such detailed environments, realistic character models, and lighting, yet they managed 60 FPS, which is an incredible feat.
The gameplay of the reboot looked somewhat like the recent Deus Ex titles. It seemed Joanna could explore small, open areas to complete her missions. She even hacked a voice-activated door by using someone else’s recorded voice on it. It will not be surprising if this game ends up having lite-RPG mechanics.
The gunplay looked fast and satisfying, given how punchy every shot she took looked. Besides that, there are also some hints of stealth-action mechanics in Perfect Dark. Looks like the developers are going all out when it comes to giving players a choice in how they play.
Possible release date and platform details
The trailer did not give any indication of this game’s platforms; if we must guess, it will be an Xbox Series X/S and PC exclusive at least at launch.
The makers have given no hint about its release date yet, but given the fact that it only started proper production back in 2023, it will not be released before the end of 2025. For any more information on this game, we will have to wait for Microsoft to make an announcement, just like the recently announced Gears of War: E-Day.
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(Hero and featured image credit: Xbox Game Studios)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, Perfect Dark is not getting a remake, but a reboot is currently in development at The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics.
Microsoft has not announced any platforms for Perfect Dark as of yet.
The developers have not confirmed the identity of Perfect Dark’s villain yet.
