Summary
A notable insider has claimed that the long-awaited Xbox first-party titlePerfect Darkmay be featured in the platform holder’s upcoming June Showcase. This development contradicts the recent rumors ofPerfect Dark’s development being in a “rough” state.
Developed by newly-created Xbox studio The Initiative,Perfect Darkwas first revealed at the 2020 Game Awards as a modern revival of the Rare-created IP. Although the CGI trailer didn’t reveal much about the game beyond the plot revolving around an ecological disaster, The Initiative’s veteran developers from studios like BioWare, Sony Santa Monica, and Respawn, instilled hope among fans for a high-caliber game. Unfortunately, the studio went through a great deal of turbulence in subsequent years as it faced rampant staff departures (including key creative roles) and had to bring aboardCrystal Dynamics to assist withPerfect Dark’s development. The game hasn’t been seen since 2020, leaving many worried about its future.
Recently, insider Jeff Grubb and several othersreported on the state ofPerfect Dark’s development, claiming that it’s in a “very rough” position and that bringing Crystal Dynamics onboard barely moved the needle. However, credible insider NateTheHate has refuted the claims in the latest episode of theDirectXbox podcast on YouTube. They assert thatPerfect Dark’s development is not as bad as it’s made out to be, with the recent reports potentially being “outdated information.”
Perfect Dark Could be Part of Xbox’s June Showcase
Moreover, the leaker also “fully” expectsPerfect Darkto be shown during theupcoming Xbox Games Showcase on June 9. Considering NateTheHate’s generally accurate track record and the fact that both Crystal Dynamics and The Initiative have been working onPerfect Darkfor years, it’s plausible that a new trailer for the game could be ready in time for the showcase. However, it’s ultimately a rumor, so the only wayPerfect Darkfans can find out more about the game is by tuning in on June 9.
After Xbox announced the closure of four Bethesda studios, the brand has seen a fairly rough week. Amid the rumors ofXbox Game Pass seeing a price hike, internal debates on whether newCall of Dutytitles will launch on the service,Hellblade 2being considered for a PS5 release, andPerfect Dark’s potentially troubled development, the general outlook on the platform holder has been mostly negative. However, the June Showcase might be the ace up Xbox’s sleeve, possibly revealing massive new first-party titles and, if NateTheHate is to be believed, a new look atPerfect Dark.
Perfect Dark (2000)
WHERE TO PLAY
This is the game Nintendo 64 fans have waited for. Nearly three years after the uncloaking of super spy action-adventure GoldenEye 007, developer extraordinaire Rare introduces futuristic special operative Joanna Dark, a.k.a. Perfect. In Perfect Dark, players are sent on a fast-paced adventure from downtown Chicago skyscrapers to underground labs to undersea wrecks of otherworldly origins. Naturally, the storyline weaves a complex web of conspiracy, hidden agendas, and megalomaniac corporate leaders with deep underground (and off-world) ties. As spy-game fans expect, unraveling the plot and disposing of the baddies require a grab bag of hi-tech gadgets and special weapons–especially given the game’s tougher and smarter enemies. Perfect Dark features Dolby surround sound, widescreen compatibility, and–as expected–stunning special effects, including dynamic lighting, chest-thumping explosions and realistic smoke, dust and steam clouds. Characters are lifelike thanks to motion-captured animations and beautifully rendered 3-D models. Perfect Dark’s multiplayer features are impressive. As in GoldenEye 007, up to four players can deathmatch in up to 20 different arenas. But that’s just the start of the fun. The inclusion of up to eight computer-controlled opponents (“bots”) adds an original component to the frag-fest. Humans can team with or against bots and even command a bot teammate to target specific opponents. Numerous original games, such as King of the Hill, offer so many variations that you just might forget that an engrossing single-player experience lies at the heart of the game.
