Perfect Dark reboot: Gameplay details, trailer & everything we know
The original Perfect Dark is a cult classic title that was originally released on the Nintendo 64 - but now, there's a reboot coming from Microsoft's studio, The Initiative. Taking inspiration from the iconic Goldeneye 007 game, Perfect Dark features first-person shooter gameplay in a fascinating world.
We currently know very little about this secretive Xbox reboot, and some studio woes appear to have the development of the title a little on the rocks to the outside eye. Regardless, here's everything that we know about the Perfect Dark reboot so far, including any gameplay details we can uncover from the reveal trailer.
Is there a Perfect Dark reboot release date?
Click to enlargeRegarding the release date of Perfect Dark, we currently have nothing concrete - not even a year to go off. We know it’s going to be released on the Xbox Series X|S and PC only, with the title coming to Game Pass on launch. So, if we assume that the Xbox Series X|S consoles will be around until 2027-28, we can guess that it will likely release before then.
However, it appears that the game is reportedly still in early development, with Crystal Dynamics brought on halfway through development to assist. While we might hear something about the title at the upcoming Xbox Showcase, don’t expect the game to release for a good while yet.
Is there a Perfect Dark reboot trailer?
The only trailer that has been shown so far was a two-minute cinematic trailer. It starts by panning around the Earth, highlighting the catastrophic effects of climate change, whilst an unnamed narrator briefly explains how corporations took advantage of the changing world to gain power. It then seemingly switches to the first-person view of a drone, travelling around a near future Egypt, highlighting the dissonance of high-tech corporate structures positioned next to traditional architecture.
The end of the trailer reveals the protagonist of the previous games; Agent Dark stands there amid dead bodies, staring out into a storm hovering above the Pyramid of Giza. It’s short and lacks gameplay, but there are plenty of details that hint at the game's narrative and themes, along with a potential environment you’ll play in.
Are there any Perfect Dark gameplay details?
Click to enlargeAs we’ve had no gameplay for the Perfect Dark reboot yet, it’s impossible to say exactly what it will look like, but we can make some educated guesses. One thing currently confirmed, is that like the previous titles, it will be a first-person shooter. The previous games also put emphasis on stealth and gadgets, encouraging players to approach situations slowly rather than guns blazing, which is likely to be replicated for this new title too.
During a quick developer featurette at The Game Awards 2020, it was stated that for designing the gameplay, the studio is leaning on the idea of “what is a secret agent?”. So, expect creative spy gadgets that utilise near-future technology to get the jump on your enemies and a more involved sense of physicality that is under-represented in other FPS games.
Perfect Dark story details
Click to enlargeThe story is another aspect of Perfect Dark that we have limited information to work with, but based on the trailer already shown and the history of the franchise, Agent Dark may be back fighting dataDyne again. In the original games, you are part of the Carrington Institute which is aiming to take down dataDyne, an evil corporation trying to use alien technology for world domination. It’s a very general Perry the Platypus vs Doofenshmirtz type narrative, but with Aliens using Earth as a playground for their cosmic disputes for added oomph!
The new game will likely take place after the original, due to the added element of looming ecological disaster. It seems dataDyne might be perceived as heroes for their role in slowing climate change in some way, but at the cost of what? As evil corporations aren’t known to be benevolent without good reason. Anyway, we’ll surely find out as the release creeps closer and more info is revealed to the public.
Perfect Dark reboot platforms
Click to enlargeAs The Initiative is a first-party studio for Microsoft, the title will be an Xbox console exclusive. However, fitting with Xbox’s moves into the PC ecosystem over the past few years, it will be released on the Xbox store and likely Steam too.
Keep your eyes peeled on GGRecon for all your gaming news, including anything we hear about Perfect Dark ahead of the distant release date.
