A trip down memory lane is just an Xbox Live-Marketplace click away. For the simple cost of 800 Microsoft points, Xbox live gold members can take a step back in time and relive the glory days of Perfect Dark.
Microsoft’s recent March 17th release of the Nintendo 64 classic comes just in time before the highly anticipated release of Modern Warfare 2’s Stimulus Map pack sends everyone back to the depths of their basements.
Debuting nearly a decade ago on Nintendo 64, the first person shooter that revolutionizes gaming is back once again and with a few extras. The most distinguished difference from the Xbox Live Arcade update in comparison to the original N64 version of Perfect Dark is the graphics. The visuals have been dramatically improved from the boxy Nintendo feel to a more smooth and professional look. No longer does our alien friend Elvis look like a kindergarten drawing but more like an extraterrestrial. The game play has also been spiced up with a dramatic increase in frame rate difference. Unlike back in the day, you can now go trigger happy in a room full of enemies without any frame rate lag appearing. The game also features an online mode where you and seven of your friends can show off your dual pistol skills for all hours of the night. The online multiplayer mode also comes packed with a number of bots or computer controlled characters just in case you can’t round up enough people to play.
In light of the visual upgrades and the added online multiplayer mode, the game still remains as it was ten years ago. The animations and visual glitches remain the same from the goofy comments enemies make when pistol whipped to Johanna’s ability to speak with her mouth closed. The hilarious quirks that made the game enjoyable from the enemies slow-motion rolls to their hideous aiming techniques will still make you laugh despite collecting 10 years of virtual dust.
The game will still have you running in circles trying to find the correct door to advance to the next level. The elevators in dataDyne Central still don’t work properly and will take some patience when going from the main floor to the basement. Sadly you still can't murder important characters in game no matter how irrelevant they may seem. You may also find yourself unexpectedly failing missions because you accidently blew up some important scenery. Yet, as the game progresses you will find yourself enjoying it just as much as you did when it was released in cartridge form and you had no choice but to use a wired controller.
This classic remains true to its time but also remains timeless for those who use to enjoy long hours on the 64 bit system. With all the added features, visual improvements, 16 multiplayer maps, 7 game modes, and 46 different weapons; Perfect Dark is sure to keep you as entertained as it did some ten years ago.
No comments:
Post a Comment