The Perfection of Perfect Dark for Xbox 360 Live Arcade - a Perfect Dark 360 Review

One of the most celebrated Nintendo 64 games of all time makes a perfect return on Xbox 360. The game in question is N64's Perfect Dark, now available as an Xbox Live Arcade game for only 800 Microsoft Points. There is a plethora of reasons for both old fans and new players alike to shell out a measly $10 to snatch up Perfect Dark for Xbox Live Arcade.

Graphics and Sound
Perfect Dark for Xbox Live Arcade features improved graphics over it's Nintendo 64 predecessor. This is most noticible when looking at character's heads. In the old N64 version heads were block shaped an pixelated. noticeable Dark for Xbox 360 has more realistic faces that won't make you cringe.

One thing to remember is that the original game had amazing graphics at the time. The updated version is a lot clearer and brighter than the original, and the game itself runs much more smoothly.

While the update of Perfect Dark for Xbox 360 features improvements, old glitches still remain. An enemy on the other side of a door or wall will have his arms pop through to your side. If you shoot someone in a doorway or elevator, half of the body remains on both sides. This is especially apparent when riding elevators.

Here's a video that shows some comparisons between the old N64 version of Perfect dark and the new Perfect Dark for Xbox Live Arcade.

Controls
Unlike the original Perfect Dark for N64, Perfect Dark for Xbox 360 only has three different controller settings. There is a classic control, that makes use of the Xbox 360's second analog stick (compared to the original C buttons that are found on an N64 controller). The other two controller configurations are "Spartan" and "Duty Calls".

While I am a huge Halo player, I personally found the Classic controls better suited for Perfect Dark.

The Campaign
The main campaign of Perfect Dark for Xbox 360 remains a faithful translation from the original. For those who are experiencing Perfect Dark for the first time, there are three different difficulties: agent, special agent, and perfect agent. What makes Perfect Dark innovative is that in addition to the increased difficulty, there are extra objectives to complete - often making one play the level in a different style. This makes the main campaign have replayability.

Online Leaderboards
Perfect Dark for Xbox Live Arcade has several different online leaderboards. There are individual timed leader boards for each mission, as well as an overall time leaderboard. In addition to the timed leaderboards there is one for overall game completion.

The inclusion of online leaderboards helps to add value to Perfect Dark to create competition amongst friends. There are also special leaderboard "crowns" to earn.

Perfect Dark's Online Multiplayer
The "Combat Simulator" allows local split screen multiplayer with up to four players and eight AI "simulants." The online multiplayer is where Perfect Dark for Xbox Live Arcade truly shines. In addition to maps inspired from the main campaign, there are classic 007 Golden Eye maps and weapons available.

The multiplayer on Perfect Dark for Xbox 360 features an amazing amount of customization. Individual weapons, simulants, and objectives such as King of the Hill or Briefcase may be selected. Unlike matchmaking in Halo 3, the wait for a new game of Perfect Dark is extremely fast.

There is also the ability to play Cooperatively or Counter Ops on each of the campaigns levels. Additionally, completing the challenges can prove to be an exciting multiplayer mode.

Perfect Dark is a Must Have for Every Xbox 360 Owner
Perfect Dark for Xbox 360 Live Arcade is a must have title for any first person shooter fan. Between its faithful translation from Nintendo 64, updated graphics, fun campaign, and incredible multiplayer experience, Perfect Dark does not disappoint. Available from the Xbox Live Marketplace for a mere 800 Microsoft Points ($10), Perfect Dark is a bargain.

Did you enjoy this video game review? You may also like:
Toy Soldiers Invade Xbox Live Arcade - a Toy Soldiers Review
MotorHEAT Review for Xbox Live Indie Games
Review of Risen for Xbox 360
Darwinia+ Review
Matt Hazard: Blood Bath and Beyond Review