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Platform: Xbox
360 Review: StarFox Adventures (GC) Review: Conker Live and Reloaded (XB) Review: Grabbed by the Ghoulies (XB)
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Perfect Dark Zero
Joanna
Dark first appeared on the Nintendo 64 in the original Perfect Dark,
which was the follow-up to the classic first-person shooter GoldenEye
from developer Rare. The reason Rare didn’t use the James Bond license
for its next FPS was simple: it didn’t renew its contract to use the
Bond universe. So Rare created its own realm and story line from
scratch, and the result was a worthy (although not quite as classic) FPS
“sequel” to GoldenEye, Perfect Dark. Starring
the beautiful Joanna Dark, Perfect Dark was much harder than GoldenEye on
the single-player side, and just not as engrossing on the four-player,
split-screen multiplayer end. Still, the game was good enough that it
warranted a sequel of its own, which was to appear on Nintendo’s
next-generation system, the GameCube. At the time, Nintendo owned a large
stake in Rare. But
the development of Perfect Dark dragged on longer than anticipated, and
when Microsoft became interested in buying Rare as a first-party
development house for its new Xbox, work on Perfect Dark for the GameCube
stopped, and Rare took the task of developing the game for the Xbox. Still
after that, development lagged again and missed the chance for release as
an Xbox title. Now, finally, the game is set to make its long-anticipated
release, this time as a launch title for the next Microsoft gaming
hardware platform, the Xbox 360. Here’s
the official game info: Joanna
Dark returns in the Xbox 360-exclusive Perfect Dark Zero, the prequel to
the international award-winning and multi-million-selling first-person
shooter Perfect Dark from famed game developer Rare Ltd. A secret war has
begun between shadowy corporations bent on world domination. Joanna Dark
and her father, Jack, are caught up in the fight for the planet’s
future. A routine bounty hunting mission rips open a global conspiracy
that will change Joanna’s destiny — forever. Players must guide Joanna Dark on her journey to become the Perfect Agent. Featuring a compelling and captivating story, Perfect Dark Zero plunges players into a world of corporate espionage and conspiracy. Perfect Dark Zero merges the |
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excitement and intrigue of its predecessor with revolutionary game design, online play and amazing graphics to deliver an experience that defines next-generation gaming and entertainment. KEY
FEATURES: ENGROSSING
SINGLE-PLAYER ACTION: Brought to life in startling high-definition
video, Perfect Dark Zero challenges players to guide Joanna Dark on her
journey to become the Perfect Agent. A fully interactive world,
beautiful graphics and breathtaking special effects combine with Xbox
Live functionality to provide players with a one-of-a-kind,
single-player experience. |
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GRIPPING, ACTION-PACKED STORY LINE: Players assume the role of Perfect Agent Joanna Dark in a gripping story set years before the original Perfect Dark, where the action in this sci-fi thriller centers on espionage, conspiracy and a mysterious global conflict. UNPARALLELED ONLINE PLAY VIA XBOX LIVE: Perfect Dark Zero delivers unprecedented online action and flexibility, supporting upward of 50 players online. Perfect Dark Zero includes fully scalable environments and complete Xbox Live support with tournaments, rankings and more. EXTRAORDINARY
VARIETY OF GAMEPLAY OPTIONS: Players can choose between a story-driven
single-player campaign and various multiplayer options including
four-player split-screen and cooperative action for infinite
replayability. MASSIVE
ARSENAL OF WEAPONS, GADGETS AND VEHICLES: Perfect Dark Zero will feature
many of the classic weapons and gadgets from the original game, as well
as countless additions. Combat-enabled vehicles including jetpacks,
hovercrafts and motorcycles will also be available to players in Perfect
Dark Zero. Xbox
Live functionality is going to be the key on how much success Perfect
Dark Zero enjoys after such a long and traveled road to finally reach
the gaming world. Clearly, from what Microsoft was showing at E3 2005,
online gameplay is the biggest draw for Perfect Dark Zero, with support
for up to 50 players at once. Yes, 50! With a multitude of online modes,
plenty of gadgetry and weaponry for multiplayer mayhem online, Perfect
Dark Zero will be the Xbox 360’s flagship franchise. It
remains to be seen, however, if Perfect Dark Zero can be a killer app
along the lines of Halo and Halo 2 or merely another Halo wannabe.
Ironically, the creators of one of the best console FPS titles ever from
a previous console generation must prove they can make a good FPS for
the next generation. -
Lee Cieniawa (September 2, 2005) |
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