Articles
By Diresim
Published: Mar. 4, 2007 9:25 AM
At launch, all Microsoft wanted was a killer app. A system seller. A Halo for their new console. Call of Duty 2 and PGR 3 were always going to sell and sell well, but it was left to uber developer Rare Studios to deliver that which would make people go out and buy the new Xbox 360 just so they could play that one irresistible game. As a result, the pressure on Rare to get Perfect Dark Zero, MS’s chosen flagship launch title, to retail was immense. Being a spiritual successor to one of the greatest console games of all time, Goldeneye, didn't help matters either. Nor did the fact that the press were quick to jump on the game when playable code was first made available.
Although Perfect Dark Zero had been in development for over five years, it had jumped systems three times and the November 22 deadline was still incredibly tight. Rare had to drop a number of things from the game in the final stages, and although the game did make launch, it suffered. The final version is definitely not perfect. In fact, FPS fans seem to be split for the most part. Some love it, some hate it. Me, I think it is easily one of the greatest games I have ever played. Most of its shortcomings are easily forgivable, and although there’s nothing particularly next generation about it (apart from the high definition visuals), I don’t really care for next gen if I can play this.
The real drawcard of the game is its feel. Each of the weapons and gadgets looks and feels amazing. To simply fire a weapon is to be impressed (you have never seen reload animations until you’ve seen these). To fire one with ability is truly an awe-inspiring experience. Each weapon is conceived with an incredible amount of forethought, coming with secondary functions, and in some cases tertiary functions. The nuances of each weapon ultimately separates the good players from the bad.
One example is the laptop gun, a compact assault rifle with a chest wrenching rate of fire. Down on ammo? Hiding behind a wall waiting for the bad guy on the other side to make his move? Throw your laptop gun through the air, affixing it to the wall opposite your opponent. It becomes a remote sentry gun, tearing off your opponents body armor whilst acting as the perfect distraction, allowing you to gain the advantage as you come round the corner looking for your headshot. It doesn't stop there. Uzis that can be deployed as proximity mines, automatic pistols that fire around corners, secondary function grenade launchers, SMG's that can hack into enemy turrets and mines. It's all there. This game allows the player opportunities to use these unique weapon features over and over again, and truly makes it a game that rewards intelligent play.
Not only that, but the graphics are stunning. Perfect Dark Zero, on a HDTV, is brilliant to look at. When I haven't played for a few days, I can't help but admire the graphics all over again when a game loads. Sure it has a cartoony style, but the art direction punctuates a real character which draws you into its world. I've already touched on how crazy the guns look, but the levels all look beautiful too. The Jungle and Bridge level are especially gawk worthy. Some of the character models are repeated throughout the game, and some people may find the way characters move to be offputting, but again it is all part of the style of the series, and if you were a fan of Perfect Dark, you'll love it.
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