This is What the Perfect Dark Reboot Was Originally Going to Look Like
Perfect Dark, Xbox’s attempt to revive Rare’s legendary FPS series, was announced in 2020 and teased with a gameplay trailer in 2024. The project, developed in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics and The Coalition, was quite ambitious. However, its cancellation earlier this year, along with Rare’s Everwild and Zenimax’s Blackbird, dashed fan expectations. However, new leaked concept art reveals the game’s aesthetic.
Perfect Dark Reboot Concept Art Revealed
The leaked documents and images were shared by MP1st. According to the development team, while the game wasn’t yet complete, it had reached the playable “vertical slice” stage. In fact, as rumored, it was planned to be released episodically, internally referred to as “Season 1.” Furthermore, a new mechanic called the “Adrenaline System” would allow Joanna Dark to use special abilities like slow motion and self-healing.
The most striking detail is hidden in the concept art. The developers described the game’s style as “Eco Sci-Fi.” This approach reflected an aesthetic that blended elements of nature and high-tech, enhanced by cyberpunk touches. The art showcases both Joanna Dark’s modernized look and the game’s cyberpunk-inspired cities.
One of the shared images features Joanna Dark aiming a gun. In a different version of the previously publicly released image, the character’s hair appears messy and the weapon she wields appears thinner. Whether this is a cosmetic update or a custom design for an in-game situation is unknown.
Although the project has been canceled, these concept art pieces demonstrate the ambitious vision behind the development of the Perfect Dark reboot. While a major disappointment for fans, these leaks serve as a reminder of the game’s potential.
