Why Perfect Dark Is the Best N64 FPS and Belongs on GOG
Perfect Dark, released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, is widely considered the spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007, but it does more than follow in its footsteps—it surpasses them. Developed by Rare, Perfect Dark pushed the N64 hardware to its limits with unmatched technical sophistication, deep gameplay, and a sci-fi narrative that was ahead of its time.
At its core, Perfect Dark revolutionized first-person shooters on consoles. With customizable multiplayer, AI bots, co-op campaign, and a compelling single-player story, it provided a level of depth that few console FPS games had achieved. Joanna Dark became an instant icon—smart, deadly, and charismatic. The game's weapons were unique and satisfying, including the laptop gun (a sentry disguised as a laptop) and the FarSight, a railgun that could shoot through walls. These mechanics set it apart from GoldenEye and every other shooter at the time.
It absolutely deserves a spot on GOG. Not just for preservation’s sake, but to give modern gamers access to a DRM-free, enhanced version of a legendary title. A faithful PC port would allow it to shine with higher resolutions, modern controls, and mod support. GOG’s dedication to bringing classic games back to life makes it the perfect platform.
Perfect Dark isn’t just a nostalgic gem—it’s a landmark in FPS history. Making it available on GOG would preserve one of the greatest shooters of all time and introduce it to a new generation of players.