A new concept art leak may have given us the best look at the canceled Perfect Dark reboot since the gameplay reveal.
Perfect Dark, done by Xbox, Crystal Dynamics, and The Coalition, was set to be Xbox’s return to Rare’s iconic FPS. Revealed in 2020 and showing gameplay in 2024, the reboot was highly ambitious. Unfortunately, earlier this year, the game was canceled alongside Rare’s Everwild and Zenimax’s Blackbird. Reports soon followed saying the game could’ve been saved, but The Coalition was dissolved, and Crystal Dynamics was hit with massive layoffs, so chances are slim. Still, we now have some new looks at the title, thanks to a new leak.
Concept Art Leak of Canceled Perfect Dark Showcases Cyberpunk World, Adrenaline System
In an article from MP1st, the site got its hands on exclusive documents and screenshots from a developer of Perfect Dark. According to the team, the game was in a ‘vertical slice’, so while far from finished, it could be played entirely. Rumors of the game being episodic appear to be true, as it was internally referred to as ‘Season 1’. Furthermore, the game would’ve used an Adrenaline System, which would grant protagonist Joanna Dark powers like bullet time and self-healing.
However, the most viable of the leak is the concept art, which can be found on MP1st. The developer describes the style as “Eco Sci-Fi”, which fits rather well. Everything has a slick technological look to it and feels in tune with Rare’s Perfect Dark, now modernized.
Interestingly, one of the screenshots was publicly released, but in a different style. The shot, showing Joanna Dark aiming her gun, was changed in one of the leaked shots to show her with messed-up hair and a thinner gun. It’s unclear whether they revised the design or if there was a game-specific reason for the change, but we sadly won’t get to know.
Are you still upset about Perfect Dark’s cancellation? What do you think about the concept art? Let us know in the comments below and on the forums!
For more on Perfect Dark, check out our articles on the possible revival and the cancellation. Make sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more Insider Gaming!
