Forget Perfect Dark, The Original Game’s Abandoned Spinoff Needs to Happen

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I first played *Perfect Dark* back when it came out on the Nintendo 64 in 2000, and everyone said it was like the next step after *GoldenEye 007*. Rare really took what they learned from that Bond game and blew it out with Joanna Dark’s story. It was a super immersive, futuristic spy thriller with really addictive first-person shooting and a cool story. It felt like it could become a huge franchise, maybe even compete with *Halo* one day. They even made a prequel, *Perfect Dark Zero*, a few years later. But then, the series just… stopped. It was a bummer! Thankfully, Microsoft recently announced they’re rebooting it, which is awesome news!

The planned reboot of *Perfect Dark* faced a lot of criticism, and Microsoft ultimately cancelled it in July 2025 during a round of layoffs. Although fans were disappointed, this cancellation highlights a potential mistake. Rather than focusing on a reboot with Joanna Dark, the developers might have had more success with the previously cancelled spin-off game, *Perfect Velvet*.

What Happened to Perfect Dark?

Building on the success of *GoldenEye 007*, *Perfect Dark* was a critically acclaimed game praised for its advanced graphics, engaging story, and robust multiplayer. It was innovative for its time and featured a surprisingly complex narrative. The game sold very well, leading many to expect a long and successful series.

I remember when *Perfect Dark Zero* came out on the Xbox 360 back in 2005. Honestly, it didn’t quite live up to the original *Perfect Dark*. It *looked* amazing for its time, but it just didn’t have that same special something. It was all flash and no substance, lacking the clever level design and overall charm of the first game. Most fans, myself included, figured Rare would learn from it and make something even better next time. It felt like a bit of a stumble, but we still had hope.

For many years, fans hoped for a new *Perfect Dark* game, but it seemed unlikely to happen. Then, in 2020, Microsoft announced a reboot of the series, with a new studio called The Initiative leading the development. Unfortunately, that excitement didn’t last. The project faced problems with staff leaving, delays, and disagreements about the game’s direction, forcing Microsoft to bring in Crystal Dynamics for assistance.

Last year, a promising trailer with gameplay footage for the reboot of *Perfect Dark* generated a lot of excitement among fans. Unfortunately, that excitement didn’t last. Problems began to surface within Microsoft, and eventually, the *Perfect Dark* reboot was canceled as part of recent layoffs. Now, fans are left wondering if things could have been handled differently to save the franchise.

Instead of Perfect Dark, Velvet Dark Needs to Happen

Around the early 2000s, a potential spin-off game called *Velvet Dark* was planned, building on the world of *Perfect Dark*. The game would have starred Velvet, a character from the co-op campaign who was said to be Joanna’s sister. The idea was to tell a new story within the same sci-fi espionage universe, but from a different perspective. Although it was never formally revealed, information about the game leaked out and generated a lot of buzz.

Rare once worked on a new *Perfect Dark* game, intended to bridge the gap between *Perfect Dark* and *Perfect Dark Zero*, but the project was cancelled. They were trying out new ideas, including changing the gameplay to a third-person view and focusing more on storytelling. There was also speculation it might have been designed for a handheld console, although some believed it was aimed at the Nintendo GameCube.

Even though the details are unknown, *Velvet Dark* had the potential to be a compelling game, especially given the significant events of *Perfect Dark*. It could have been scaled down in scope while still maintaining a sense of urgency and importance. Featuring a wider range of missions – focusing on stealth or the use of gadgets – would have allowed players to experience more of the game’s world.

Spin-off games have a history of doing well, and *Velvet Dark* had the potential to be a breakout hit like *Halo 3: ODST* was for its series. Now, it could be a great way to bring both existing and new fans back into the fold. Microsoft could use it as a smaller, more focused game to test the waters before fully committing to a reboot. Plus, it would finally address and build on popular fan theories about the characters Joanna and Velvet.

Can Perfect Dark (or Velvet Dark) Continue in the Future?

After the recent cancellation of its reboot, the future of *Perfect Dark* is unclear. Even if Microsoft decides to try again, finding a developer will be a challenge. Rare, the original creator, now focuses solely on *Sea of Thieves*, and the team that made *Perfect Dark* a classic has moved on. It’s evident Microsoft is prioritizing other games and has been reducing its overall spending.

Despite recent efforts, it appears the planned reboot of *Perfect Dark* is no longer happening. Take-Two Interactive was close to buying the rights from Microsoft, but the deal ultimately failed, likely ending the series. While there’s still a small chance another company could acquire the game and revive it – as happened with *Hi-Fi Rush* – the future looks bleak for *Perfect Dark*.

To keep the *Perfect Dark* series alive, Microsoft might be better off starting with a smaller project like *Velvet Dark* and letting a talented mid-sized studio take the lead. Learning from how Nintendo successfully revived *Metroid Dread* and *Luigi’s Mansion* could be key, if Microsoft isn’t open to selling the franchise. Ultimately, whether it’s through a new Joanna Dark adventure or a *Velvet Dark* spin-off, the future of *Perfect Dark* depends on Microsoft being willing to take a chance.

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2025-09-14 21:47