Uncommon had a heck of a run on the Nintendo 64, and right this moment we’re celebrating the anniversary of one more of the studio’s classics — Excellent Darkish.
Joanna Darkish made her debut on Nintendo’s 64-bit console on twenty second Might 2000 in North America, with a European launch following in June. Right this moment, it ranks because the studio’s highest-rated sport on Metacritic nonetheless.
Whereas the collection has seen its ups and downs over time (through Recreation Boy Colour and Xbox 360 prequels), the unique stays beloved nonetheless due to its glorious gameplay and multiplayer, good visuals, and wholesome problem. It was, in some ways, a refinement over Uncommon’s earlier iconic shooter, GoldenEye 007. Some even Joanna’s journey to Bond’s — look, it is a powerful name! We can’t choose.
Oh, and because of Retronauts for reminding us that the occasions of the sport occurred… two years in the past. How are we nonetheless alive?
Completely satisfied twenty fifth anniversary to Uncommon’s sci-fi follow-up to GoldenEye, Excellent Darkish! Wager you forgot the occasions of that sport supposedly transpired two years in the past in 2023.
— Retronauts (@retronauts.bsky.social) 2025-05-22T12:20:49.962Z
Whereas the collection has been fairly quiet for some time, you may not less than have fun right this moment’s anniversary by booting up the Nintendo Swap On-line + Enlargement Pack launch for a fast spherical of multiplayer with mates.
However we’re getting a reboot of the sport (not on Swap or Swap 2, as of but) someday quickly from developer The Initiative. Revealed again in 2020 at The Recreation Awards, Excellent Darkish made a reappearance throughout Microsoft’s Showcase at Summer season Recreation Fest 2024.
And for an in depth take a look at the historical past of Excellent Darkish, together with interviews with the individuals who labored on the sport, it is best to try our characteristic on the sport which we revealed for its twentieth anniversary, written by contributor and buddy of the location James Batchelor.
Are you a Excellent Darkish fan? Are you excited for the reboot? Or do you suppose it is higher than GoldenEye? Vote in our ballot under and have fun this sport within the feedback.
Alana has been with Nintendo Life since 2022, and whereas RPGs are her past love, Nintendo is a detailed second. She enjoys nothing greater than overthinking battle methods, characters, and tales. She additionally needs she was a Sega air pirate.
