The June 2024 Nintendo Direct was full of surprises, including the addition of an awesome shooter to Nintendo’s retro lineup of games. Perfect Dark is now a part of the Nintendo 64 library on the Nintendo Switch via the +17 Mature app in the West and the 18+ N64 app in Japan. While the versions here are by and large the same, there are a few differences that fans can check out right now on the apps. If you can’t be bothered to do that, we’re here to let you know some of these as well as give you a look at the differences between the physical N64 packaging and carts. Let’s get into it.
Boot & Title Screen
Outside of the language differences, the boot sequence between both versions of the game is slightly different. You’ll notice that the Japanese version features the Nintendo 64 logo turning a deep red color followed by a red start screen and the game title in Japanese. In addition to this, the game still retains its English spoken dialogue, however there are Japanese subtitles on screen when characters are speaking.
Of course, the title screen in the English language versions of the game sees the Nintendo 64 logo turn a metallic blue color followed by the Perfect Dark logo appearing on the screen.
Joanna’s Face
Although you don’t see it a lot throughout the game, there are times when you will be able to see Joanna’s face. It’s interesting to note that it is completely different depending on the version you play. If you’re watching this, you are likely familiar with Dark’s face, but the face texture found in the Japanese version is completely different, and in my opinion, just better. It’s more detailed, life-like and is more in line with the character model used on the box and other promotional materials.
Gameplay
The game plays and looks identically regardless of which version you are playing. One thing you’ll notice right off the bat is the lack of blood. It’s still there to some extent, but unlike the Western release, you won’t find blood splatters on walls or the floor. Also, the bodies disappear almost immediately in the Japanese version while they stick around for bit longer in other versions of the game.
I’m still working my way through the game again, but it’s been said that the Japanese version is actually easier than the version released in the West. I can’t confirm this for myself, but The Cutting Room Floor reports that there are more shields available in Perfect Agent difficulty. On top of that, the Combat Knife is not available in the Japanese version of the game. I’m not sure exactly why and haven’t been able to find an official reason for this either.
Packaging & Cart
While I don’t have a PAL version of the game for even more comparison, I do have a Japanese and a North American copy of the game. As you can see, both versions are drastically different. The Japanese version sports red and black box with a woman sitting on a sofa clutching a gun. As many of you are well aware, the North American box features a close up of Joanna’s face while holding a pistol with the game logo on the upper part of the box. The carts also mirror their respective box art as do the instruction manuals.
It should be noted that there are actually two SKUs for Perfect Dark in Japan - the one that I have and another that was packaged with the Expansion Pak. That one has two boxes, with the outer box featuring the red, moody scene and another inner box for the game that features a metallic look with the game logo on top. I unfortunately do not currently have this special version.
Conclusion
I’m sure this isn’t the first video you’ll find about this topic and I’m sure it won’t be the last. For me it’s always interesting to take a look at regional differences like this when it comes to in-game content as well as physical differences between releases. I really love the Japanese box art. It’s an artistic take on the game that just looks classy.
But let’s turn things over to you. What do you think about these regional differences? Which version of the game do you own? Which box art do you prefer for the game? Sound off in the comments down below. We’d love to hear from you.
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