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June

Links Update
June 30 - Updated by Tom @ 7:37 EST

The Links Section has been updated. I only added a Top 10 list, which seems everyone is doing. I am a sheep. Anyway, go check it out, if you are bored.

Long Time, No Update
June 30 - Updated by Matt @ 1:15 EST

Well, it's been a long time since I've updated. I'm soon going to update the new scenario page (with the help of Justin) to create a whopping 60-70+ scenarios! That will be in fact the largest, ever created Perfect Dark scenario page and you can only find it here, at dataDyne HQ. Once I get my email fixed (tomorrow), I'll take the loads of great scenarios that all of you have sent me. On that matter, my computer had a crap load of problems so we got a new hard drive, the main problem is because of the new hard drive I can't check my email or use ICQ so that means lots of unanswered e-mails from you guys. Don't fear! I'm fixing the e-mail tomorrow so every last e-mail you sent me will be replied to. Why? 'Cause it's my job to help our visitors in any way possible.

P.S. Damn our site is developing nicely, don't you think?

Hall of Fame growing
June 29 - Updated by Tom @ 10:25 EST

The Hall of Fame is getting bigger by the minute, I uploaded a heap of new times, do check it out. And if you want your times added send them to me!

pdark.com
June 29 - Updated by Tom @ 4:36 EST

PDark might be encounting some technical difficulties tonight. Just like a few days ago. So if you get an error message, don't worry, they will be back soon.

More Times
June 29 - Updated by Tom @ 2:43 EST

I have added some more times in! The response has been great, but, I want more!!! So be sure to send them to me.

Hall Of Fame
June 28 - Updated by Tom @ 7:20 EST

I added four times to the Hall Of Fame, please send in your time. The best times will recieve prizes at the end of this month, so why wouldn't you submit?

Hall Of Fame
June 28 - Updated by Tom @ 12:26 EST

OK, I have finally got the Hall Of Fame up and running. I spent hours fine tunning it, I have done my bit. But you have to do yours. We want your top times. If you want information on proof or details about the section go to this page. Once you are ready to sumit give me an email. Now, why would you want to submit to our site? Well, we have a little incentive for you all. You can win a free strat guide sent to your door at the end of each month. The first winner will be announced at the endo of next month. So now do you want to submit? Give me an email. The winner will not always be the fastest time, it could be a different set of criteria each month, remember send me a time.

GameShark page
June 26 - Updated by SubDrag @ 6:21 EST

Here it is.
GameShark

An action replay page will be soon also.

Scenarios
June 26 - Updated by Tom @ 5:58 EST

We have had the scenarios up for a while, but we have left them slightly neglected. So we have hired a person to take care of them. The scenarios can now be found in there own section on the navigation bar on the left. If you want to submit your own scenario, then please do so by emailing Justin. Oh, and expect a Gameshark page, and an Action Replay page up soon.

Perfect Dark Club
June 26 - Updated by Tom @ 2:41 EST

PDark have made a great new section on their site, A PD Club. This means that you can search for someone in your area and then arrange a game, or just send some emails. A great idea, and extremely well done. Go have a look http://www.pdark.com/club

I am a wanted man...
June 23 - Updated by Tom @ 11:28 EST

Well, looks like I have about 5 people out to kill me after my little statement about Goldeneye having better single player. Well, first of all my opinion is my opinion. My opinion can not be wrong, you cna call it stupid and unjust but it cannot be wrong. The thing that I don't like about PD is the maze like levels. This gets very frustrating, this is a 3D game set in a 3D world, so why all the Crash Bandicoot style levels? As was pointed out by a supporter, the levels force you to do thing sin a specific order, you can't do stuff how you want. I love Perfect Dark, but, I still think that if you take out the fancy effects and overall wow factor, it is not any better than Goldeneye.

PD single player and times.
June 22 - Updated by Tom @ 4:55 EST

OK, so I have had the game for two weeks now, and as much as I try, I have to face the terrible truth. Perfect Dark is a let down in the Single Player area. Sure, they are fun to play, but they just don't have the same thing that 007 had. I can't quite put my finger on it, but they just aren't as good. There is only one truly great level, the Carrington Villa. This is superbly designed and there should have been more of these. I tell you know that I do not like the whole alien thing. I do not like the game set in the future, and Goldeneye is so much better in Single Player, it isn't funny. Still, I still think Perfect Dark beats Goldeneye in Muliplayer, but it is a let down? Don't ya think?

Also, the time cheats should be up soon, so start sending your times with proof the only ones which I will believe fully are video with the level timer turned on. If you want to be the best, you got prove yourslef worthy. Send the times to me (Tom). Subject "Best Times".

JoDark
June 22 - Updated by Tom @ 1:32 EST

Looking for pictures on the real Joanna Dark, then check out this new site from the people who brought us http://www.perfectdarky2k.com and http://www.perfectlydark.com . This site looks great! I am suprised that no one had done it before now, but they will have wallpapers, screen savers, and other Joanna related media. Have a look here.

Seems we have had quite a few spins on the PD theme. Such as http://www.perfectduck.com .

Dolphin FAQ at IGN
June 21 - Updated by Tom @ 2:57 EST

Hey, if any of you are interested in Nintendo's next generation console, you better check out this article it has all of the current known information about the system. I am just waiting for Spaceworld, this is when Nintendo will tell all about the system. August 29th.... So close, so very, very, close...

pdcentral.com
June 20 - Updated by Tom @ 11:16 EST

In case you didn't know, PDC is closing down. What will we do.....

And also for those of you that haven't read the beta page, it is great. Thanks to our in-house Cheats and Beta man, SubDrag.

BETA PAGE IS OUT!
June 20 - Updated by SubDrag @ 5:47 EST

Everybody check it out now! I hope you agree it is an incredible set of pages, and I spent a lot of work on it.

So go now:
Beta Perfect Dark

I expect everyone will send me as many emails as possible with new beta stuff.

Progress Report
June 19 - Updated by Tom @ 4:30 EST

I thought you might want to know about how I am doing in Perfect Dark. Well, you probably didn't but I will tell you anyway. I am up to Mission 8 with them damn Skedar guys, the Carringotn Level was hard! I have done the entire dataDyne Level set in Special Agent, and the first in Perfect Agent. I haven't got any cheats, but still, I haven't exactly tried.

Oh and a little note to Wes from GEExtreme, your 36 second on dataDyne is under strife, I am 41 and oh so close to beating it, how do you get such good times!!!

Oh well, I guess I can only wonder....

More PD Secrets!
June 19 - Updated by Matt @ 3:37 EST

So far this is the only person on the net to find this! It's about the small, no wait, tiny ammo crate located in Mr. Blond's Revenge. It's very odd indeed... Click here to read where to find it. We'll be updated with this information soon.

Speed Tip
June 19 - Updated by Tom @ 2:35 EST

If you want to go fast and get those cheats, then do this. In the first level on Special Agent, you must do 1:30 to get a cheat, if you take off auto-aim it will give you a few seconds that will amke all the difference. This will not work in levels when you must shoot the enemy, well, it could work, but it is easuier to have sauto-aim on.

Pefect Duck?
June 18 - Updated by Tom @ 4:27 EST

A take of the http://www.perfectdark.com site, very funny. You should really go see this site if you want to laugh, http://www.perfectdark.com . Thanks for PDark.com for this.

And also, we have had a run off sites stealing pictures and stuff from this site, if you know of any other sites, please tell one of us. Thanks.

Ahh, I have finally got it!
June 16 - Updated by Tom @ 6:43 EST

After so long of waiting, after all the delays, sitting in my N64 is a fresh copy of Perfect Dark. The PAL version was officially released today (16th), however, they shipped the game on the 14th, so most people got them on the 15th, and the unlucky ones, like me, got it today. But, for those who had luck on there side, they got it on the 14th!

What do I think of it? Well, I think that it is a superb game, beats Goldeneye 007 hands down.

Where am I up to? I have done 15 challenges, got the first part of the weapons training down on gold, and the missions I am on level 2.

Expect some LATE impressions form me, and a final review. Did you know that I have never written an article for dDHQ? Amazing...

E-Mails, E-Mails and More E-Mails
June 15 - Updated by Matt @ 6:00 EST

All this week I've had final exams which kept me away from Perfect Dark and my inbox, which held hundreds of e-mails. Right now I'm in the process of replying to all of them. I'm terribly sorry about the late replies, I hope when you get your answers to your questions there not too late. My Outlook is getting really messed up so don't think I'm crazy if you get more then one reply. I'm off now for the next 3 months so I'll have tons of time to answer your many questions. I got this interesting e-mail regarding the username and password deal. Thanks to Lomeli for this:

"You guys know of the Entry name and password for PD when you complete it. Well I did research on it and the entry name ENTROPICDECAY can be broken into two words 'ENTROPIC' and 'DECAY' well I found out after a little research on the net that Entropic is a symbol 'S' For a closed thermodynamic system. It also means the inevitable and steady deterioration of a 'system' or society. The origin of the word is Greek, which also the password is. Zero-Tau is broken into two words Zero meaning 'Zero' Or Ziltch and Tau meaning the nineteenth letter in the Greek alphabet which is the letter "S" also. Is there some sort of reason for Entropic having the association with letter 'S' and Tau also being the Greek word for S. So the Password would mean:
Entropicdecay: The breakdown or deterioration of 'S'
Zero-Tau: Nothing or 'Zero'-S
I’m not sure if this is all a random coincidence or those are some kind of clues. I Haven't finish playing through PD so I'm not sure what 'S' is, but I think it has something to do with the 'Ultimate Code' "

All I have to say is "wow".

PAL RELEASED!
June 15 - Updated by Tom @ 3:39 EST

Yes, that's right. Perfect Dark, has arrived on our shores in New Zealand. I don't know about you Ozzies, but, if we have ours, then you should have your's. My copy should arrive any minute now...

Expect some video walkthroughs before the week is out.

Get Perfect Dark Free! (kinda)
June 13 - Updated by Matt @ 6:16 EST

www.Switchouse.com is a new site that is like E-Bay in many ways, instead you don't have to buy other's items, you can trade. For example, say Geno382 has Perfect Dark in his "have" list and in his "want" list he has Spiderman issue's 763 to 767, meaning if you have those issues you can negotiate a "swap" and get Perfect Dark without paying with cold hard cash! There is, however, a $2.45 fee for using Switchouse but I rather pay that then $59.99 for PD. In fact, Switchouse gives new members $5 when they start out so you really wouldn't pay anything. Go ahead, try it out!

Perfect Dark price in Oz
June 13 - Updated by Tom @ 1:49 EST

The price of Perfect Dark in Australia will be the following, with out the expansion pack, AU$89.95. And with an expansion pack, it is AU$114.95. Thanks to our up-comming staff member, Syko.

Mystyerious Rare....
June 12 - Updated by Tom @ 12:10 EST

What could the reasons behind the code received when completing the game on perfect in the combat simulator?

Well, my guess is that it will be part of www.perfectdark.com's soon to be online gamming environment. There was always a rumor that Rare planned to incorporate online features into PD. And this seems like a good example.

Of course, it could also be of absolutley no value to the game designed to make you and me think? But for some reasons I doubt that....

More on mysteries.
June 10 - Updated by SubDrag @ 8:10 EST

I examined the ? mark spot more carefully, and there is an ammo box up there that is inaccessible. So that's at least three now! I scanned the Player's Guide, and what do you know, they mention the ammo box! And they refer to a question mark, but don't exactly say it is there. "Suspicious" is what they say. I never noticed that before in the guide.

A new mystery. In Covert Assault, if you kill everything fast enough in the beginning, you can pick up Cassandra's necklace...hmm...this sounds a lot like...Ouromov's key!!!!It has no purpose that I know of.

Review
June 9 - Updated by Matt @ 8:32 EST

Finally thanks to our latest edition to the staff member list, Jason Jackson, our review has been finished. Many hours have been spent on this creative, brand-spanking new masterpiece so enjoy.

Two mysteries in Perfect Dark...
June 9 - Updated by SubDrag @ 8:06 EST

These were read at Perfect Dark messageboards. I apologize that I do not know who found this first.

Here are the pics. Tell me they are not characteristic of Rare. Such treachery.

Secret ? mark in Warehouse. NOTE: There is not a 6th weapon in Warehouse...so where is it?
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3

Ammo that is not possible to get to in Sewers. (I'm pretty sure)
Pic 1
Pic 2

More walkthroughs for challenges.
June 9 - Updated by SubDrag @ 5:59 EST

Pictures from challenges 1-23 are now done! I've worked hard on these, so please enjoy. DataDyneHQ is the only site with pictorial walkthroughs. There is not a walkthrough for 20 yet, because I can't beat it.
Challenges 16-23

If anyone steals a picture from any page on the walkthroughs, I will put a dataDyneHQ logo on every picture.

I'm up to Area 51 on Perfect Agent mode...

PAL Rumor
June 9 - Updated by Matt @ 12:02 EST

Well, it looks as if PD64.com has confirmed that the 512MB issue is false. Check out PD64.com for more details.

Number Two
June 8 - Updated by Matt @ 11:19 EST

The recent video game sales chart has been released. To my surprise Perfect Dark only landed on the #2 spot, being conquered only by the Pokemon Card Game frenzy. Hopefully Perfect Dark can rise to it's proper place. In the top ten shooters list though, Perfect Dark is #1, while Goldeneye still sells enough to make it to #2. Check out IGN64.com for more details.

That Perfect Dark site I mentioned last update which was an almost exact duplicate of dataDyneHQ.com is now shut down. Hopefully when they re-launch they'll have a new layout that isn't stolen from anybody else. Lets say the same about the info. The N64CC.com issue is cleared up by the way. I knew it was just an honest mistake.

I finally have enough time away from Perfect Dark and the Arena to review the Area. It'll be done by tomorrow. The review for Perfect Dark should be done by tonight.

You Gotta Check This Out!
June 8 - Updated by Matt @ 12:57 EST

Oh my God! We missed a June 7th update! It's the end of the world! Well... maybe not. I received an e-mail from Niall Cafferty stating that http://pd64.emulous.com/ stole almost everything from our site. At first I assumed it was bits of info here and there but what I found was ridiculously funny! Go check it out yourself!

If you haven't already got my great Perfect Dark ICQ skin then I suggest you do it now! It's a great, colorful, creative skin that was molded by Kript and edited/tweaked by me. I added a bunch more pictures and spiced it up Perfect Dark style. This is NOT the same Perfect Dark ICQ skin that Perfectly Dark has.

Here are the steps to get it:
1. If you don't have ICQPlus download it here. The download is incredibly fast.
2. Now click here to get the Perfect Dark ICQ skin. Download time is about 5 seconds on a 28.8kps modem.
3. Once both is downloaded and ICQPlus is set up (or just the Perfect Dark ICQ Skin if you already have ICQPlus) click on the ICQ BUTTON to bring up the Online/Offline list. Then click on the MAIN MENU button, click on the '+' sign that says 'Plus' beside it, click on IMPORT and find the Perfect Dark ICQ skin on your computer and it should automatically bring it up.

This skin is great! If you don't like it then e-mail me and complain, but I don't think that'll happen.

PAL Version
June 8 - Updated by Tom @ 12:48 EST

OK, it seems that some people are very sceptical about the PAL improvements. Well, what I reported (The cart. being 512 megabits and improved frame rates) has been confirmed by Monaco Corporation. This is the official word from them, however since they are not actually Nintendo and do are not responsable for direct programming, this could be incorrect. But one thing is for sure, numerous bugs have been fixed.

Pictorial Challenges 8-15 are up!
June 6 - Updated by SubDrag @ 6:06 EST

Challenges 8-15

These are a bit tougher, so my suggestions for some may help. Especially challenge 15.

Go to the Forums!
June 6 - Updated by Matt @ 11:33 EST

Like PerfectlyDark.com we have 200+ members and 1600+ posts in our forums. So continue to post and keep the chattin' alive!

Many Hours Later...
June 6 - Updated by Matt @ 2:47 EST

I just finished updating the multiplayer section which now has 29 scenarios, and a new section called the "Print-Easy" version of the scenarios. Also, there is now the full list of multiplayer rankings and all the sims for challenges 1-15 and players 1-4 are listed too. The affiliates and links section is updated. The cheats section now has all the cheats and requirements. And last but not least, the arsenal page is updated. Go check them all out!

Thank me by joining ICQ's largest and fastest growing Perfect Dark ActiveList on the net! An ActiveList is a where (if you add yourself to it) you can talk to other Perfect Dark fans in a chat, post a topic in the message board or read the 'Perfect Dark Tip of the Day' all using ICQ. To join the list click on the ICQ button, then click on 'Add/Invite Users', then click on 'Find/Add An ICQ ActiveList'. The ID# for the ActiveList is 75388310. If you don't have ICQ go here to get it: www.icq.com. If you have any questions or comments e-mail me or message me using ICQ. My ICQ number is 73809706. Join today!
Sorry, I had to sneak it in somewhere!

I just visited N64CC.com, and to my surprise I found our cheese list! There was no credit given and it is taken word for word. I'll have to have a talk with the webmaster over there. Little sneaky devils.

Walkthrough on Agent
June 6 - Updated by Tom @ 1:58 EST

Thats right, a complete walkthrough on Agent for Perfect Dark. Where can you find this masterpiece? Just follow the yellow brick road, or this link right here.

But remember only if you really need help should you use this walkthrough.

Face-mapping would be for guards too.
June 5 - Updated by SubDrag @ 6:57 EST

I was examining the memory of the game (the text is still there, and so may the programming for face-mapping), and the face-mapping would let you put your face on a guard too! Argh!! Why!?!

PAL Release
June 4 - Updated by Tom @ 11:20 EST

Well, like Matt said, the cost of the PAL release will be NZ$149.95. Why is this? Well, most likely because it is on a larger cartridge than the NTSC release. The NTSC is on a 256mb cartridge where as the PAL will be released on a 512mb cartridge. Now I ask you, Why would you need a double the size cartridge? I can think the extra wait for the PAL version will be worth it. After talking to a rep from the New Zealand Distributor, I was told that numerous bugs have been fixed and the frame rate has been pumped up in all those choppy areas. I feel that June the 16th will be a very happy day. :).

Get your PAL copy at The Gamesman.

Perfect Dark Review
June 4 - Updated by Tom @ 8:59 EST

Looking for a good read? Then check out PDark.com's review. The best on the net so far.

Check it out.

A reflect on Goldeneye
June 4 - Updated by Tom @ 8:55 EST

I want everyone to do something. Take the Perfect Dark cartridge out of the Nintendo and blow the dust of the now obselete Goldeneye cartridge and boot it up. How does it feel?

After doing that it should really put to rest any complaints about Perfect Dark that you may have. The only dissapointments we have, and there are not very many, were made up in our own mind with all the hype. Perfect Dark has it's flaws, but it is the greatest Nintendo game ever. It beats Goldeneye hands down, in every aspect, so how can there be complaints? I for one would buy Perfect Dark if it was identical to Goldeneye, except for new levels.

In my opinion the limit of the N64 has been reached. You can't make the game run any smoother, you can't put in any more levels, or do any thing else. I can only wonder what Perfect Dark 2 will be like? Imagine. Think about playing PD on the Dreamcast. Now times that image by three, and then think about everything you thought was a let down in Perfect Dark, taken out and done-up to your standards. Plus of course more inovative features put in by Rare.

I am excited already, aren't you?

The beta page...is coming!
June 4 - Updated by SubDrag @ 8:23 EST

I'm compiling a list of screenshots and information. I have all Nintendo Powers, EGM, Ngamer, Dutch Power Unlimited, but am missing N64 Magazine 41 (British mag). Please send me any and all screenshots from the beta version that you have. I probably already have them, but do it anyway.

Some interesting stuff from beta that will be on page with much more:
1.Trent was at dD HQ.
2.Guns could be held straight up.
3.The MagSec was a rapid-fire dart gun.

For the rest, check out the beta page in a week or two. The GameShark page for beta will be up later.

New Zeland Info
June 4 - Updated by Matt @ 5:15 EST

As you all already know, Perfect Dark will be released in New Zealand on June 16th and will ship with a 512MB cart, but I found out some more information. Perfect Dark will actually cost more then normal N64 games. Games like Turok: Rages Wars and Rainbow Six are $129.95 but Perfect Dark will cost $149.95 (remember, these are in New Zealand dollars). This information was confirmed by Nintendo New Zealand's agent Monaco corp.

Thanks to Luke Frater for this information.

Player Rankings
June 4 - Updated by Matt @ 5:00 EST

I'd like to include the full list of multiplayer rankings to the multiplayer section. The ones I already know are:

21 Beginner
20 Trainee
19 Amateur
18 Rookie
17 Novice
16 Trooper
15 Agent

If you can complete this list then e-mail me the rest. I'll give you full credit.

PD ActiveList Now Up!
June 4 - Updated by Matt @ 4:50 EST

The #1 Perfect Dark ActiveList on ICQ is now up and running. I know it's probably getting annoying saying this but...
If you haven't joined yet then what are you waiting for? An ActiveList is a where (if you add yourself to it) you can talk to other Perfect Dark fans in a chat, post a topic in the message board or read the 'Perfect Dark Tip of the Day' all using ICQ. To join the list click on the ICQ button, then click on 'Add/Invite Users', then click on 'Find/Add An ICQ ActiveList'. The ID# for the ActiveList is 75388310. If you don't have ICQ go here to get it: www.icq.com. If you have any questions or comments e-mail me or message me using ICQ. My ICQ number is 73809706. Join today!
Sorry, I just can't help myself!

I hear that our walkthrough and review is coming along quite nicely. Expect them both comeing sometime soon. Since I now have access to all my files, I'll try to update as many sections as I can tonight.

A new exclusive gameshark code from SubDrag!
June 3 - Updated by SubDrag @ 2:20 EST

Press B for Hacker Central hacking to be almost finished. (on any player) Low-res
(by SubDrag and exclusive to dataDyne HeadQuarters)

Player 1
D009C7E4-0040
800AC21A-0010
Player 2
D009C7EC-0040
800AC21A-0010
Player 3
D009C7F4-0040
800AC21A-0010
Player 4
D009C7FC-0040
800AC21A-0010
(keep in mind if you hit B while the computer is there...he'll get a fast point)


Now, I have to make the GS page.

Also, Rare has messed up two times in the strategy cheats section. Pelagic two is not 5:30, but actually 7:07.

I'm on the last two levels of Special Agent, BTW.

PD in Time magazine
June 2 - Updated by Tom @ 9:43 EST

Perfect Dark has been mentioned in Time magazine.

The article reads

"PERFECT DARK. Roll over, Lara Croft. Thought the games world wasn't enough for another unrealistically proportioned action heroine? Rare, the company behind best-selling Bond blast-'em-up GoldenEye, is out to prove otherwise. Special agent Joanna Dark for Nintendo 64, and her assets are the subject of a none-too-subtle media blitz. Luckily, the game-a-mission-packed adventure for up to four players, is equally eye pleasing" - By Chris Taylor

New Controller
June 2 - Updated by Tom @ 6:41 EST

I just wanted to drop in a comment on how to make your Perfect Dark playing experience so much better.

My one tip is to buy a new controller. If you are like me, your controller is probably got the "Crunches", this is when you move the analouge stick and you can hear a crunching noise, this is from over use and wear and tear of the controller, it brings down accuracy and movement control. I just got a new controller it is making a huge difference to my playing. You have a heap of accuracy, especially on those difficult snipes.

Easter Egg
June 1 - Updated by Matt @ 5:03 EST

Thanks to Rouge10 for this Easter Egg. I have not tried it out for myself yet but I'm sure it works.

In the Villa level, if you shoot all the bottles in the wine cellar,
Carrington says, "Act your age Joanna!"

If you find anymore Easter Eggs then send 'em to me. If we get enough we might even make a section dedicated to that. Also, our forums are currently really busy so go post some topics!

Another PD Contest
June 1 - Updated by Matt @ 10:59 EST

IGN64 is giving away three copies of Perfect Dark. All you have to do is write a creative caption for one of two images. Click here for more details.