Perfect Dark - Composite Deoptimization

Turns out there are 2 other settings besides Hi-Res that make Perfect Dark run even slower on a real N64:

1. Surround Sound
2. 16:9 Ratio

Surround sound requires extra processing time to calculate audio data for the additional directional speakers. The 16:9 ratio increases the field of view, which requires rendering more of the game world at any given moment. Since 16:9 is anamorphic in Perfect Dark, it requires a widescreen display that stretches 4:3 video images to 16:9. Because of this, I stretched the video capture in my recording software to fill the entire screen.

I also added one additional deoptimization by switching the video signal from S-Video to Composite. This messily combines the formerly separate brightness and color signals into one video pin, which increaes blur and noise in the video output. You can see this best by viewing this video at 720p or higher, pausing the video, and then pressing '.' to advance by frame. If the effect is uncomfortable, then view this video at 480p or lower.

With all these deoptimizations combined and set, I recorded this quick playthrough of Carrington Villa - Hostage One to demonstrate their effects on Perfect Dark when played on real N64 hardware.

Chapters:

00:00 - Settings

00:36 - Intro Cutscene

01:26 - Gameplay

11:10 - The Wind Turbine Spins!

11:41 - Mission Failed (D'oh!)

12:18 - "Stop Dodging!"

14:13 - Acting Her Age

15:58 - Outro Cutscene

17:02 - Scores & Power-Off