Nintendo’s Game Development Strategy Under Scrutiny
A reader expresses disappointment with the recent Metacritic scores of Drag x Drive and Switch 2 Welcome Tour, two titles for Nintendo’s new console. With scores of 62 and 54 respectively, these games fall short of expectations, especially considering they are among the few releases for the console. The reader questions the decision-making process behind greenlighting these projects, particularly Drag x Drive, a wheelchair basketball game that lacks depth and customisation options.
While acknowledging Nintendo’s ability to create excellent games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, the reader believes the company has faltered in generating hype and selecting worthwhile projects. The prospect of Hyrule Warriors 3 and Kirby Air Riders being released in the first year raises concerns.
The reader hopes that these poorly received games will silence critics who accuse reviewers of Nintendo bias. The reader argues that the bias is simply towards good games, and when Nintendo releases subpar titles, they should be criticised like any other company.
Amiga Celebrations and Nostalgia
One reader shares their enthusiasm for the ongoing Amiga anniversary celebrations. The release of a new game in a well-known franchise is seen as unexpected and humorous. If this is a publicity stunt for the new game, it has been successful, as the reader intends to investigate further.
The reader also expresses interest in acquiring a mini-console Amiga to play The Settlers 2. If a reasonably priced console can be found, the reader anticipates a wave of nostalgia that will provide a welcome distraction from the current state of the gaming industry.
Concerns About the Switch 2’s Game Library
Following the release of another poorly reviewed Nintendo game, a reader is concerned about the potential quality of Hyrule Warriors and Kirby Air Riders, given the low ratings of their predecessors. The reader anticipates a two-tiered system for the Switch 2’s first-party games, with titles like Mario Kart and Donkey Kong at the top and games like Welcome Tour, Drag x Drive, Hyrule Warriors, and Kirby Air Riders at the bottom.
The reader suggests that these lower-tier games feel like they are developed by a different company. While some may be low budget, not all are cheap, leaving the reader unsure of the reasoning behind their creation. The reader predicts that Nintendo’s position on the Metacritic best publisher chart will suffer as a result.
Activision’s Over-Reliance on Call of Duty
A reader ponders what would happen to Activision and Xbox if Call of Duty were to fail. The reader suggests that the success of EA’s Battlefield 6 could potentially break Call of Duty‘s dominance. Without Call of Duty, the reader questions Activision’s value and, by extension, Xbox’s position.
The reader criticises Activision for failing to create other major franchises, despite their financial resources and development teams. The reader points to franchises like Guitar Hero, Crash Bandicoot, Skylanders, and Spider-Man as examples of games that were quickly exploited and abandoned when they stopped generating sufficient revenue. While expressing a lack of sympathy for Activision, the reader acknowledges the thousands of employees who could be laid off if the company’s fortunes decline.
The Increasing Sexualisation of Female Characters in Games
One reader comments on the increasing prevalence of sexy female characters in games, particularly those originating from China and Korea. While not advocating for censorship, the reader finds the trend somewhat pathetic. The reader suggests that when a game makes a player uncomfortable playing in front of their partner due to its depiction of impossibly proportioned women in revealing clothing, it is a sign that something is amiss.
The reader acknowledges that companies are unlikely to admit the reason behind this trend, but the fact that sex sells remains true. The reader finds it strange that a Marvel game is a prominent example, but attributes it to the fact that the game is free-to-play. The reader believes that selling sexy women as skins is a lucrative aspect of live service games.
Gaming PC Advice and a Physical Release of UFO 50
A reader expresses gratitude for the advice received regarding the purchase of a new gaming PC. The reader intends to contact PC Specialist and discuss their requirements, as well as considering a build recommended by another reader.
The reader mentions that their current PC is 13 years old and has recently started experiencing issues, prompting the need for a replacement. The reader is backing up their data regularly as a precaution.
On a different note, the reader mentions that a physical version of UFO 50 for Switch, along with a 116-page guide, is available for pre-order on the Fangamer website. The guide was highlighted by the YouTuber Physical Paradise.
The Future of Final Fantasy
A reader expresses excitement about the possibility of Square Enix collaborating with the developers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and creating more turn-based battle games. The reader hopes that Final Fantasy 17 will be turn-based and have a lower budget.
The reader believes that Final Fantasy does not work well as a large-scale AAA epic, as the need to justify the high costs leads to making the game too mainstream-friendly. The reader found Final Fantasy 16 boring for this reason. The reader is surprised by the quality of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, but acknowledges that it benefits from nostalgia.
Hopes for a Resident Evil Code: Veronica Remake
A reader expresses their long-held desire for a remake of Resident Evil Code: Veronica. The reader recalls playing the PlayStation 2 version of the game, which was originally released on the Dreamcast.
The reader remembers being terrified by Resident Evil 1 and 2 on the PS1, but found Code: Veronica to be special and innovative due to its graphical style, which combined pre-rendered static artwork with newer backgrounds that moved and zoomed in on the scenery.
As a fan of Albert Wesker, the reader enjoyed seeing the evolution of his character, who was believed to have been killed in the Spencer Mansion. Wesker’s swift movements and resemblance to a Metal Gear Solid character solidified his status as an iconic villain.
The reader believes that Code: Veronica expanded the lore of Resident Evil, creating a more intriguing and horrifying mythology for the Umbrella Corporation. The reader hopes that a remake would provide further insight into the Code: Veronica storyline, especially considering the added twists and character development in previous remakes. The reader hopes that Code: Veronica will be released within the next two years. The reader agrees that Resident Evil needs to evolve, but that the past is necessary for the future to work, as demonstrated by Resident Evil 7 and 8, which introduced new characters and storylines while paying homage to the past.
Inbox Also-Rans
A reader jokingly suggests that a game called Crap Dungeon should revert to that title in Japan and the West.
Another reader mentions a rumour that Tales Of Xillia is being remastered and will be announced at Gamescom.