Are 3D Platformers a Dying Breed?
A reader admits to eagerly awaiting Bubsy 4D, despite the franchise's poor history, citing a desperate hunger for 3D platformers. With no new 3D Mario on the horizon, no Sonic Frontiers sequel, and studios like Rare and Naughty Dog abandoning the genre, they question if the 3D platformer is effectively dead, surviving only through occasional Mario titles and low-budget indie games.
Review Manipulation and Double Standards
Another reader calls out the lack of outrage over an indie developer asking players to remove negative Steam reviews, contrasting it with the backlash against Mixtape. They argue that critics don't truly care about indie gaming and should simply accept that some games aren't for them.
The Future of Assassin's Creed
A reader suggests that bringing back Ezio would be a nostalgia-driven move, indicating a lack of fresh ideas for the franchise. They propose that Assassin's Creed should evolve into something new, perhaps dropping the sci-fi elements to become a pure historical game series, akin to Prince of Persia without the hat.
Is £100 for GTA 6 Fair?
One reader defends the potential £100 price tag for GTA 6, arguing that given the scale and longevity of GTA 5, the value justifies the cost. They note that players often spend hundreds of hours on such games, making the price reasonable compared to other entertainment forms.
Bungie's Financial Woes
Another reader highlights Sony's $765 million loss due to Bungie's underperformance, including Destiny 2's struggles and Marathon's failure. They blame Marathon's steep learning curve for alienating players and predict further job losses.
Time Compression in Game Development
Comparing the gap between GTA 3 and Vice City to the wait for GTA 6 Trailer 2, a reader notes how much faster games were made in the past. They argue that modern development cycles hinder franchises from releasing expansion-style sequels, using Zelda: Majora's Mask as an example of a quick turnaround that would be impossible today.
Capcom's Neglect of Dino Crisis
A frustrated reader laments Capcom's focus on Onimusha and Ōkami over Dino Crisis, despite the popularity of Jurassic World. They feel Capcom is trolling fans by reviving other franchises while ignoring Dino Crisis, referencing the failed multiplayer game Exoprimal.
The Toxicity of Online Gaming Discourse
Another reader criticizes the hostile online chatter surrounding games like Mixtape, Marathon, and Crimson Desert, noting that it alienates normal players. They suggest that the shrinking hardcore fanbase, combined with competition from other media, threatens gaming's future, and call for expanding the audience to include more casual players.
