The Monday letters page sees readers split on Grand Theft Auto 6's visuals, with one comparing the upcoming title to a 2012 Xbox 360 game, while others praise the Netflix show and anticipate the November 19 release. Meanwhile, a recap of Opening Night Live at Gamescom 2026 highlights reveals including Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, Metro 2039, and a remastered The Witcher 3.
GTA 6 Graphics: Impressive or Overhyped?
Reader David praised the GTA 6 footage shown on Netflix, noting the graphics were 'great' and that developers still have 'a few good months to get them better.' He expressed excitement for the gameplay, calling it 'my sort of game,' and plans to play from midnight on November 19. 'It's been 13 years since the last one and I'm going to love it,' he wrote, adding that the Ultimate Edition is worth the extra cost. He also dismissed critics, saying 'players... they could make that trailer perfect in every way and they would still be people saying that wasn't good enough.'
However, reader Bobwallett was less impressed, stating that GTA 6 'looks slightly better than the Max Payne 3 game I recently played on my Xbox 360.' He acknowledged more details but said, 'considering how much they are supposed to have spent on it, I'm not hyped/blown away.' He remains hopeful for a fantastic game, noting graphics aren't his priority, and cited Dave the Diver as a favourite this year.
GameCentral's GC responded to David's optimism, noting that 'nothing is changing about the game in the next two months' as the team focuses on bug-fixing at this stage of development.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Disappoints Fans
Bobwallett also shared his disappointment with Ninja Gaiden 4, which he tried after positive reviews. After eight levels, he stopped, calling it 'a competent game in its own right but it simply isn't Ninja Gaiden.' He described it as 'the love child of Platinum's Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising wrapped in Ninja Gaiden clothing,' criticising the enemies (huge robot dogs, giant floating mothballs) and a 'ninja lady boss who seems more interested in Madonna style groovy dance moves.' He found the weapon levelling 'clunky and overdone,' and hopes Team Ninja retakes control for a sequel, though he fears the classic style is 'confined to yesteryear.'
GC agreed with his assessment, admitting they enjoy PlatinumGames' work more than previous Ninja Gaiden titles, and noted that both Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound 'were both flops,' so a franchise return is unlikely soon.
Rockstar Retrospective and Xbox Anniversary
Michael Veal spent the weekend replaying GTA: Vice City on PlayStation 2 and watching a YouTube documentary on Rockstar Games. He found the ambience held up, boosted by the eighties soundtrack and stellar cast, but the missions were frustrating due to narrow streets and camera issues. He also learned that Grand Theft Auto was originally called Race 'N' Chase by DMA Design, and noted that Vice City came just a year after GTA 3. GC added that a Dreamcast-era Grand Theft Auto: Online Crime World was planned but never happened.
Reader Tim praised Xbox's anniversary efforts, including the special edition Xbox Series X and the 'Xbox inspired McDonald's menu' and Ikea range, particularly the thumbstick stool and D-pad platter. He recalled his first Xbox purchase, choosing black over translucent green.
Parental Guidance and Gamescom 2026 Highlights
Responding to a previous Reader's Feature on parenting and adult games, a reader shared their approach: educating children and gently steering them toward family-friendly titles. They avoided playing GTA in front of their daughters, and now their 12-year-old happily plays Star Fox and Splatoon Raiders, even telling friends 'my dad won't let me play GTA.' They admitted it's not an overnight fix but worked with perseverance, though they acknowledged a different dynamic with sons.
Reader Alucard recapped Gamescom 2026's Opening Night Live, praising Geoff Keighley's opening speech about his father and the industry. Highlights included Nodusfall (with 'Elden Ring Melania vibes'), Final Fantasy 7 Revelation introduced by director Naoki Hamaguchi, Metro 2039 (with its 'proudly made in Ukraine' emotional context), a remastered The Witcher 3 for PlayStation 5 with free expansions including Blood And Wine and a new Songs Of The Past expansion, plus Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons, Lego Skylines, and Perceptum. Alucard also noted Apple's September event announcement, saying 'there's no stopping 2026 and the 2027 gaming revelations.'
In other inbox items, a reader praised the Call of Duty multiplayer beta on Xbox Series X, noting the boycott of PlayStation, and GC confirmed a Days Gone sequel is 'almost certainly not' happening, while one reader was amused to realise a GTA 6 trailer song was by Cliff Richard.
