Sci-fi vs. fantasy debate
Rostie argues that The Witcher 3 is significantly better than Cyberpunk 2077 in terms of story and characters, citing difficulty connecting with the morally ambiguous world of Cyberpunk. He admits combat is not great in The Witcher 3 but finds it no better in Cyberpunk. He anticipates The Witcher 4 may not arrive before 2029, but appreciates CD Projekt Red taking their time.
Counter-Strike skin economy
Rimvydas highlights the massive scale of Counter-Strike's skin trading economy, with a market cap in the billions. The skinradar.gg website lists 43 marketplaces, many seeing millions of monthly visitors. GC notes the skins themselves seem unremarkable.
Splatoon Raiders review divide
Misko observes a stark contrast between US and UK reviews of Splatoon Raiders: IGN gave a 9, while The Guardian scored it 2 out of 5. He criticizes the lack of new ideas and story in the single-player spin-off, calling Splatoon 3 a minimal effort and worrying about the franchise's direction.
Digital vs. physical debate
Zeiss argues that consumers have sleepwalked into a digital-only future, noting that second-hand sales on the high street have died out. He predicts the PlayStation 6 will lack a disc drive, with digital sales already at 90%. Simundo counters that digital games can be cheaper via sales and subscription services, citing Assassin's Creed Odyssey on sale 32 times since January 2023 for £8.24-£16.49. However, he acknowledges concerns about loss of resale value and suggests Steam-like refunds or demos.
Count Binface and Shenmue 4
-bcdcdude praises Count Binface's call for Shenmue 4, recalling the Times Square advert and BAFTA award for most influential game. GC notes that Shenmue 3 was a squandered opportunity. Mark Matthews reports a physical release of Shenmue 3 Enhanced on Switch 2, Xbox, and PS5, due this autumn.
Inbox also-rans
Duke speculates on a Zelda: Ocarina of Time Direct, noting Nintendo's unpredictability. Morrie celebrates Darkest Dungeon's 10th anniversary and new DLC.
