The latest Games Inbox sees readers debating the enduring popularity of Final Fantasy 7, the potential fallout of GTA 6's success, and the challenges facing the upcoming Zelda live-action film. One reader laments the lack of hype for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, calling it one of the best Japanese role-playing games ever made.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Underappreciated Masterpiece?
Reader Korbie, writing in, expresses excitement for the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Revelation at Gamescom Opening Night Live but notes a general lack of enthusiasm for the remake trilogy. They argue that the original 1997 game, which turns 30 next year, may actually be holding the remake back. 'It’s going to be 30 years old next year and that means you’ve got to be a certain age to remember or appreciate it,' Korbie writes, suggesting that younger players may be put off by the need to know the original.
Korbie insists the first two remake games are excellent standalone titles, stating, 'I honestly think the first two are great games that anyone can enjoy, and I expect the third one will be too.' They believe Square Enix has realized that the perceived necessity of playing the original is deterring newcomers.
Take-Two's Post-GTA 6 Strategy
Another reader, Tacle, looks beyond GTA 6 to what Take-Two will do with its inevitable profits. They note that Take-Two has 29 games in development, including potentially Bioshock 4, and hope that the company will invest in new projects. 'The best case scenario is that GTA 6 makes so much money Take-Two doesn’t have to try ever again, and just funds whatever because there’s no way it can lose more money than GTA 6 makes,' Tacle writes.
However, GC responds with skepticism, noting that Take-Two has previously claimed to have a dozen or more games in development without delivering. They suspect the company counts Zynga titles and multiple platform versions in its numbers.
BioWare's Independence: A Pipe Dream?
The Bishop agrees with a previous Reader's Feature about BioWare needing to escape EA's control but doubts it's feasible. They point to Double Fine's recent struggles after leaving Microsoft, including layoffs, as evidence that independent studios face tough odds. 'If BioWare did split off I don’t think there’s much chance that they’d be able to last long either,' The Bishop writes, adding that Mass Effect's diminished popularity makes a new game unlikely unless BioWare stays with EA.
Sony's All-Digital Future: Consumer Choice?
Reader Alex defends Sony's push toward digital-only gaming, citing that 85% of sales are now digital. They argue that consumers have voted with their wallets, and the move is inevitable. Alex also advocates for a future of cloud streaming from a central supercomputer, saying, 'All of these things are inevitable and necessary, we have been wasteful and hubristic and needs to change.'
Nintendo's Next Console: A Phoenix Rising?
Reader G4RBO hopes Nintendo will name its next console 'Phoenix' after the Switch 2's lifecycle ends in 10 years. They envision Nintendo reinventing console gaming again, as they did with the NES and Wii, and dismiss mandatory streaming as 'not the future… It will be, but not just yet.'
Xbox Series S Pricing: A Missed Opportunity
Reader icelticghost criticizes the Xbox Series S for being nearly as expensive as the Series X at launch, undermining its budget appeal. They suggest Microsoft should bundle popular titles like Forza Horizon, Gears Of War, and Halo to boost sales before GTA 6 arrives. They also express disappointment in Microsoft's lack of contingency plans for price increases.
In a postscript, icelticghost agrees with a previous letter about an Assassin's Creed game set in the Roman Empire, noting the era's potential for settings like Augustus's reign or the Punic Wars.
Blu-ray: Sony's Decision Could Force Xbox's Hand
Reader David asks if Sony's move to end Blu-ray disc production for PS5 will force Xbox to do the same, given Sony co-developed the format. GC clarifies that Blu-ray is used widely for movies and other products, so Sony's decision only affects PS5 discs, not the format itself.
Zelda Movie: Script Concerns
Reader Bison is pessimistic about the upcoming live-action Zelda film, citing the scriptwriter of Pacific Rim Uprising as a red flag. They doubt the film can have a logical plot and good dialogue, predicting a critical mauling that could damage Nintendo's reputation. 'To a non-gamer, Nintendo is not the maker of the finest video games in history but that company that keeps making the hyperactive kids’ movies with no plot,' Bison writes, noting the second Mario movie's box office decline.
Other Inbox Highlights
Winston speculates that Sony withheld review copies of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls due to a poor PC version, while Gildar notes it's been 10 years since Super Mario Odyssey with no sequel in sight, despite two successful Mario movies.
Readers can email gamecentral@metro.co.uk with their opinions, and the Inbox appears every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic editions on weekends.
