Exciting Developments and Industry Reflections
The Friday letters page is filled with a mix of excitement and concern about the gaming industry. One reader expressed hope that EA Sports FC 26 will do well, while another wondered who else will be in the Zelda movie. Readers are encouraged to join the discussions by emailing [email protected].
A New Perspective on Nintendo Games
A reader shared their thoughts on Donkey Kong Bananza, noting that it’s another good Nintendo game but one that feels mid-tier compared to other titles like Mario Kart World. The reader mentioned that while other companies would be thrilled with a 9/10 rating, Nintendo’s legacy sets a high bar. They also reflected on the current state of the gaming generation, suggesting that most games are still based on previous consoles and that it usually takes about two years before we see games designed specifically for the current console.
The reader is unsure if they’ll wait for the Switch 2 but isn’t currently tempted this year due to the lack of games rather than the quality of the first two titles. They wonder what comes next after Prime 4, speculating that Animal Crossing might be a counterpoint to the hardcore Prime 4. However, predicting new IPs is challenging, and the reader admits it’s exciting but frustrating not knowing what to expect this year.
Casting Concerns for the Zelda Movie
Another reader expressed surprise at the young and inexperienced actors chosen for Link and Zelda in the upcoming Zelda movie. They hope the casting director knows what they’re doing, as it’s a big gamble from the start. The reader also questioned who the older characters will be in the film, wondering if Impa will be an old granny or a fit version. They speculated that since the movie doesn’t seem to be based on Breath of the Wild, a younger Impa might be more likely. They also wondered if the champions will appear, as they were all peak adults, and whether new characters will be introduced.
EA Sports FC 26 and the Gaming Industry
A reader shared their mixed feelings about EA Sports FC 26, expressing concern about EA’s performance in the gaming industry. While they don’t like much of what EA does, they acknowledge that they’ve enjoyed some of their games, especially the Star Wars titles. They worry about the industry becoming smaller and more dominated by Microsoft, which has shown a willingness to abandon anything for profit. Despite not planning to buy EA Sports FC 26, they hope it does well because EA going under wouldn’t be good for anyone except bigger corporations.
Pricing and Consumer Concerns
A reader commented on the high price of Donkey Kong Bananza, finding £65 for the physical copy too expensive. They noted that Nintendo games rarely go on sale, making it hard to justify the cost. They recalled buying Cyberpunk 2077 for £54 at launch due to a deal, suggesting that the sweet spot for them is around that price. They also mentioned that most Switch games had an RRP of £50 but sold for £40 at launch, questioning why retailers aren’t using this strategy more often.
Concerns About AI and Job Losses
Another reader was upset about developers being laid off in favor of AI, noting that even Candy Crush could be the beginning of a trend. They hoped something would be done to prevent talented people from leaving the industry. They questioned the future of working for a company only to be replaced by AI.
Ubisoft and Ex-Ubisoft Reflections
A reader shared their experience with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, calling it a mediocre title that failed to make exploration of feudal Japan appealing. They praised the stealth mechanics but criticized the combat and story. They also mentioned that the protagonist, Yasuke, was forgettable. However, they bought another title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which they considered magnificent and worthy of Game of the Year.
Tips for Mario Kart Battle Mode
A reader provided a tip for players struggling with turning in Mario Kart battle mode, suggesting holding A and B together in a direction while moving the stick. They noted that this works in free roam and wished the reader luck.
Superman and Gaming Potential
A reader shared their love for the new Superman movie, highlighting its moral code and wholesome alter egos. They suggested that games featuring Superman and Batman could explore detective gameplay, similar to Arkham Asylum. They also imagined a game where Clark Kent and Lois Lane investigate crimes, showcasing Superman’s powers like speed, heat ray blasts, and X-ray vision. However, they acknowledged the difficulty of creating a proper Superman game, fearing it might end up as a watered-down side-view beat ‘em-up.
Additional Reader Comments
Readers also shared their thoughts on the FIFA curse and the possibility of a RoboCop vs. Terminator game. They expressed hope for the creators of RoboCop: Rogue City to return with a new title.
Weekly Updates and Submissions
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content. Readers can submit their own 500 to 600-word features via email or the Submit Stuff page. They can also leave comments below and follow on Twitter. Sign up for the GameCentral newsletter for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.
