Retro rivalries: Tomb Raider vs. UnchartedSteve BoxerSteve BoxerPublished November 20, 2024 6:00pmUpdated November 20, 2024 6:01pm Tomb Raider vs. Uncharted a battle of equals? (Sony Interactive Entertainment/Embracer Group/Metro)For over a decade, Tomb Raider and Uncharted have slugged it out for the affection of gamers but how did things start and what is the future for both series?Even the greatest rivalries can take years to develop and when Tomb Raider was released (initially only on the Sega Saturn) in 1996, there was no hint that it would end up as one half of a double act. Even so, its difficult to overstate the impact it made on a previously unsuspecting game-playing public. It may seem incredible now, but it was the first successful action adventure game to feature a female protagonist. And what a protagonist: Lara Croft was blue-blooded, seductive, totally kickass, and able to wield a gun in each hand while pulling off gymnastic moves.By the time Tomb Raider 2 was released in 1997, Lara Croft had appeared on the cover of The Face and been the subject of a feature in The Economist. She was also famously co-opted into Tony Blairs Cool Britannia circus. Ian Livingstone, at that time CEO of original Tomb Raider publisher Eidos Interactive, later told me the company had only pressed 100,000 copies of the first Tomb Raider at launch and ended up selling 5 million.Eidos was not slow to capitalise on its hit: Tomb Raider 3 followed in 1998 and Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation in 1999. The series became associated with the parallel success of the original PlayStation, with Eidos negotiating a console exclusivity clause with Sony that made Lara Croft a de facto console mascot.But Eidoss eagerness to milk its cash cow and the aforementioned affinity with the PlayStation nearly bred disaster. Things went pear-shaped when original developer Core Designs failed to get to grips with the complexities of programming for the PlayStation 2 (launched in 2000), which led to the disastrous release of Tomb Raider: Angel Of Darkness originally slated for a 2002 release but delayed until 2003.Angel Of Darkness was a hot mess not only was it hopelessly buggy (then Sony Europe boss Chris Deering subsequently told me that had it not been a Tomb Raider game he would never have allowed it to be certified for release) but its attempt to redefine the well-worn Tomb Raider format, placing Lara in a near-empty Paris that was supposed to function as a sort of world hub, fell hopelessly flat.Tomb Raider survived the disaster that was Angel Of Darkness, but Core Design did not. Eidos subsequently entrusted development duties to San Francisco-based Crystal Dynamics and one of the games industrys first successful franchise reboots was the result. Crystal Dynamics first effort, 2006s Tomb Raider Legend, got things back on track in fine style and Lara was reborn, with a less anatomically infeasible figure and a generally more realistic tone. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is still plenty of fun today (Aspyr)And at that point, one of the games industrys great rivalries was born. In 2007, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune was released to the world. One of the first major first party releases for the PlayStation 3, it was published by Sony and developed by Naughty Dog, who were then best known for Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter.In Nathan Drake, it may have had a male protagonist, but Uncharted: Drakes Fortune had more than a mere whiff of Tomb Raider about it to the point where some nicknamed it Dude Raider. Third person action adventure gameplay involving gunplay, platforming, and puzzle-solving with an Indiana Jones style archaeological bent? Check. Exotic locations? Check. Rock-climbing? Of course.Playing Drakes Fortune felt like playing a Tomb Raider game, albeit with the best production values a mid-2000s video game could muster. There was also a strong cast of supporting characters, who were interesting and complex (Laras cohorts are rarely anything less than annoying) and some equally involving storylines. Indeed, story-wise, Drakes Fortune had much more to offer than any previous Tomb Raider game and in graphical terms it felt more state-of-the-art.Laras fierce fanbase would counter that it lacked Tomb Raiders more complex platforming and puzzles, while also accusing Uncharted of copyism: Tomb Raider, of course, was already a decade old as a franchise, before the first Uncharted was released.Discerning gamers, with no particular bias, would contend that two quality action adventure franchises, however similar, were surely better than just one. And for the next decade the rivalry raged in the best possible way for gamers: with a steady stream of great games.In 2007 Tomb Raider: Anniversary a well-received remake of the original Tomb Raider went up against Uncharted: Drakes Fortune. It was swiftly followed by Tomb Raider Underworld in 2008, the final game in Crystal Dynamics initial trilogy of titles.Naughty Dog hit back with Uncharted 2: Among Thieves in 2009, which was showered with both critical praise and a hatful of awards. Still considered by many to be the best in the series, it was the point at which Uncharted became one of Sonys most important new franchises and Naughty Dog was recognised for their storytelling and character work, as much as for their gameplay and graphics.We then had to wait until 2011 for Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception, which was very good, even if it never eclipsed its predecessor. But Tomb Raider wasnt done yet: 2013s gritty reboot, simply entitled Tomb Raider, sparked a new trilogy which clearly borrowed some elements from Uncharted. Most notable was a new-found ability to drop into first person mode and free aim bows and guns, plus a multiplayer element as seen in Uncharted 2. Its still unclear what the reboot trilogys legacy will be (Square Enix)The Tomb Raider reboots depiction of a young Laras origin story breathed a new lease of life into the legendary franchise and Crystal Dynamics, unsurprisingly, capitalised on it. Next up in the new trilogy was 2015s Rise Of The Tomb Raider and then in 2016 Naughty Dog released the last mainline entry in the Uncharted series and the first not to involve co-creator Amy Hennig.Uncharted 4: A Thiefs End had a slightly more serious tone, and no supernatural elements, and was followed up by half-sequel Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, in which players controlled the female character Chloe Frazer, making it the most Tomb Raider-like Uncharted game of all.Crystal Dynamics second trilogy, begun in 2013, was concluded in 2018 with Shadow Of The Tomb Raider, which again garnered critical praise, and sold well, although not spectacularly.And then nothing. Since 2018, both franchises have been dormant and their hugely enjoyable rivalry, lasting over a decade, has evaporated. Will we see either franchise resurrected? Currently, its hard to say, and there are worrying reasons why.As far as Tomb Raider is concerned, its most recent publisher, Square Enix (which subsumed Eidos in 2009) sold Crystal Dynamics and the Tomb Raider intellectual property to Embracer Group in 2022. 2024 was an annus horribilis for Embracer Group; after an overoptimistic bout of expansion, it was forced to restructure and laid off more than 4,500 employees. Tomb Raiders future has been assured but still nothing has been shown of the game and fans are understandably worried.Meanwhile, Uncharted 4 was a very purposeful ending for the franchise, at least as far as protagonist Nathan Drake Is concerned. Naughty Dog has made it very clear theyre not returning to the series but, especially after the release of the live action movie, theres been persistent rumours of Sony getting a different developer to work on a new entry.More TrendingHowever, away from video games, both franchises continue to exert major cultural influence. The rivalry between the two moved into a new arena in 2022, when an Uncharted film was released, starring Tom Holland as Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg as Sully. A sequel is already underway.Tomb Raider, of course, has existed in the movie space since 2001s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, in which Angelie Jolie portrayed Lara, returning for a sequel in 2003, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider The Cradle of Life. More recently, Alicia Vikander took over celluloid Lara duties in 2018s Tomb Raider.Head to Netflix and youll find a newly released anime series entitled Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft and Phoebe Waller-Bridge is reportedly working on a new live action Tomb Raider series for Amazon Prime, possibly involving Sophie Turner in the lead role.While both franchises live on via TV and film there almost certainly will be new entries in both series within the next couple of years. In fact, given the timings involved theres a good chance theyll come out at roughly the same time, opening up a new era in their mutually beneficial rivalry. Nathan Drake may have had his last starring role, in games at least (Sony Interactive Entertainment)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Why we still havent begun our Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 reviewNick GillettNick GillettPublished November 21, 2024 8:58amUpdated November 21, 2024 8:58am Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 itd be nice if it worked before 2025 (Xbox Game Studios)Two days after it first launched and its still impossible to play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, as it suffers server and other technical problems.Its easy to be cynical when publishers withhold review copies until a games day of release. The immediate assumption is that they know theyve got a dud on their hands and are trying to hide it until the last possible moment.Often thats exactly why it happens but sometimes there are mitigating circumstances, especially if its an online-only game or a developer has been rushing to get it ready to hit an inflexible release date.In the case of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 its non-availability before launch was explained, by Microsoft, as being due to the online services not being ready and a planned day one patch update for Xbox and PC. As excuses go, that one didnt sound too worrying. The problem is those online services are still not working and as we write this the game has already been out for two days.The reality of Flight Simulator 2004s situation has turned out to be something wearyingly familiar, especially as it comes only a few days after the fourth anniversary of Cyberpunk 2077s nightmare launch.On trying to start Flight Simulator 2004, which despite being single-player requires an always-on Internet connection to play it, we were greeted with a static Login Queue screen explaining, Too many users are trying to connect at the same time. Apparently having a large number of players trying to play a triple-A title on launch day was a situation nobody had considered in advance.The queue later changed to a server error, and the following day gave way to downloading several gigabytes of assets, which seemed positive until the download froze at 97%. Restarting the game the same thing happened.Later in the day we were able to complete that process, only to have the game freeze in the set-up menus. Rebooting our Xbox Series X, we got to the same screen in set-up before it froze again. And again. And again.A number of PC players have managed to load the game, and theyre already complaining of a litany of glitches, broken textures, and performance issues. The fact that its been review-bombed down to 1/10 on Steam is perhaps understandable given the scale of disappointment.Reader Saints Stickman summed it up nicely in Wednesdays Inbox: So, Microsoft want us all to believe that cloud gaming is the future. Yet they release Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 today and all you get is a message saying, too many users are trying to connect at the same time.Thats the software installed locally on an Xbox Series X just trying to connect to the servers. If the infrastructure cannot handle that, then how are they ever going to handle streaming the game down too! The only cloud they are in is Cloud Cuckoo Land!It also raises the long-standing concern of whether you actually own a game when you buy it digitally, especially when, through no fault of your own, you then cant play it. The rise of digital purchases shows no sign of stopping and yet Flight Simulator 2024 makes a very clear argument against it.More TrendingReader Cassius2K alludes to exactly that in the same Inbox: In a world where people buy digital and never actually own it, the top version is 199.99. Thats a lot of money.It certainly is, and its a reminder that rules around digital ownership may need to be tightened up to prevent companies we buy from being able to withdraw rights to a game, film or piece of music whenever they feel like it or happen to be experiencing technical difficulties.It would be different if there were a built-in compensation process if your train doesnt run on time you get a partial refund but despite prices for games that stretch well over 100, gamers have no recourse except venting their anger on Steam. If you cant play the game you bought, tough luck. Nothing about that seems fair.We look forward to reviewing Flight Simulator 2024 and will do so as soon as its in a playable state. Unfortunately, we have no idea when that will be. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 flights have been delayed (Xbox Game Studios)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

The best cosy video games to play and relax with this winterMichael BeckwithPublished November 21, 2024 1:00am No prizes for guessing if a certain popular farming sim is on the list (Picture: Steam)If youre looking for something more relaxing than the usual action games this winter, theres a whole cosy world of video games waiting for you.As much as we love the action thrills of games like Elden Ring and Call Of Duty, sometimes you just want a relaxing time where you can lose yourself in a stress-free game and not have to worry about dying or making the wrong decision.The term cosy game is rather nebulous, and to a degree depends on your point of view, but usually it refers to something simple and safe that typically doesnt involve a lot of action or require fast reflexes.With the winter season upon us and the colder weather forcing everyone under several layers of blankets to stay warm, its the perfect time to indulge in cosier fare. So, weve put together a short list of some of the best cosy games available, for when you need a break from more demanding titles.Animal Crossing: New Horizons(Nintendo Switch)The quintessential cosy game has been around since the early 2000s but it really came into its own with the release of Switch entry Animal Crossing: New Horizons, just at the start of the pandemic. That may go down as the most fortuitous release date ever as its gentle, stress-free gameplay, about exploring and customising your cute little village involved all the sort of everyday, outdoor tasks that were suddenly denied to people.New Horizons has no goal. You can do as little or as much as you like, whether its catching fish and insects, a spot of DIY and landscaping, or simply chatting to your neighbours and making friends with the animal inhabitants or online human visitors. Nintendo stopped supporting the game some time ago but it quickly became one of their most successful games ever and thats certain to mean a new entry very early on in the Switch 2s lifespan. Still waiting on that sequel, Nintendo (Nintendo)A Short Hike(PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC)Just like the name implies, A Short Hike isnt the lengthiest of games. You could very easily beat it in a single evening, but thats not to its detriment. If anything, its impressive how, in such little time, A Short Hike features a wonderfully open-ended island thats more fun to explore than some triple-A titles.Its also dripping with charm from start to finish, with a delightful script, cast of characters, and soundtrack. As an anthropomorphic bird named Claire, your goal is to simply reach a mountain summit to get some mobile phone reception. While the conclusion to this simple tale is a tad underplayed, the journey is one worth taking, especially with how cheap it is.Coffee Talk(PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC)Visual novels are well suited to late night play sessions, while lying in bed, since they act more like interactive books where the most input required is proceeding to the next bit of dialogue. If something like Ace Attorney, with its high-stake courtroom dramas, is too exciting for you, though, you may prefer the vibes of Coffee Talk.In this game, you are a humble barista who runs a coffee shop in an urban fantasy take on Seattle. Your only goal is to serve the customers that frequent your shop and listen to their problems. Between its 90s inspired art style and lo-fi soundtrack, its perfect for quick play sessions before bedtime.Spiritfarer(PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, and Android)Now for something more involved. In Spiritfarer, you are in charge of ferrying spirits of the dead over to the afterlife. That may sound like a grim premise, but Spiritfarer is anything but. One look at its visuals and that becomes readily apparent, with most of the game spent on befriending your passengers, learning their backstories, and ensuring their last voyage is a happy one.Its like a more sombre Animal Crossing since, by the end, you need to say goodbye to your newfound friends forever as they move on. And Spiritfarer isnt afraid to get into the nitty-gritty of the effects death can have on those left behind. Still, its a moving, comforting kind of adventure, and not all the tears you shed by the end will be sad ones.Disney Dreamlight Valley(PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and iOS)Calling Disney Dreamlight Valley a Disney take on Animal Crossing feels a bit reductive, but its apt. Instead of an island home, you build and manage the titular valley to meet the needs of a wide range of Disney icons. Much like the classic animated movies kids of the 90s know Disney for, its all very whimsical and full of heart.And, unlike Animal Crossing, its planning to pump out expansions and updates all the way throughout 2025, bringing even more characters, biomes, and customisation options to the games. Were sure once a new Animal Crossing drops, everyone will flock to that, but Disney Dreamlight Valley is still a perfectly valid alternative.Stardew Valley(PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC)More TrendingOf course we included Stardew Valley. Out of all the farming sims on the market, it is by far the most famous example, even though its technically a clone of the much older Harvest Moon/Story Of Seasons franchise. The sole work of one Eric ConcernedApe Barone, Stardew Valleys compelling gameplay loop, diverse cast of characters, and mountains of content have kept it popular for over eight years and made it even more famous than its inspiration.Beyond the base game, there are also plenty of fan-made mods to download that risk making Stardew Valley the only game youll ever play again, if it gets its hooks in you. Barone keeps adding new content, with the latest update arriving in March 2024, despite plans to release a new sim title, Haunted Chocolatier.While other farming sims have come and gone since 2016, Stardew Valley has remained. No matter the time of year, the best time to start playing Stardew Valley was eight years ago. The next best time is right now. If youre not playing Stardew Valley, why not? (Steam)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.ArrowMORE: Bloomtown: A Different Story review a cosy RPG GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Is the PlayStation 6 really only two years away? (Credits: Stanislav Kogiku/SOPA Images/Shu)The Thursday letters page pits Steam Deck vs. Asus ROG Ally vs. Lenevo Legion Go, as a reader loses faith in the developers of Battlefield 6.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukSkipping aheadWell, I guess we know what 2025 is going to be all about now; not just Switch 2 and GTA 6 but PlayStation 6 and probably next gen Xbox too. I dont know anyone that wants the last two but already weve got leaked specs for Sonys new machine and even if theyre not real it wont be long before we know for sure.The question after that is when will Sony announce it officially? The PS5 Pro was leaked years before it was announced, so I dont think Sony like to be rushed. But if specs are being leaked now, I dont see it coming out any later than 2027.Looking back Sony started talking about the PlayStation 5 in spring 2019 and then released the specs in October just over a year before it was released. If they follow that same pattern for a 2026 launch then theyd start talking about it early next year, but that really seems too early to me. So, Im going to bet on a 2027 release.If we do start getting announcements early next year though, perhaps in an attempt to counter the Switch 2, I dont think theyre going to go down as well as Sony thinks. If PS5 Pro got a backlash just imagine how its going to be when people who havent even upgraded from a PlayStation 4 yet realise theres yet another console coming out. Theyll end up skipping a whole generation.BarnsleyReading the signsSounds like Nintendo is not messing about with the Switch 2, if the story about how much stock theyre getting ready is true. Theres not much you can draw from that except that theyre confident and its probably not that expensive as a console. You dont start stockpiling something thats going to be super expensive.Nintendo are many things, but they know when theyve got a hit on their hands and they know when theyve got a flop. They dropped the Wii U like a rock when they realised it wasnt working out (which Im sure they knew from the start really) and didnt waste any extra resources on it, as they immediately focused on something else.If Nintendo wasnt sure about the Switch 2 wed be able to tell, not just in terms of the stock but the advertising and the launch games. If all that is looking good when it is finally announced then theyre probably right to be confident about it.GoldacheFootery ExtremeRegarding Chris portable PC pickle, there are a few things to bear in mind. Firstly, Id say to pay attention to the processors in the ROG Ally and Legion Go. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme is the current top of the line and offers real performance boosts compared to the Steam Deck, but the non-extreme versions dont seem to be well reviewed compared to Steam Deck.Some earlier ROG Ally devices also had issues with the micro SD cards being damaged (melted in the slot I believe) so look out for that. The safest option is probably the newer ROG Ally X but that comes at a premium.I can say that the Steam Deck has been great for me and given I mostly use it to play PlayStation 3/4 era games Ive never been disappointed with it. If your son is looking to play more modern games at anything other than low quality settings/~30fps the more powerful Ally or Legion Go is the way to go (but also dont expect high-end gaming PC equivalent performance).One area of consensus is that Steam Deck benefits from better support from Valve and a nice console lite interface, whereas the Windows-based devices can be more footery. Let us know what you decide!MagnumstacheEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThird optionIn regards to the Steam Deck vs. ROG Ally debate, I have a fair bit of first hand knowledge in regards to this, as I was fortunate enough to own a Steam Deck, which I have since traded in for a Lenevo Legion Go.Firstly, theres a number of options in regards to the Steam Deck. Firstly, the OLED vs LCD. The OLED is the better option, as it comes with a better battery and more storage and the screen is said to be considerably more vibrant. In this respect the OLED Steam Deck also beats the Rog Ally, which has a shorter battery life and an LCD screen, which is much less bright.The Steam Deck has an interface that is easier to use than most other handheld devices and a little more in keeping with a console experience. The ROG Ally, on the other hand, is said to be a little less so. However, do be aware that even on the Steam Deck you will need to alter the graphical settings for certain games to run well.The advantages of the Rog Ally are that it is more powerful and therefore theoretically more demanding AAA games will run better. It may also have a longer shelf life for this reason. The ROG Ally will also play games from storefronts other than Steam, such as Epic Games, as well as Games Pass and Windows games. This is technically possible on Steam Deck but requires some slightly advanced tinkering.If you are considering the ROG Ally may I slightly complicate matters and suggest the Legion Go; it has the same processor as the Rog Ally, so performance is similar and can also play Windows games, etc. However, it has a bigger 8.8 inch screen capable of higher resolutions, so games look great. Also, you can detach the controllers like a switch and also it has a controller than can function as a mouse.The RRP was more at launch but these days it seems to be around the same price as the Rog Ally.Worth keeping in mind with both the Rog Ally and the Legion Go, is that the battery will only last around two hours when playing very demanding games, whereas the Steam Deck OLED version is said to be much improved over the Rog Ally and even the LCD Steam Deck. This doesnt matter too much if, like me, you intend to play in bed where you have easy access to a plug but will be a factor if you will play for more extended sessions on the move.In summary, the Steam Deck is slightly more user friendly, a better screen and battery (In the OLED version). The ROG Ally and Legion Go have better performance and can play Game Pass games, etc. and the Legion Go also has a bigger, higher resolution screen, detachable controllers, and one that will work as a mouse.matc7884 Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree game of the year material, again (Bandai Namco)Out of contentionI dont think Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree deserves a Game of the Year nomination, never mind win.I love Elden Ring as much as anyone. And Bloodborne is easily my greatest of all time. So Im not a FromSoftware hater.I actually think Hidetaka Miyazaki Is the heir apparent to Shigeru Miyamoto.Obviously, the games they directed/lead the design on are very different, except for in one very important way. They both have made a name for putting out games of exceptional quality.With that said, I dont think Shadow Of The Erdtree is all that great. I think it was released before it was ready.Thats a very different thing to saying a Ubisoft or EA game released too early, but no cut scene when you enter the Lands of Shadow or for Renalla support this. As does the base game talismans not working on incants, spells, and wot not from the DLC.The map verticality is just plain confusing. Im on my third playthrough and I still have to google how to get to the Hinterlands and deal with Shadow Keep, just from a Where the eff am I? kind of deal.The map also has a lot of absolutely nothing. No items or enemies. Areas that only exist for the purpose of making the map larger.Comparing Shadow Of The Erdtree to The Old Hunters puts it into an interesting perspective. FromSoftware are a safe pair of hands for expansions but their DLC is not all created equally.The Old Hunters isnt just a really tight gameplay experience, which adds some of gamings most iconic bosses and weapons pizza cutter go brr it also expands on the lore built in the base game.You cant say any of that about Shadow of The Erdtree. Im not saying the expansion is bad. I am saying it isnt worthy of Game of the Year. Not by a long way.P.EllaProblems with PortalsSince getting a PlayStation 5 with a PlayStation Portal, Ive used the Portal a lot. I have to say its streaming quality is really, really good. Its also got a really nice screen that is a decent size.However, everything else about the thing aint that great! Nothing to the extent that you wouldnt use the thing, its just possibly the worst designed device out there.I know some people didnt like what it looks like, but I actually did. That was until I realised its the most impractical thing to keep anywhere. Its not going to fit in cases of any description and the shape seems designed to get caught on stuff.Next is the controls. Theres a reason no other handheld device has the thumbsticks there and while you get used to it, its just not as nice to hold as the others. It is essentially just a regular PlayStation 5 controller, but the extra length and weight make a big difference when youre trying to hold the thing in one hand and keep your thumb on the thumbstick.Lastly, and this is trivial but annoying. It feels like they purposefully tried to hide the power and volume buttons along the top. Unlike the Switch or Logitech GCloud, which have them on the top edge, theyre recessed behind the screen. The white back panel is also slightly higher than them so when you press over the screen it blocks your finger from actually pressing the buttons.Id still recommend the device, but only really because its got a decent screen and is cheaper than all the others. If PlayStation 6 really is a handheld (which I would welcome) I hope they up their game with hardware design, because this really does feel like just accepting a lot of negatives just for a good screen.TimSecond opinionsPlaytesting Battlefield 6 for a year, or whatever theyre doing, is all well and good, but is no one else worried that the developers themselves dont know whether the game is good or not without asking fans? Why couldnt they work out that Battlefield 2045 was a dud themselves? And why do they need a year of asking everyone they can think of to know if the new one is good or not?I dont know whos left that used to work on the original games but Im going to guess its very few if anyone. In my opinion, the new game should have either been farmed out to a completely different developer or the franchise just laid to rest for a while. If Battlefield 6 doesnt work out, are they going to do two years of testing for Battlefield 7?GoremanEnd of the lineWith just over a month to go before 2024 comes to end, weve had the release of two games that, in some gamers eyes, have ruined the two series going forward forever.Those games are Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown and Life Is Strange: Double Exposure. Games that had been years in the making, after fans had wished to see a new entry in each series.In fact, I was one of those who was about to buy an Xbox Series X just so I could play one of those games but after an extremely poor launch with connection issues and content that made Test Drive Unlimited a Test Drive Unlimited game left out, I decided to put my saved pounds towards the Swiitch TwU.Then a month later, a new Life Is Strange game is released.Fans of that series had been wanting a new game set in that universe for sometime, including me, with some of them wanting two characters bought back.Not me though!Bringing back a character already beloved by many is always a risk due to ruining what made people like them in the first place.And now, here we are post-launch of both games, with fans unhappy with either game. I know its hard to please everyone, especially gamers, but their grievances are genuine.Why do so many developers/publishers run this risk?The obvious answer is to make money off of nostalgia.But is the negativity worth it?As regards Solar Crown, gamers have said that this release has killed the Test Drive Unlimited franchise off forever.In fact, the only benefit from Solar Crowns bad start is that all the Test Drive fans have started talking about and sharing the love they had/have about its predecessor, Test Drive Unlimited 2, which is not what you want when you have a brand spanking new product just released.LeighDappaInbox also-ransRE: DS games. You forgot Bangai-O Spirits. Amazing game.RaveGC: It was on our short list, but we still think of it as a Dreamcast franchise especially as Spirits doesnt make any particular use of the DSs unusual set-up.RE: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Was really looking forward to playing it, but once again Microsoft fluffed it with the release. Such a shame that it mostly runs off the cloud, with wait times of up to two hours just to access the servers. Dont think Ill be playing it unless they let me download the entire of the game.SeismicbowMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.ArrowMORE: Games Inbox: Is Half-Life 2 a bad game nowadays?GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

These discounts will only be available until December 2 (Microsoft)Over 1,000 Xbox games are on sale ahead of Black Friday, for up to 85% off and including both new games and older classics.With Nintendo having already begun offering Black Friday discounts and Sony rumoured to be following suit, it only makes sense for Microsoft to make its own plans.Black Friday isnt until next week, on Friday, November 29, but Xbox related discounts are currently already live on Microsofts website, with hundreds of select games and DLC going for as much as 85% off.Although the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles are enjoying a price cut in the U.S, Microsoft isnt making any similar offers here in the UK. Hopefully thatll change as we get closer to Black Friday.In the meantime, weve scoured the Xbox store for the best games and discounts. As far as Xbox exclusives go, Microsofts main 2024 releases Senuas Saga: Hellblade 2 and Age Of Mythology: Retold are 35% and 20% off, respectively.Meanwhile, the already generously priced Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which comes with six games, is now less than a tenner.Other notably cheaper 2024 hits include EA Sports FC 25 and Tekken 8, which are an enticing 50% off. Surprisingly, the excellent Metaphor: ReFantazio, which only launched last month, is already 25% off as well. If youve yet to play it, rectify that immediately and see why its among the nominees for Game of the Year.Weve compiled these discounts into a list below, complete with prices and links to the individual games on the Xbox store.Best Xbox game discounts for Black Friday 2024Age Of Mythology: Retold Standard Edition 17.99 (20% off)Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration 17.59 (45% off)Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora Deluxe Edition 29.99 (60% off)Crash Bandicoot: Quadrilogy Bundle 33.99 (60% off)Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition 38.99 (40% off)Dead Space Digital Deluxe Edition 19.99 (75% off)Diablo 4: Vessel Of Hatred Standard Edition 26.24 (25% off)Doom Eternal Deluxe Edition 14.99 (75% off)Dragons Dogma 2 34.09 (45% off)EA Sports FC 25 Standard Edition 34.99 (50% off)Epic Mickey: Rebrushed 34.99 (30% off)Halo: The Master Chief Collection 7.49 (75% off)Hogwarts Legacy 19.49 (70% off)Metaphor: ReFantazio 44.99 (25% off)MLB The Show 24 Standard Edition 8.99 (85% off)Resident Evil 4 16.49 (50% off)Senuas Saga: Hellblade 2 32.49 (35% off)Star Wars Outlaws 52.49 (25% off)Tekken 8 34.99 (50% off)WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen Digital Edition 21.44 (67% off)But seriously, go play Metaphor (Sega)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.ArrowMORE: The best early Black Friday 2024 deals on PS5, Xbox, and Switch consolesArrowMORE: PS5 Pro has already had a price cut in the UK ahead of Black FridayArrowMORE: Tears Of The Kingdom gets huge price cut in Nintendo Black Friday sale

Get a job, Sonic! (Sega)A seemingly harmless bit of Sonic trivia has made enough waves for an official Sega manager to publicly stress its actually not true.For a series all about a blue mammal that runs fast, Sonic The Hedgehog fans are fiercely particular about its ongoing continuity and lore.Sega has recognised that enough people care about it to try and tidy up 30+ years worth of Sonic lore, with recent games like Sonic Frontiers and Sonic X Shadow Generations chockful of references and call-backs to older titles.The company is so dedicated to keeping things consistent that, following the release of a new Sonic The Hedgehog annual for kids, its had to issue a correction regarding Sonics living situation.As shared on X, one page in the annual offers a simple profile on Sonic himself, and it mentions he lives in Green Hill Zone. Seems innocuous enough and makes sense considering thats the iconic introductory level in the first ever Sonic game.However, as this detail gained traction, associate Sonic lore manager (yes, that is an actual job title for someone at Sega) Chris Hernandez took to social media to stress that this isnt true at all and Sonic is actually homeless.This was something we caught early on, but it looks like an older draft got through on accident, explained Hernandez. Sonic doesnt have a home, hes still a drifter.For such a harmless detail, fan responses have been bizarrely positive and suggest fans take this matter quite seriously. Thank you, its pretty obvious but not for everyone so its nice to have an official statement, replied X user Zoom.Others like Rubber duck and CoralReefee are especially enthusiastic about the idea of Sonic being homeless. Who wouldve guessed that Sonics lack of a house was so pivotal to his character, but there you go.One fan, childishgamzeno, was especially surprised to learn of this info, with Hernandez replying with the always has been meme.More TrendingSo, Sonics been living on the streets for over 30 years? Youd think hed have enough to buy a house with all the rings hes picked up. Either rings arent legal tender or house prices are stupidly expensive in Sonics world.Some fans, like Musicedge2 and DWN_Infinty, however, have brought up how Sonic has been shown living in houses in other games. These are the arguments Sonic fans have nowadays, apparently.Its such a strange thing to get hung up on when other media, like the Sonic Boom cartoon and the live action movies, have given Sonic a house to live in (he even has adoptive parents in the latter) and nobody had an issue with those. Or maybe people did, and weve just mercifully avoided those social circles.Whatever the case, this shows that Sega is trying to take Sonic lore just as seriously as the fans do. It doesnt seem like everyone is entirely satisfied with whatever answers the company gives, but when have Sonic fans ever agreed on anything? What if Sonic isnt even blue?! (X)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Dark Souls 3 not an exclusive (Bandai Namco)The Wednesday letters page is unconvinced about the need for a Fable reboot, as readers are frustrated with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 downloads.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukSoulsborne StationEven as a PlayStation 5 owner I dont like the idea of Sony buying FromSoftware. I dont like the idea of every game company being owned by only four or five giant corporations, that sack hundreds of people at the drop of a hat, just to keep their exec bonuses topped up.I also dont really see the benefit from Sonys point of view. Elden Ring is the only game thats been a big success and yet Im not sure its really a system seller. Bloodborne wasnt and thats arguably a better game.I suppose you could argue that Sony is only trying to keep it out of Microsofts grasp, because Im sure theyd like to buy them too but is this where we are now for gaming? Im just waiting for the news that Ubisoft are being bought by someone, since weve already had hints about it.If Sony buys FromSoftware I bet theyre going to have them just churn out Soulslike game while stopping them from doing smaller projects like Armored Core and Dracin. I also bet they straight-up shut down the smaller developer like Spike Chunsoft. Maybe they wont but considering Sony closed its own Japanese studio would you bet against it?JonoNegative vibesIm really not sure I have much of a good vibe about the Fable reboot. Why would you hire ex-CD Project Red people for the combat? Thats the one thing you wouldnt hire them for! But I guess Im just generally dubious about the need for a new Fable at all. Its not like any of the previous ones were all that great so what are you really continuing here?Fable 2 was the best one but even then what most stuck out to me in how it wasted all these amazing British actors and comedians in a game that was never actually funny. The third one had John Cleese as your permanent butler type character and yet they never gave him a single decent line. I really hope Richard Ayoade and others arent going to be wasted just the same, but I see nothing to make me think otherwise so far.Id say the game needs a good trailer and showcase but Starfield got that and we all know how that ended up. Instead, Ill hope that the developer knows what its doing, and the game will be nothing like the previous ones.RagnarEA boxThe thing I think thats silly about the This is an Xbox adverts is that theyre missing out the two most obvious formats: PlayStation 5 and Switch. Obviously, Microsoft would get sued to hell and back if they had a picture of a PlayStation with This is an Xbox above it but surely that is the point theyre trying to get across? That it doesnt matter what hardware youre using, its the experience that matters.But they cant say that or even properly explain it in public and thats a bit of a problem for them. Do you say This is an Xbox about your PlayStation when you play Call Of Duty? I bet nobody does but thats really all Microsoft are getting at. By that logic you might as well say This is an EA box when youre playing EA Sports FC. Considering how many people play only that itd probably make more sense.The idea that Xbox is anything other than a publishing label is rapidly disappearing and Im not sure Microsoft is really transitioning out of it very successfully.TremorEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukAlternative decksI was looking to get my son a Steam Deck for Christmas but I dont really know much about them. On doing some research Ive seen many articles saying the Asus ROG Ally is actually a better option in many ways.Obviously, at this point, I came straight to GameCentral looking for a review, which you dont seem to have done. However, it was mentioned multiple times in the Inbox positively. Have you any thoughts on which one might be best? Would love to hear the thoughts of others in the GameCentral community as to the merits of each.Thanks to everyone in advance!ChrisGC: That kind of tech review isnt really our are of expertise but were sure a reader can advise.Clouded visionSo, Microsoft want us all to believe that cloud gaming is the future. Yet they release Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 today and all you get is a message saying, too many users are trying to connect at the same time.Thats the software installed locally on an Xbox Series X just trying to connect to the servers. If the infrastructure cannot handle that, then how are they ever going to handle streaming the game down too! The only cloud they are in is Cloud Cuckoo Land!Saints StickmanGC: In case anyone was wondering where the reviews are, Microsoft didnt send out review copies until Tuesday. According to them, thats Due to the availability of online services and scope of the planned Day One patch update. Please come back later (Saints Stickman)Delayed landingMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024 is finally out on the Xbox with only a 330MB pre-load!Been sitting at 97% for the last hour. Looks pretty from the looping video.In a world where people buy digital and never actually own it, the top version is 199.99. Thats a lot of money.Glad I waited and hoped for Alan Wake 2 to come out on disc, my dreams have come true.Cassius2KNever forgetWhat an outrage. The nominees for Game Of The Year at The Game Awards have officially been announced and a glaring emission has soured my day. I have a bone to pick with the jury. Because they have insidiously omitted one of the most groundbreaking titles of 2024 and a title that revolutionised the concept of value for money. A game that will be remembered, for generations to come.The jury have left out Concord and I am furious. It transformed the concept of live service titles, with its memorable narrative and the revolutionary gameplay. It has even created a record of becoming Sonys greatest loss, at $400 million. Which is unheard of and truly baffling. As is why the jury has completely failed us gamers. It sets such a record and we see Astro Bot nominated instead.We deserve a recount and to see Concord bestowed with the honour that it rightfully deserves. That is to be forgotten and dumped out of our hearts, because this is a joke post. Hope Ive made some readers laugh and made GCs night. Because Concord is the greatest joke.Shahzaib SadiqOnly the bestI thought I would have an attempt to help Shahzaib Sadiq in his quest for a gaming PC next year by answering a few of his questions1) is the RTX4090 the best GPU right now?Yes, it is. It also costs about 2,000 just for the card. There is also the 4080, 4070, and 4060 with various Ti and super models to make things confusing. If you want to enable ray-tracing and use DLSS you will really need an Nvidia card, otherwise you can look at AMDs offerings.Key thing here is the Nvidia 5000 series cards are due to launch next year and should be well underway by August; production of the 4000 series is reported to have already stopped.2) is 32GB of RAM the best for gaming?Yes, but I dont think we are yet at a point its needed, unless you are streaming or running other things in the background. Still, if youre paying the money for a top-end graphics card, no point in scrimping, eh? I would suggest DDR5 memory if youre going all in.Your next thing to consider is which CPU you want. It looks like you are talking high-end, in which case, be aware Intel have had stability issues with the high end 13 and 14 series i7s and i9s. This coupled with the fact AMD keep their sockets going longer means right now I would think of going AMD for a CPU over Intel.You also need to consider your peripherals: mouse, keyboard, speakers/headphones, and, of course, monitor.There is no point spending loads on a 4090/5090 if you have a poorly backlit 1080p monitor.Personally, if you really want to push the boat out I would suggest a curved super ultrawide monitor, preferably 1440p. The daddy of these at the moment is the Samsung Odyssey G9. Consoles are firmly stuck at 16:9 ratio displays but having switched to a 32:9 display I just cant go back. Coupled with HDR its beautiful (I dont have a G9, I have the much older CRG9, its still great though).Now everything I have suggested here is top-end stuff, based on Shazaib referencing the RTX4090. If that isnt the case, there are options for a variety of budgets. I suppose the question is what are you planning on playing on it and, therefore, what do you need?Anyway, I hope that helps!Have fun gaming yall!The Dude AbidesInbox also-ransIm fascinated to know what Segas lore manager for Sonic the Hedgehog actually does all day. I cant work out whether its a plum job that everyone else is really jealous of or some kind of punishment.RentonI see Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League is dirt cheap for Black Friday. I kind of have a temptation to buy it. I have a fascination with bad or failed game and its got me curious. Im going to regret it though, arent I?GolemMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.ArrowMORE: Games Inbox: Is Half-Life 2 a bad game nowadays?GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

The entire industry will be paying attention to GTA 6 (Picture: Rockstar)Its been over a decade since GTA 5 launched in 2013, and after several re-releases and more than $8.5 billion in revenue, Rockstar Games and Take-Two are finally gearing up for the release of GTA 6.At this point, Grand Theft Auto is the biggest traditional (i.e. not Minecraft or Roblox) video game franchise in history, and that makes the new game arguably the most anticipated one of all time. If you want proof just consider the announcement trailer, which garnered more than 50 million views in less than a day.Although the second trailerWith everyone eager for more information, weve compiled all the important information Rockstar has officially confirmed about GTA 6 and all the many rumours that have followedGTA 6 release date: when does the game come out?GTA 6 is currently scheduled to launch in autumn 2025, as confirmed by Take-Two in its most recent financial results.The game may be hit with a delay though, which could push it into December or even 2026.As a reminder, GTA 5 was initially scheduled for spring 2013, but wound up not releasing until that September. Any such delay for GTA 6 likely wont be announced until later next year, as at the moment its probably not clear whether it needs more time or not.GTA 6 formats: what consoles will the game be available for?GTA 6 will be available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. There are no plans to bring it to last-gen platforms (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) so, if youve yet to upgrade to either of the current consoles, youll need to if you want to play GTA 6.Theres no mention of when GTA 6 will come to PC, but Rockstar has traditionally always been slow to support the format. In a November 2024 earnings call, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said: I do think PC will continue to be a more and more important part of the console business going forward, and that isnt complicated for us to support at all.GTA 5 didnt arrive on PC until 2015, almost two years after its initial console release, but its widely assumed GTA 6 will be a bit sooner than that.One outside possibility is that GTA 6 could also be released for the Nintendo Switch 2. Rockstar has always had a surprisingly good relationship with Nintendo and the only limiting factor is whether the new console will be powerful enough to run the game. GTA 6 looks poised to take full advantage of current hardware (Picture: Rockstar)GTA 6 story: what is the game about?Exact story details for GTA 6 are incredibly slim, but the reveal trailer did provide a general outline for what to expect. GTA 6s main protagonist is a young woman named Lucia, who commits crimes as part of a Bonnie and Clyde-style duo with a currently unnamed male partner (although hes widely believed to be called Jason).Despite what you may think, GTA 6 wont mark the first time youre able to play as a woman in the series. The original 1997 game, the Game Boy Color version of GTA 2, and GTA Online have had options for playable female characters. These options never impacted the story, though, so GTA 6 is still breaking new ground for the series in that regard. Lucia may not be the series first playable woman, but her status as GTA 6s main character is still a big deal (Picture: Rockstar)GTA 6 setting: where does the game take place?GTA 6 will be set in Leonida, a fictional version of the state of Florida. What makes this particularly exciting for long-time GTA fans is this means Vice City will be making a return.Based on the real-world city of Miami, Vice City was initially a level in the original GTA but is better known for its open-world depiction in GTA: Vice City (2002) and its prequel, GTA: Vice City Stories.Vice City has long been a popular locale with fans, so much so that there have been several fan efforts to recreate the city, such as modding it into GTA 5. It also speaks to the size of GTA 6s map that the setting of a PlayStation 2-era game will only be a portion of it. Expect multiple means of travel (Picture: Rockstar)GTA 6 trailers: when does the next trailer release?So far, theres only one trailer for GTA 6, which doesnt feature any actual gameplay footage. Fans have come up with their own (often bizarre) theories on when a new trailer will drop, but neither Rockstar nor Take-Two have formally confirmed anything.More TrendingA new trailer could wind up debuting at The Game Awards 2024, which takes place on December 13. Its the last major gaming event of the year and has typically hosted major game announcements.However, last years trailer debuted just a few days before The Game Awards 2023, which suggests Rockstar isnt interested in sharing the limelight with anyone else.That means the best guess for when Trailer 2 will be released, if it does happen this year, is sometime between now and the second week of December. How big is GTA 6 going to be? (Picture: Rockstar)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

The 10 best and weirdest Nintendo DS games to celebrate the 20th anniversaryMichael BeckwithPublished November 20, 2024 1:00am Remember when Tingle was popular enough to warrant two solo titles? (Nintendo)GameCentral honours the Nintendo DSs 20th birthday by celebrating the most bizarre entries in its extensive catalogue of games.This may shock some younger readers, but the original Nintendo DS was massive when it came out. In fact, it remains one of the best-selling consoles ever made, second only to the PlayStation 2.Its likely itll eventually be overtaken by the Nintendo Switch, but holding onto that position all these years, even as far more powerful hardware has come out, shows just how beloved the DS was.We initially planned to celebrate the consoles 20th anniversary with its all-time best games, like the original Mario & Luigi: Bowsers Inside Story and Ghost Trick,but then we remembered how the DS was home to all manner of delightfully odd releases; plenty of which will likely never get a modern day remaster and are already fading from memory.So, let us toast to the forgotten, weirder entries in the DS library; ones that are still worth experiencing even today.Freshly-Picked Tingles Rosy Rupeeland (2006)It is shocking that Tingle, a recurring side character in The Legend Of Zelda series, got to be the main star in not one but two games, long before Echoes Of Wisdom finally gave Zelda a proper protagonist role (no, the CD-i games dont count).Freshly-Picked Tingles Rosy Rupeeland almost feels like a parody, with the titular Tingle exploring dungeons and selling items to earn enough money to build a tower and reach the paradise that is Rupeeland. It is as unserious as it sounds, with even Tingles health directly tied to your rupee count.It did well enough to warrant a 2009 sequel all about pursuing relationships with different women but that was, perhaps unsurprisingly, a Japanese release only.Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)Despite what you might think, there have been lots of Grand Theft Auto games on Nintendo formats, including the GTA: The Trilogy remasters, but also stretching all the way back to the Game Boy Color. That alone is pretty strange but Rockstar went one step further on the DS, with a big budget touchscreen exclusive.While GTA: Chinatown Wars did see a PlayStation Portable port seven months after launch, the original was marketed solely for the DS and was even part of Nintendos E3 2008 showcase. It was all very un-Nintendo-like, especially when the game caught flak for having a drug-selling mechanic.Perhaps more shocking was that Chinatown Wars was very good, being explicitly designed for the DS capabilities and not just a watered-down port of contemporary GTA 4.Henry Hatsworth In The Puzzling Adventure (2009)With a name like Henry Hatsworth In The Puzzling Adventure, youd be forgiven for assuming this was some sort of Professor Layton rip-off. Especially when you learn the game stars a British gentleman defined by his headgear, whos very good at solving puzzles.However, the Layton similarities end there, as this isnt just a match-three style puzzle game but a 2D action-platformer too. All the platforming takes place on the top screen, with defeated enemies becoming puzzle blocks on the bottom screen. You must then link chains of coloured blocks using the stylus to ensure the enemies dont come back and fill up meters for performing super attacks.Its surprisingly involved and an effective blend of both gameplay styles. It was also a rare but welcome change of pace from EA Tiburon, better known nowadays as EA Orlando, which mostly worked on sports games like EAs Madden NFL series.999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (2009)Before AI: The Somnium Files, director and writer Kotaro Uchikoshi made a name for himself with the Zero Escape series of visual novels, of which 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors was the first. Nine people find themselves trapped on a sinking ship and must solve escape room puzzles to survive in a deadly game of choice; one where breaking the rules will set off bombs in their stomachs.Initially something of a rarity, thanks to its Japan and US exclusivity, the game soon garnered quite the following thanks to its complex branching storyline, that touches on thought-provoking topics and concepts while also revelling in off-the-wall, sometimes juvenile, humour. It also had a neat gimmick where all the character dialogue took place on the top screen while ongoing narration appeared on the bottom screen.Surprisingly, it fared very well in the West, with poor Japanese sales for both it and its superior sequel, Virtues Last Reward, very nearly killing the series. Fortunately, Uchikoshi would get to wrap up the franchise with a third game, and all three are easily available on modern platforms.Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (2005)A long-time GameCentral favourite, Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan is a delightfully silly game where you help people in need, be it a students struggling to study or a potter seeking inspiration, by tapping your stylus to the beat of a variety of Japanese pop songs.Aside from satisfying rhythm-action gameplay, the scenarios are increasingly over-the-top and hilarious. The very concept of people calling on a cheerleader squad to rally them through whatever problem they have including an asteroid crashing into the Earth is great fun all on its ownAlthough it never left Japan, it was a popular import title that encouraged the more international friendly follow-up Elite Beat Agents, which was fine but wasnt quite as good. There was another Japan-only sequel in 2007, but that was sadly the last weve seen of the Ouendan series, barring cameos in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.Pokmon Conquest (2012)In a post-Pokmon Smile and Pokmon Sleep world, Pokmon Conquest may still be the strangest spin-off in the franchises history. Not only was it The Pokmon Companys first (and so far, only) stab at the tactical role-playing genre, Pokmon Conquest doubled as a crossover with Koei Tecmos Nobunagas Ambition series.While it was certainly too easy for those who had cut their teeth on something like Advance Wars, Pokmon Conquest remains one of the better Pokmon spin-offs thanks in part to a ludicrous premise that, despite all odds, actually works quite well. As such, it has cultivated its own devoted fanbase.Its a shame it didnt seem to leave much of an impact, since it never saw a follow-up. There have been some other solid spin-offs since then, namely Pokkn Tournament and New Pokmon Snap, but none of them are nearly as odd as this.Slide Adventure MAGKID (2007)Even some of the most diehard Nintendo fans wont have heard of this one. Like Ouendan, this was a Japanese exclusive, but it doesnt seem to have been much of a hit in its home country. Slide Adventure MAGKID is worth remembering, though, if only for its novel motion control gimmick.It came with a special accessory called the Slide Controller, which you plugged into the DS bottom slot. You then had to rest it against a flat surface, and it acted like a computer mouse, allowing you to slide the DS to move the titular Mag Kid and solve puzzles.Theres fun to be had in the sheer novelty of the game but why Nintendo thought it justified its own peripheral, that had to be sold in a larger box than usual, is a mystery. Although its much less perplexing as to why it was never released in the West.Soul Bubbles (2008)Another old school GameCentral favourite, Soul Bubbles puts you in control of a shaman whose mission is to herd spirits through various levels by containing them in bubbles.Using the touchscreen to draw and guide these bubbles sounds simple enough, but where Soul Bubbles excels is in its environmental puzzle-solving. Sometimes your bubble is too big to pass through spaces, so you must divide the spirits into a chain of smaller bubbles. Other times, the bubbles need to be frozen or filled with water, so theres more complexity to it than you may expect.On top of that, the whole game has a relaxing atmosphere and boasts some of the most gorgeous visuals weve seen on the DS. If you ever stumble across a second-hand copy of Soul Bubbles, you owe it to yourself to snap it up and give this long-forgotten gem a chance.Super Princess Peach (2005)When it comes to Super Mario games for the DS, Super Princess Peach is well remembered but not for the right reasons. In some basic role reversal, Mario has been kidnapped by Bowser and Peach must save him. Rather than rely on her own platforming skills, though, Peachs main powers are her own emotions.You activate these powers by tapping the different coloured hearts on the bottom screen. Joy, for example, makes her float through the air, while sadness makes her run fast as she cries a waterfall of tears. The sexist undertones, where Peach is portrayed as an emotionally unstable wreck, are no doubt unintentional but difficult to ignore.More TrendingIf you can look past that, Super Princess Peach is an otherwise solid platformer that isnt just a run-of-the-mill Super Mario Bros. clone, with Peach as the playable character. It certainly offers more of a challenge than the overly simple Princess Peach Showtime, but the definitive Peach solo adventure has yet to emerge.The World Ends With You (2007)Even nearly two decades later, The World Ends With You remains one of the most courageously original role-playing games out there, especially when it comes to the gameplay.Its combat, which demands you pay attention to both screens while controlling two characters simultaneously, can be off-putting and difficult to parse, but figuring out how it all works is worth it. Combined with the stylish art style and music, The World Ends With You stood out amongst its peers of the time for taking full advantage of the DS capabilities.While the Switch remaster and 2021 sequel are certainly more approachable, we honestly miss the risks the original game took. If possible, its worth tracking down a DS copy and experiencing how it was meant to be played because, like many of the games on this list, its so much more fun on its original hardware.Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Are you happy with the list of nominees? (The Game Awards)Get ready to cheer and groan at the full list of nominees for this years The Game Awards, with two games in particular poised to take home seven trophies.This evening, Geoff Keighley took to social media to unveil the nominees for The Game Awards 2024, which are scheduled to take place in the early hours of Friday, December 13.Somewhat surprisingly, Elden Ring could once again steal the show this year. Despite already claiming Game of the Year in 2022, its been nominated once again thanks to the Shadow Of The Erdtree DLC, and is also up for Best Game Direction and Best Art Direction.The Game Awards already updated its website a couple of days ago, to say DLC could be eligible for nominations in any categories. So, expect that to be at the centre of this years discourse.However, two other games are leading the charge in terms of nominations. Both Sonys Astro Bot and Square Enixs Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth boast seven nominations each, which includes Game of the Year for both.Balatro also deservedly snagged a Game of the Year nomination, along with the excellent Metaphor: ReFantazio and the somewhat less deserving Black Myth: Wukong.You can find the full list of categories and nominees below. While we will be part of the judging panel this year, you can cast your own votes for each category on The Game Awards website.Nominees for the Players Voice award, which is determined entirely by a public vote, will be shared on December 2.Game of the YearAstro Bot(Team Asobi/SIE)Balatro(LocalThunk/Playstack)Black Myth: Wukong(Game Science)Elden Ring Shadow Of The Erdtree(FromSoftware/Bandai Namco)Final Fantasy VII Rebirth(Square Enix)Metaphor: ReFantazio(Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega)Best Game DirectionAstro Bot(Team Asobi/SIE)Balatro(LocalThunk/Playstack)Black Myth: Wukong(Game Science)Elden Ring Shadow Of The Erdtree(FromSoftware/Bandai Namco)Final Fantasy VII Rebirth(Square Enix)Metaphor: ReFantazio(Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega)Best NarrativeFinal Fantasy VII Rebirth(Square Enix)Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth(Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio/Sega)Metaphor: ReFantanzio(Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega)Senuas Saga: Hellblade II(Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios)Silent Hill 2(Bloober Team/Konami)Best Art DirectionAstro Bot(Team Asobi/SIE)Black Myth: Wukong(Game Science)Elden Ring Shadow Of The Erdtree(FromSoftware/Bandai Namco)Metaphor: ReFantazio(Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega)Neva(Nomada Studio/Devolver)Best Score and MusicAstro Bot(Team Asobi/SIE)Final Fantasy VII Rebirth(Square Enix)Metaphor: ReFantazio(Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega)Silent Hill 2(Bloober Team/Konami)Stellar Blade(Shift Up/SIE)Best Audio DesignAstro Bot(Team Asobi/SIE)Call of Duty: Black Ops 6(Treyarch/Raven/Activision/Xbox)Final Fantasy VII Rebirth(Square Enix)Senuas Saga: Hellblade 2(Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios)Silent Hill 2(Bloober Team/Konami)Best PerformanceBriana White, Aerith Gainsborough in Final Fantasy VII RebirthHannah Telle, Max Caulfield in Life Is Strange: Double ExposureHumberly Gonzlez, Kay Vess in Star Wars OutlawsLuke Roberts, James Sunderland in Silent Hill 2Melina Juergens, Senua in Senuas Saga: Hellblade IIInnovation in AccessibilityCall Of Duty: Black Ops 6(Treyarch/Raven/Activision/Xbox)Diablo IV(Blizzard/Xbox)Dragon Age: The Veilguard(BioWare/EA)Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown (Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft)Star Wars Outlaws(Massive Entertainment/Ubisoft)Games for ImpactCloser The Distance(Osmotic Studios/Skybound Games)Indika(Odd Meter/11 Bit Studios)Life Is Strange: Double Exposure(Deck Nine/Square Enix)Neva(Nomada Studio/Devolver)Senuas Saga: Hellblade II(Ninja Theory/Xbox Game Studios)Tales Of Kenzera: Zau(Surgent Studios/EA)Best Ongoing GameDestiny 2(Bungie/SIE)Diablo IV(Blizzard/Xbox)Final Fantasy XIV(Square Enix)Fortnite(Epic Games)Helldivers 2(Arrowhead Game Studios/SIE)Best Community SupportBaldurs Gate 3(Larian)Final Fantasy XIV(Square Enix)Fortnite(Epic Games)Helldivers 2(Arrowhead Game Studios/SIE)No Mans Sky(Hello Games)Best Independent GameAnimal Well(Shared Memory/Bigmode)Balatro(LocalThunk/Playstack)Lorelei And The Laser Eyes(Simogo/Annapurna Interactive)Neva(Nomada Studio/Devolver)UFO 50(Mossmouth)Best Debut Indie GameAnimal Well(Shared Memory/Bigmode)Balatro(LocalThunk/Playstack)Manor Lords(Slavic Magic/Hooded Horse)Pacific Drive(Ironwood Studios/Kepler Interactive)The Plucky Squire(All Possible Futures/Devolver)Best Mobile GameAFK Journey(FARLIGHT/Lilith Games)Balatro(LocalThunk/Playstack)Pokmon Trading Card Game Pocket(Creatures Inc/TPCI)Wuthering Waves(Kuro Games)Zenless Zone Zero(miHoYo)Best VR/AR GameArizona Sunshine Remake(Vertigo Games)Asgards Wrath 2(Sanzaru Games/Oculus Studios)Batman: Arkham Shadow(Camouflaj/Oculus Studios)Metal: Hellsinger VR(Lab 42/The Outsiders/Funcom)Metro Awakening(Vertigo Games)Best Action GameBlack Myth: Wukong(Game Science)Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6(Treyarch/Raven/Activision/Xbox)Helldivers 2(Arrowhead Game Studios/SIE)Stellar Blade(Shift Up/SIE)Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2(Saber Interactive/Focus Entertainment)Best Action/Adventure GameAstro Bot(Team Asobi/SIE)Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown(Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft)Silent Hill 2(Bloober Team/Konami)Star Wars Outlaws(Massive Entertainment/Ubisoft)The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom(Grezzo/Nintendo)Best Role-Playing GameDragons Dogma 2(Capcom)Elden Ring Shadow Of The Erdtree(FromSoftware/Bandai Namco)Final Fantasy VII Rebirth(Square Enix)Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth(Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio/Sega)Metaphor: ReFantazio(Studio Zero/Atlus/Sega)Best Fighting GameDragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO(Spike Chunsoft/Bandai Namco)Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising(Arc System Works/Cygames)Marvel Vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics(Capcom)MultiVersus(Player First Games/WB Games)Tekken 8(Bandai Namco)Best Family GameAstro Bot(Team Asobi/SIE)Princess Peach: Showtime!(Good-Feel/Nintendo)Super Mario Party Jamboree(Nintendo Cube/Nintendo)The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom(Grezzo/Nintendo)The Plucky Squire(All Possible Futures/Devolver)Best Sim/Strategy GameAge Of Mythology: Retold(Worlds Edge/Forgotten Empires/Xbox Game Studios)Frostpunk 2(11 Bit Studios)Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess(Capcom)Manor Lords(Slavic Magic/Hooded Horse)Unicorn Overlord(Vanillaware/Sega/Atlus)Best Sports/Racing GameEA Sports FC 25(EA Vancouver/EA Romania/EA Sports)F1 24(Codemasters/EA Sports)NBA 2K25(Visual Concepts/2K)Top Spin 2K25(Hangar 13/2K)WWE 2K24(Visual Concepts/2K)Best Multiplayer GameCall Of Duty: Black Ops 6(Treyarch/Raven/Activision/Xbox)Helldivers 2(Arrow Game Studios/SIE)Super Mario Party Jamboree(Nintendo Cube/Nintendo)Tekken 8(Bandai Namco)Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2(Saber Interactive/Focus Entertainment)Best AdaptationArcane(Riot/Fortiche/Netflix)Fallout(Bethesda/Kilter Films/Amazon MGM Studios)Knuckles(Sega/Paramount)Like a Dragon: Yakuza(Sega/Amazon MGM Studios)Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft(Crystal Dynamics/Legendary/Netflix)Most Anticipated GameDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach(Kojima Productions/SIE)Ghost Of Ytei(Sucker Punch Productions/SIE)Grand Theft Auto VI(Rockstar Games)Metroid Prime 4: Beyond(Retro Studios/Nintendo)Monster Hunter Wilds(Capcom)Content Creator of the YearCaseOhIlloJuanTechno GamerzTypicalGamerUsada PekoraBest Esports GameCounter-Strike 2(Valve)DOTA 2(Valve)League Of Legends(Riot Games)Mobile Legends: Bang Bang(Moonton)Valorant(Riot Games)Best Esports Athlete33 Neta ShapiraAleksib Aleksi VirolainenChovy Jeong Ji-hoonFaker Lee Sang-hyeokZyWoO Mathieu HerbautZmjjKk Zheng YongkangBest Esports TeamBilibili Gaming(League Of Legends)Gen.G(League Of Legends)NAVI (Counter-Strike)T1(League Of Legends)Team Liquid(DOTA 2) Is Elden Ring deserving of another Game of the Year win? (Bandai Namco)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Half-Life 2 everything ages (Valve)The Tuesday letters page tries to predict The Game Awards winners, as one reader looks forward to all of the Nintendo Switch 2s third party support.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe half-life of Half-LifeI was one of those thousands of people playing Half-Life 2 over the weekend. It was the first time Id played it since it first came out and can I be sacrilegious and say I didnt really enjoy it all that much? It was very clever, and surprisingly modern in many ways, but it also felt very badly paced and kind of boring.Everything seemed to go on for too long, from the open world vehicle bits to the Ravenholm section, the headcrabs bits, the stuff on the bridge and in the facility with the human opponents. Everything just stuck around for so long. Even the antlion section, which I remember as being amazing at the time seemed very repetitive and overly long.I also found it to be kind of a bad shooter. The gunplay isnt very good and the AI for the enemies isnt great. To be honest, I found all the dystopian stuff at the beginning, in the city, the most interesting and a lot of the action the worst bit.Not a snub on the game but the number of games which can stay fun for 20 years is very small. If youre not Tetris or Super Mario Bros. I dont think youve got a half-life (do you see?) of more than a decade. But thats fine, just one more reason to make Half-Life 3.TacleLate night revealEven as a great fan of Elden Ring Im not sure I agree with making Shadow Of The Erdtree eligible for Game of the Year at The Game Awards. I dont think itll win, but I feel it would be kind of silly if it did. My bet for the winner is Astro Bot. I feel that has more momentum and its more recent than Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, so fresher in peoples minds and has had less time for people to pick it apart.Personally, I think Rebirth is the better game, but a lot of people have complained about the open world being bloated and I think all those months of complaints are going to count against it. It is what it is though, and Id be happy for any of the three to win really (I havent played the other nominees).Not that Im staying up to watch it or anything. It always seems silly to me that its on so late. I know its for Americas sake but there has to be a better compromise than 3am in the morning.MogulA month of FridaysI think we may be looking at a good Black Friday this year. Weve had a cheap PS5 Pro, just weeks after it came out; some decent Switch bundles; and now Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom is cheap from Nintendo themselves. Bargain hunters are going to be eating good this month, if this is anything to go by.The problem is that were still two weeks away from Black Friday and I dont know whether things are going to get even cheaper when we get there. I dont think thats how it works but the problem with having this permanent Black Friday Month is that you never know when to pull the trigger and, for me at least, that puts you off. I cant imagine thats good for the companies either because the more you hesitate the less likely you are to do it.DansonGC: If it helps, it looks like its going to start in earnest this Thursday. But that doesnt preclude extra good deals on the day itself.Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukBlood feudSonys absolute hatred for Bloodborne is so strange to me. Either they loathe the game or this is the slowest build up to a remake reveal weve ever had. But the thing is, it didnt need a remake when the PlayStation 5 first came out, but theyve taken so long about it that now it kind of does.Upping the resolution is going to do nothing for anyone now, it has to be a full remake like Demons Souls. Thats my opinion anyway.I would bet everything that, based on their behaviour, Sony and From had a falling out, except Sony has shares in From, so is that even possible? Very strange, but Im excited to see what brand new game theyre working on too. They said no Elden Ring 2 and I cant imagine its Dark Souls 4, so that is very exciting to me.Pr0metheus Bloodborne has Sony forgot it exists? (Sony Interactive Entertainment)Look upInteresting new website design, no-one likes change but hey as long as GC still exists, Ill still be reading. Shame Metro still dont call it GameCentral but at least the names there on some articles!Anyway, onto my main question, will you be reviewing Loco Motive, which is out this week? It caught my attention and looks good but would love your verdict on it.StephenPS: With all that talk of Metro and locomotives, I was going to include some train-related puns, but I didnt want to go off trackGC: The GameCentral name and logo is right at the top of every page? Weve only just reviewed a detective game, but Loco Motive does look fun, so well try and take a look.Starting line-upI like the idea of a Dark Souls remaster collection for the Switch 2. Not because I particularly want the games again, but Id just be interested to see what kind of effort publishers are going to put into the new format. After the Wii U, everyone kind of ignored the Switch at launch, and for several years after, but I imagine thats not going to happen this time round.Publishers are going to want in from the start, so thats why Dark Souls makes sense. But it probably means EA and Ubisoft as well, and every Japanese publisher. Its got to be Microsoft too, who have been banging on about Call Of Duty on Switch all this time.This could be the Nintendo console with the best third party support since the SNES and I would love to see that. The terrible job Microsoft and Sony has done this generation doesnt deserve to be rewarded and I would love to see Nintendo become dominant.Of course, theyll then abuse that dominance, but Id rather worry about that nearer the time. A change is as good as a rest and all that.GastonExpensive projectSince I never had any intention of getting a PS5 Pro Im not too bothered about the reports of some games running worse but Im also not surprised that PSSR hasnt turned out to be very reliable. That sort of advanced AI/DLSS tech is not something Sony has any experience in, and I think its one area where theyre going to increasingly get overshadowed by Xbox.The more AI stuff we get in games, and when hardware is designed with it in mind, the more it favours Xbox. I guess you could say that PSSR is Sony trying to get their practice in but this, to me, is the sort of thing where money is all-important. Its one area where outspending Sony can definitely benefit Microsoft.ToecutterBig and uglyThat thing about the pizza warmer was so weird I realised Id never checked to see if the PlayStation 5 gets warm when its on. I dont know that Ill be cooking any food on it, but it definitely is hotter than I was expecting.But the thing that got me is how unstable and rocky it is, when sitting on its stand in horizontal mode. I did notice that when I first set it up but you dont really need to touch it again, so Id forgotten. Easily the worst designed console I have ever seen. Ugly, dangerous-seeming, and far too big.Im not in love with what the Xbox Series X looks like either but its a hundred times better than the PlayStation 5. Theyre both huge though, which is why I find it hard to believe the rumoured Xbox handheld is all that powerful I just dont think Microsoft has the expertise to squeeze everything into that little space.BensonInbox also-ransDoes anyone else think it odd that its been five years since Microsoft bought them and we havent heard a single thing about what Double Fine is working on next? They released Psychonauts 2 but that was almost finished before they got bought.FocusWhat I want to know is how did Rockstar find out there was a stretch of road in the desert that looks like VI. Maybe if theyd spent less time messing around with Google Earth and more time working GTA 6 would be out by now!ManningMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Tears Of The Kingdom is more affordable than ever (Nintendo)SHOPPING Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.Nintendo has kicked off a Black Friday sale across various Switch games and accessories, including Kirby And The Forgotten Land and a Nintendo 64 controller.After announcing discounts on Nintendo Switch console bundles ahead of Black Friday last week, Nintendo has now expanded its sale to games, accessories, and online subscriptions.Nintendo is typically very tight when it comes to reducing the price of its games, with Switch launch titles like Zelda: Breath Of The Wild still selling at full price almost eight years later.As such, its always a bigger deal when there are sizeable discounts across Nintendo Switch software, as is the case with this new Black Friday sale.Nintendo Switch game deals for Black Friday 2024Over 2,000 games across the Nintendo eShop have been reduced in the sale, which runs until December 1, 2024. The big headliner is The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom, which is down to its lowest price ever of 41.99, from 59.99.Other Nintendo titles include both Metroid Prime Remastered and Metroid Dread, at 24.49 and 33.29, respectively. One of the systems best role-playing titles, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, is also down to 33.29.The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom 41.99Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp 33.29Metroid Prime Remastered 24.49Fire Emblem Engage 33.29Bayonetta 3 33.29Xenoblade Chronicles 3 33.29Kirby And The Forgotten Land 33.29Metroid Dread 33.29Beyond software, there are reductions across Nintendo Switch accessories like travel cases and Zelda-themed earphones. The Nintendo 64 controller, which can only be purchased if youre a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, has also been reduced to 27.99 from 39.99.If you buy either a Nintendo Switch Online or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership for 12 months before December 1, youll receive a second code for free to share with a friend.This applies whether youre starting a new membership or extending an existing one, but the bonus code will expire at the end of January 2025, so you cant simply double up on subscriptions yourself.Elsewhere, the Super Mario and Animal Crossing Lego sets have also been reduced, along with other merchandise across the Nintendo Store.More TrendingWhile this is Nintendos main Black Friday sale, there will likely be bigger discounts on console bundles and games at other retailers like Amazon and Argos over the coming week. Get a throwback controller for your Switch (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

The Rise Of The Golden Idol yeah, hes dead (Playstack)One of the best detective video games gets a sequel, as the follow-up to The Case Of The Golden Idol fast-forwards 200 years to offer some even stranger crime-solving mysteries.We always feel guilty about criticising indie games, since we know theyre working to miniscule budgets and with often only a handful of developers. But the one thing we wont give them any slack for is how terrible they are at choosing names. Theyre either unmemorable, unpronounceable, or impossible to spell and with this one we kept having to check what it was called, even while we were still playing it.The Rise Of The Golden Idol is the sequel to 2022s The Case Of The Golden Idol, whose name we also took issue with, because anyone hearing it out of context would assume it to be an Indiana Jones style adventure and not, as it is, a detective game set in the 18th century.Well excuse the naming problems for a second time though, because this sequel is (mostly) every bit as good as the original, but with a new 1970s setting, better graphics, a smoother interface, and an even greater number of weird and intriguing crimes to solve.The Rise Of The Golden Idol might have virtually the same name as its predecessor but the amateurish-looking art style has been tightened up considerably, to the point where it hopefully wont put anyone off buying it this time. Its still reminiscent of Maniac Mansion and other very early Lucasfilm Games adventures though and thats clearly not an accident, because the game also has similarities with the early days of point n click adventures.As in the last game, rather than one contiguous story, The Rise Of The Golden Idol is actually a series of connected scenarios (20 instead of the originals 12) that slowly begin to draw together and reveal the idols role in the various misadventures.Rather than playing as a Columbo-like figure youre instead an unseen investigator, able to explore every element of a crime scene without interference, as it remains frozen in a two second time loop usually just a few moments after the crime has occurred. The Rise Of The Golden Idol build your case (Playstack)The two Golden Idol games play similarly to Return Of The Obra Dinn, the first game to turn the investigation and solving of murders into a compelling gameplay mechanic one that could be solved and enjoyed by anyone, without being either frustratingly hard or trivially easy.As you examine clues, keywords are added to your inventory and these can be used in whatever way you choose to create hypotheses and statements, which you can then test for accuracy. So, for example, The victim wasshot in the head by a gun. You start an investigation knowing nothing for certain and therefore also have to work out who everyone is, in terms of their name, occupation, and reason for being there.The gameplay is fundamentally the same as the first game, but its been usefully streamlined, so that keywords are automatically added to your notes and theres no longer a separate thinking screen where you construct your statements and theories. Given the setting, fingerprints are now a thing and many of the cases revolve around period-specific concepts like a photo shoot or a drive-in theatre, which werent around in the 1700s.As you build an increasingly more complex picture of whats happened youre able to work towards a formal theory, explaining exactly what happened and why. That probably all sounds a little dry, as we explain it, but its really not, thanks to the games smart line in dark humour and the sheer oddness of each case.Its not just deaths youre investigating this time round but thats not necessarily a positive as a few of them feel like filler, since some dont even involve an obvious crime. Although thats partially to put you off the scent when you initially think nothing untoward has happened, until you begin to realise that foul play and the idol are afoot.Importantly, theres a flexible hint system that is very careful about what it tells you, asking you whether you want a clue about what question to ask, a general hint, or something more pointed. It never gives anything away completely, but it is still possible to bludgeon your way through, making educated guesses, which does seem to be an intractable problem with this style of detective game.The game is also a little inconsistent in how well it explains the motivations of the different characters, to the point where its very difficult to say whether this is better or worse than its predecessor. There are just as many improvements as there are faults, so that it works out about even which is fine because wed recommend both of them anyway.More TrendingRise Of The Golden Idol does feel more refined and its also got some standout moments that are better than anything in the original, such as where youre examining a scene at two different times, to try and work out exactly what happened.Detectives may be a staple of TV and movies, but theyll never enjoy the same ubiquity in video games, for the simple reason that being a detective is hard. Nevertheless, Rise Of The Golden Idol tries to make the role as approachable as possible, while also keeping things entertaining and unpredictable.We imagine developer Color Gray Games will try and go for a trilogy here, perhaps ending things in the present day, and we welcome that. Rise Of The Golden Idol isnt the perfect detective game but like the perfect murder, such a thing may not exist.The Rise Of The Golden Idol PS5 review summaryIn Short: A solid follow-up to the original, which offers a more appealing art style and interface, as well as an even greater variety of macabre murders to puzzle over.Pros: Great detective gameplay, thats now more accessible and streamlined without dumbing down the mysteries. Lots of interesting one-off mechanics and fun period detail. Visuals are less off-putting than the first game.Cons: Not every case is a winner and theres no fundamental change in mechanics from the original. Some characters seem underdeveloped and its still possible to just guess solutions.Score: 8/10Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PCPrice: 15.99Publisher: PlaystackDeveloper: Color Gray GamesRelease Date: 12th November 2024Age Rating: 12 The Rise Of The Golden Idol some things never change (Playstack)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

What a weird idea (Pizza Hut)It seems fake at first, but Pizza Hut has genuinely made a pizza warmer you can stick on top of your PS5, but its not exactly easy to get.April Fools Day is typically awful when it comes to video games, either because companies announce fake stuff people would actually want, or the pranks are simply not funny.Take Pizza Huts attempt, which is so obviously fake you cant even laugh at it: a PlayStation 5 accessory that uses the console to warm up pizzas.Except its not April Fools Day and this is actually real, although getting hold of one is pretty tricky and requires some additional hardware.How to get the PS5 Pizza Hut warmer accessoryTo be clear, this isnt some device you attach to the PlayStation 5. The warmer is a plastic box you simply sit on top of the console while its lying horizontally.You then pop your cold pizza in, and the heat generated from your PlayStation 5 (while its on, obviously) warms it up. Were not sure who was demanding such a niche product but, to Pizza Huts credit, it doesnt cost a penny and is available for free worldwide.However, you need to make it yourself using a 3D printer, after downloading the schematics from the Pizza Hut Canada website. Thats fine for anyone who already owns a 3D printer, but theyre not exactly cheap and typically cost hundreds of pounds.At the end of the day, this is a marketing stunt, but wed be interested to know how effective its actually been. Maybe it made more of a splash in Canada, but this thing came out over a month ago and it seems people are only now hearing about it.More TrendingIn fact, the official YouTube trailer for it remains unlisted, meaning its not publicly available on the Pizza Hut Canada YouTube channel. So maybe Sony complained and they quietly brushed it all under the carpet.Even so, this pizza warmer is somehow not the strangest gaming related product a fast food chain has made. Lets not forget how, in 2020, KFC made an honest to goodness console that could reheat chicken while you were playing games on it.What next? A Starbucks branded coffee holder for your Nintendo Switch? A McDonalds burger grill you can stick on top of the Xbox Series X?Maybe thats what Microsoft is planning for its future hardware. Given how nebulous the state of the next generation of gaming consoles is, frankly anything seems plausible. How many people actually bought this thing? (KFC)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Dark Souls 3 remaster is coming claims insider still no BloodborneAdam StarkeyAdam Starkey Published November 18, 2024 1:42pmUpdated November 18, 2024 1:42pm Threes a crowd (Bandai Namco)Despite all the cries for a Bloodborne remaster or remake, Dark Souls 3 is said to be the next FromSoftware title getting the upgrade treatment.Bloodborne might be regarded as one of developer FromSoftwares best games indeed, wed say its one of the best video games of all time but it is also the the most neglected.Despite fan outcry since the game launched on PlayStation 4 in 2015, there hasnt ever been a major visual or performance patch, or even a PC port, for the title. The closest has been some recent enhancements via the ultra-expensive PS5 Pro console, but theyre just general improvements applied to all games.While FromSoftware has acknowledged the thirst for an upgraded version in the past, it seems another game from the studio may have jumped the queue for the remaster treatment.Speaking on the Xbox Era podcast, insider Nick Baker claims a remaster of Dark Souls 3 is in development.While theres no indication of when it could be released, Baker, who has accurately leaked game announcements in the past, claims he has more information but he isnt allowed to pass that on.Based on his wording, it sounds like itll be in the same vein as 2018s Dark Souls: Remastered, which included a 60 frames per second boost, among other improvements.Dark Souls 3 already runs at 60fps on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, so its unclear what a remaster could offer beyond a bump in resolution. The game, however, is not available on the Switch, so this might be a port to coincide with Nintendos new console next year. Dark Souls: Remastered was developed by Polish studio QLOC and not FromSoftware, so its possible a reworked third entry could be by the same team.If this rumour is true, its perhaps surprising that publisher Bandai Namco would skip over Dark Souls 2 which is more in need of a remaster. However, the first sequel, while still popular, is the odd duck of the series, as its the only one not directed by original creator Hidetaka Miyazaki (because he was working on Bloodborne at the time).As for why this would be prioritised over Bloodborne, that is probably because Sony published Bloodborne and not Bandai Namco. The latter also published the studios biggest hit, Elden Ring.Dark Souls 3 originally launched in 2016 on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Its the final entry in the series and received two DLC expansions: Ashes Of Ariandel and The Ringed City.Its unclear what FromSoftware is currently working on, but parent company Kadokawa recently announced it has 26 new games in development.More TrendingNot all of those will be FromSoftware titles (Kadokawa also owns Spike Chunsoft, amongst others) but it does suggest they have multiple games underway at the moment as is the norm for them. Will Bloodborne ever get any TLC? (Sony Interactive Entertainment)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Leon Kennedy is rumoured to star in Resident Evil 9 (Capcom)The Monday letters page doesnt think therell ever be a good video game movie, as one reader accuses Black Ops 6 of being play to win.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe last hopThe Readers Feature at the weekend was right about the strange lack of new releases this month but that just seems to par for the course this year, with all the strange goings on. The only thing to really look forward to for the rest of the year seems to be The Games Awards in December.But I cant figure whether itll be another disappointment or something that might really have a lot of announcements. Ive heard people talk about Resident Evil 9 and the new Tomb Raider but as far as I know this has never been confirmed, so it just sounds like wishful thinking to me.Some people even talk about the Nintendo Switch 2, but I cant see that happening. And yet there must be some kind of big reveal at the end, as there always is. Im going to guess Resident Evil 9, just because Capcom did use it to unveil Monster Hunter Wilds. But that almost seems too obvious now.Whatever happens I hope the final mic drop reveal is something genuinely interesting and not just whatever company paid the most for advertising space.GannetGC: So far theres been no official clues as to what any of the reveals will be.Straight to streamingI do find it kind of funny that the biggest cinematic success for video games is still Sonic The Hedgehog. People talk about the quality increasing but it seems like people are really thinking of The Last Of Us and Fallout, which are not movies. Borderlands is a movie, and that was terrible.I have never seen a Sonic film, so Im not going to comment on its quality. But Im going to guess it hasnt exactly been up for any Oscars.Im not sure a good quality video game movie is ever going to happen now. Because any good idea that does come up, and seems a perfect fit for live action, is going to be turned into a TV show because of both Fallout and The Last Of Us and the fact that games are really long in terms of story and dont easily fit into two hours.Already Tomb Raider looks like its going to be turned into a show, not a new film, and I imagine everything else will be the same. So only things with no story in the first place, like Sonic, end up as movies.ConstanceEvergreen salesWhen it came out I dont think anyone would have predicted that the Switch would still be selling as well as it currently is, even with the large boost the OLED Model must have given it.However, the bigger achievement must be Mario Kart 8. Nintendos started doing TV ads for the Switch again (unlike Microsoft and Sony who havent figured out adverts help sell stuff) and what games do they pick to sell the console? Mario Kart and Animal Crossing.The game is now 10 years old, but its still the reason someone is going to buy a Switch!It also makes predictions about Switch 2 launch games interesting. Lots of people have been saying Mario Kart 9, but how often do you get the next game in a series when months before its predecessor is still getting TV ads?TimGC: Funnily enough, we have a feature about this coming up very soon.Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukCall to actionCant help but agree with the Readers Feature about Microsofts latest marketing campaign. Its just embarrassing. I dont think any normal person is going to understand what it means and even if they do, what are they supposed to do about it? Suddenly sign up to Game Pass and start playing on their smart TV? Like the feature says, the ads dont even seem to mention Game Pass and youd need a controller anyway.To be honest I find it hard to care about Xbox anymore. They basically dont exist to me, as a PlayStation 5 owner. If they have a decent game, itll come to my console anyway and beyond that what have they got to offer? Nothing.I really dont think Microsoft has anything to counter this point. All theyre interested in is new customers and growing the market, but I think youve got to accept that if you were interested in playing video games, beyond just FIFA and Call Of Duty, you wouldve done it already. Nothing Xbox is attempting to do at the moment is going to make any difference.ColineMissing the boatI think the failure to do any kind of story game or mode with Overwatch will always be its biggest failing. I dont think theres any reversing its declining popularity now, its just too late, but I dont get is why it never happened earlier. Its not a technical problem, theyve already got the gameplay, they just needed to sort out a story and some scenarios.If the main team didnt have time to do it, then thats the sort of thing that could easily be farmed out to another developer. In fact, that sort of thing happens all the time with shooters, so I dont understand why Blizzard didnt do it. Maybe it could happen now, with all their Microsoft money, but somehow I still dont get the impression theyre going to bother.IshiComplex strategyI see people are putting two and two together about news that Blizzard is making an open world shooter and assuming its Starcraft. I hope its something like what I thought Command & Conquer: Renegade was going to be, where youd be playing it as a shooter but also able to build structures and vehicles like a regular real-time strategy game.It seemed to me this was a common idea round about the time real-time strategies were beginning to fade out and people were looking for something new. Only game I know that did something similar was Battle Zone though, which was great but that is very old now.I guess companies thought people would find it too complicated and the game itself would probably be too expensive to make. Shame, as I always thought itd be cool and the obvious way to try and bring back Command & Conquer, if EA ever felt the urge.GrackleThe buck stops hereI agree that the quality of the GTA Trilogy remasters is ultimately Rockstars fault. If this developer theyve scrubbed from the intro wasnt up to the job then Rockstar shouldve realised it and replaced them, not just released the game as it was anyway, since they knew it would sell anyway.I found the remasters to overall be very disappointing. I wouldve much rather they do them one at a time and put in a lot more effort, maybe even make them full remakes, but they just seemed like a random, quickly botched together cash grab. The games are decades old, what was the sudden rush for?MikeyGC: It was GTA 3s 20th anniversary the year they were released, but we know what you mean.Spend to winNice review on Black Ops 6, and I agree its the best call of Duty campaign weve had since Infinite Warfare. Im glad you said that, as I adore the Infinite Warfare campaign.However, I have to say I feel very uneasy about this years Call Of Duty.I have heard reports of them selling an audio enhancer which works very well with Warzone.To me thats flat out play to win. And on top of this they have brought back the (for me) dreaded gobblegums from Black Ops 3. I absolutely detested gobblegums as they destroyed public lobbies. I would try to play a game of Zombies only to find somebody popping a perkoholic and shopping free, thus opening the entire map on round 1. It killed the balance. I stayed away from public lobbies the whole year because of it.Now they return with a vengeance. From season one you can directly buy gobblegums. And not just any. You can buy every single ultra gobbleum in the game, as well as legendary gums for 1,100 COD Points. Now I looked through the rewards that you get from prestiging. You get a gobblegum pack at some point every prestige. But only once do you get a single ultra gobblegum. Just once. But you can buy them all with cash. This is play to win. It matters not that Zombies is PvE as it would directly affect me when I play with others.I was hoping Activision and gaming had gone past this, but apparently not.Also, they have reduced how many COD Points you earn from the battle pass. It used to be 1,300, now its just 1,100. Just enough to buy the next. 200 may not seem like a lot, but over a games life cycle thats about 1,000-1,200 COD Points. Yet they never stated they would change this.These changes feel very nefarious in nature, and Im just wondering if Microsoft has been encouraging this?Either way. Its not good for gamers.MattGC: The audio stuff isnt great but its not much difference from high-end gaming headphones that promise similar advantages. Weve said for years that Zombies needs a complete rethink.Inbox also-ransI have codes for following games on PC that you can give to the readers. The codes can be redeemed on GOG: Dishonered Definitive Edition, Scorn, Coromon, and Duck Paradox.Big Angry Dad82GC: Thats very good of you. Well pass them on to whoever wants them, in exchange for a useable Inbox letter.Just FYI but Lego are releasing a new Horizon set. Its a relatively small one with a Shell-Walker, Sawtooth, Aloy, and Varl. It doesnt seem to be on Legos website but I saw what look like official images online.DolandMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

The current gen is only four years old but its replacements are well underway (Microsoft/Nintendo/Sony/Metro)A new generation of video games consoles is already on the horizon but what form will they take and why are they arriving so early?Video game consoles have been a mass market commodity for over 50 years. Once imagined to be a passing fad, of interest only to children, video games are now the most lucrative form of mainstream entertainment in the world. And in that 50 years they have established a pattern of release that has proven remarkably consistent and predictable until recently.The general rule of thumb is that, barring complete failure, a video game console lasts for around six to seven years before being superseded by a new format by the same manufacturer. There is nothing to say companies like Sony and Microsoft have to release their new consoles at the same time but neither wants to give the other a head start, when a new generation of hardware is about to begin, and so invariably they launch at almost exactly the same time.Even the normally unpredictable Nintendo usually releases consoles in the same generational pattern, the Switch only getting out of synch because of the failure of the Wii U at the beginning of the previous generation. Thats relatively unusual but the changes that the new generation of consoles will bring, over the next several years, will be an upheaval the likes of which gaming has never seen.By the common reckoning we are currently in the ninth generation of video game consoles. Theres disagreement over whether the Switch belongs to the eighth or ninth generation but the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 are definitely Generation IX. What happens afterwards though is very unlikely to be a smooth transition of power.In terms of current console sales, Xbox has been badly beaten by PlayStation for the last two generations, with demand for Xbox Series X/S collapsing so much last Christmas that it led to Microsofts current (but still confused) focus on also releasing games on PlayStation 5 and Switch. This means Xbox has been the only one talking about a next gen so far, with Sony remaining stoically silent on the issue.Xboxs next gen plans The Xbox Series X and S have not been very successful (Microsoft)To many peoples surprise Microsoft has already announced its intention to make a next gen console, even if theyve not shown it in public or explained anything about it. Theyve also repeatedly hinted at releasing a handheld console, but theyve never been clear on whether thats a next gen device or based on the Xbox Series X/S.The only thing Microsoft has said about the next gen console is that it will deliver the biggest technological leap ever in a generation, which seems a dubious claim given the ever-decreasing scope of graphical improvements between each generation. So either Microsoft is setting themselves up for ridicule or they know something that we, and more importantly Sony, dont know.Perhaps it could be something to do with AI, which they have a natural advantage with, but its hard to guess what they could be alluding to and what level of success they expect from a new generation of consoles, given the Xbox Series X/S has done even worse than the Xbox One.Xbox hardware sales have got so bad that many suspected Microsoft would soon give up making consoles altogether. Thats not as disastrous as it might sound as, thanks to buying Activision Blizzard, they are now the biggest games publisher in the West and, once game streaming becomes more practical, they have a very clear advantage in the technology that will inevitably make consoles obsolete.But streaming is not practical at the moment, not when it depends so much on the quality and reliability of your Wi-Fi connection. This has led to Microsofts current marketing campaign seeming very confused as, on the one hand, they encourage people to play Xbox on other devices, with the This is an Xbox tagline, and on the other Xbox boss Phil Spencer has insisted theyre not going to give up making consoles.What is the Xbox handheld console?The only thing we know for certain is that the long-rumoured handheld Xbox is a few years out, which implies its a next gen device and that rumours of a launch in 2026 are incorrect. Microsoft can be economic with the truth sometimes though and may just be trying to put Sony off the scent.Although what theyre going to do in the meantime is a mystery, as without anything else to boost it, Xbox Series X/S hardware sales are going to slow so much that a next gen device would be starting practically from scratch, which does not seem a very attractive option for Xbox.Nintendos next gen console plans The Switch is getting ready for retirement (Nintendo)Unusually, the most reliable predictions for the next gen are those related to Nintendos new console, nicknamed until anyone knows better the Switch 2. Nintendo is the most inscrutable of all game companies but because the Switch is almost eight years old, and theyve said its successor will be unveiled before April next year, it stands to reason it will be released relatively soon, most likely late spring or early autumn 2025.At the moment there is no official information about the Switch 2 at all, other than it will be backwards compatible with the existing Switch. Leaks suggest that it will look and operate much like the original Switch but theres a good chance that information may be wrong and until Nintendo announce it officially we wont know for sure.When will the next generation of consoles start?Despite all the rumours and official hints we really have no firm idea whats going on with any of the three companies. But its not just Xbox hardware sales that are in trouble, as PlayStation 5 sales have fallen off faster than expected as well.With each new generation, as the increase in power becomes smaller and the spectre of streaming grows closer, the question is asked as to whether consoles actually have a future. Will there even be a next generation of consoles?For Nintendo the answer to that question is clearly yes, but whether they follow the generational pattern or not their goals and methods are very different than Sony and Microsoft (and generally more successful but, as usual, nobody ever thinks to copy their low-tech, games-focused approached).Microsoft has said there will be a next gen console, but will it be any more than a novelty for hardcore fans, a way to prove theyre still in the hardware business while focusing instead on third party publishing, Game Pass, and streaming? At the moment, its certainly hard to imagine their next gen console as anything more than a sideshow.Then theres Sony, whose recent plans seem to have flipped-flopped from a focus on live service games to an imagined return to traditional single-player titles. And it is only imagined, at the moment, as theyve never discussed their intentions in public and have not announced enough new games to draw any firm conclusions.PlayStations next gen plans The PlayStation 6 is inevitable and inscrutable (Sony)Sonys position is the most difficult to understand because theyve said nothing about the PlayStation 6 at all, beyond a few vague references. Although this did include an assurance that consoles remain the core of our business. Interestingly, Sony also insisted that there are other elements beyond graphics which can be improved, in order to make a next generation console seem desirable.This can be interpreted multiple ways, from a Nintendo style shift away from a focus on graphical power to a hint that they are investing in the same mysterious technological leap as Xbox. Although the context of the quote merely talked about the PlayStation 5s faster loading times and 3D audio, so it may not be anything exciting at all.Its certainly hard to imagine that the company that just released the 700 PS5 Pro console, whose improvements in graphics can only be demonstrated under laboratory conditions, would suddenly ditch the high-tech approach but at the moment everything to do with PlayStation 6 is pure speculation.When will the PlayStation 6 be released?Obviously, there will be a PlayStation 6 in the future, Sony has acknowledged that much already, but theyve never said when. If the next gen Xbox does come out in 2026, or thereabouts, then Sony will no doubt try to match its release date but if Microsoft makes its move later then all bets are off.Except the trigger for a company starting its next gen plans in earnest is when console sales peak and that has already happened for both Xbox and PlayStation. So that would traditionally mean that a new console is no more than three years away.It is, as you can see, all a confusing mess. And its worse because the companies themselves dont seem to know what theyre doing either, with reports of in-fighting at both Microsoft and Sony, over their future direction and what to do about the rising cost of making games.While the Switch 2 may end up being a relatively normal product launch its unlikely youll be able to say the same about the next gen Xbox and PlayStation. As the PS5 Pro has shown, everything to do with console gaming is getting more expensive, with increasingly less obvious improvements.Will this be the last generation of video games consoles?If Microsoft and Sony cant clearly justify the price and existence of a next gen console to their audience, then the entire concept of generational consoles may disappear and well never get as far as a PlayStation 7.More TrendingAs long as the games keep coming in some way, whether thats via streaming or some other means, it ultimately doesnt matter how theyre delivered. But the video games industry is changing and its becoming increasingly difficult to have confidence in the companies that are supposed to be leading it.Sony and Microsoft have spent most of the last two years either making abrupt, poorly explained changes of direction with live service games and multiformat releases or seemingly being paralysed into inaction, unsure what to do after the video games boom during lockdown proved to be far more short-lived than they hoped.Perhaps they both have cunning masterplans just waiting to be unveiled but the big takeaway from the post-pandemic games industry is that publishers are far less sensible and forward-thinking than you might hope for. What will happen in the next generations of console is currently a mystery, but perhaps one that even PlayStation and Xbox dont know the answer to. PlayStation won this console war but will there even be another one? (Sony/Microsoft/Metro)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Why Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is the worst of the series Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished Nov 17, 2024, 9:00amLife Is Strange: Double Exposure the worst one (Square Enix)A fan of the Life Is Strange franchise is disappointed by latest entry Double Exposure and argues it exacerbates all the lingering faults of the series.I find the Life Is Strange series fascinating. Ive enjoyed the series ever since the first episode of the original Life Is Strange dropped a decade ago, but as much as I appreciate the cosiness and light-heartedness the games can provide in terms of settings and social situations, it can be painfully obnoxious, hard to care about, full of try-hard dialogue, and characters who attention seek and over-exaggerate to facepalming extremities.Can we admit that the dialogue in the Life Is Strange is horrible? Upon recent completion of the latest release, Double Exposure, Ive reminded myself of how many dreadful temper-tampering quips Safi spurts out of her gob throughout the game.I understand theres a comic book-like flare to the dialogue, and these light-hearted remarks offset darker subject matter as you progress, but Life Is Strange isnt Marvel, even though Double Exposure tries ultra hard to make you believe that its donning a superhero mask.In addition, just because Double Exposure is quippy and quirky, that doesnt mean it exudes humour, it means the game is coming across as trying too hard, forcing you to evoke eye-rolling reactions time and again because its really hard to invest in these characters when they dont act naturally.Another nagging realisation Ive happened upon in Double Exposure, is that I feel like Max behaves as nosey and self-righteous; a young woman who interferes in business she isnt involved with and at one point decides to humiliate another character because of certain issues within the story that couldve been handled privately and sensibly. Yet she airs others dirty laundry for crowds to despise at will, and I find her actions in this regard rather disgusting.Im not sure anybody is more obsessed with Life Is Stranges world than developers Deck Nine, because every game is stuffed with drawings, notes, letters, posters, leaflets, figures, comics, and various other objects to read from.The main problem I have is a lot of it is so bland and lacking meaningful substance that its a shame that such hard work fills me with apathy. I struggle to connect, maybe because the Americanisms and accents get to me, or that theres a priority to tell rather than show, which is what games shouldnt be doing because, much like films, we should see whats happening with our eyes rather than reading through reams of text.Perhaps the worst thing I can say about Double Exposure is that it isnt fun. True Colors was vibrant and composed of many of Life Is Stranges qualities, and a few drawbacks, but it was expressive and what happened in Haven Springs felt impactful. Double Exposure, meanwhile, puts you in a gumshoe-like private investigator role, where Max pieces together happenings by finding evidence and linking together the events pertaining to what occurs in the story.There are pleasures to be had here, but walking around interacting with objects and speaking to characters and making A or B decisions is all old hat, even though theres always space for relaxed storytelling experiences. Life is Strange is 10 years old now and still acts the same way it did in 2014, when the first episode of the first game was released.To be brutally honest, Double Exposure double-exposes Life Is Stranges greatest weaknesses as a franchise. If youve had enough of all the quipped-up dialogue and overacting from the previous games then Double Exposure will double down on what you dont like and youll have to either endure it or play something else.I imagine if you also played through Tell Me Why and Twin Mirror, and didnt enjoy the character interactions in those games, then Double Exposure will still feel like too much cringe.By reader James DavieLife Is Strange: Double Exposure nobody likes this one (Square Enix)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.MORE : Xbox is a third party publisher and not a console maker any more - Reader's FeatureMORE : 10 good reasons why Im getting a PS5 Pro - Readers FeatureMORE : Why are there no big name video games being released this month? - Reader's FeatureSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Xbox is a third party publisher and not a console maker any more Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished Nov 17, 2024, 1:00amThis is not a very good marketing campaign (Microsoft)A reader is unimpressed by Microsofts new This is an Xbox marketing campaign and insists that Xbox has already gone third party.As a company, Microsoft is worth over $3 trillion and yet for some reason they have always had terrible marketing. Maybe theyre so rich because they dont like spending money, including on talented staff, but that seems bizarre to me. So if youre wondering why Xbox always has such bad marketing (if it has any at all) its not actually specific to them, its the whole company.I say this, youve probably already guessed, because this latest marketing campaign for This is an Xbox is just mindboggling bad. It blows past I could do better than this and right through to Anyone could have done better this, to the point where you begin to wonder whether Sony paid for the ads and Xbox doesnt actually realise theyve gone up everywhere.The gist is, if you havent seen them (I assume GC will put some pics up here), that theyre showing off that you dont need to own an Xbox console in order to play Xbox games, as you can use a PC, mobile device, or a smart TV. This is despite the fact that the Xbox cloud streaming service is still only in beta and, in my experience, is not very good certainly not as good as GeForce Now.Theres no need to ask why theyre advertising all this right now because the answer is obvious: because Xbox console sales are in the toilet and its the only thing they can do. Except theyre doing it really badly. I mean, the main poster is a picture of a TV, with dotted lines around it and the phrase This is also an Xbox, by itself. Thats a hilariously clumsy sentence that only highlights how weird and confusing the whole campaign is.But beyond just the bad taglines the whole thing doesnt make any sense. Nobodys going to see these ads and suddenly sign up to Game Pass (and buy a controller) for their smart TV. Most casual and non-gamers arent going to have a clue what the adverts are even on about, especially as they dont include any obvious mention of Game Pass.If you do know what it means though the message is clear: you dont need to buy an Xbox console, you can just play the same games on other devices and save your 500. If you really know your stuff, youll also realise that this includes PlayStation 5 (Im fascinated to see if ads for Indiana Jones And The Great Circle will include mention of it also coming to PlayStation).This all happened this week, at the same time that Xbox insisted it was making a next gen console and a handheld (Im still not clear if theyre one and the same thing), while saying theres no redlines about what games can be multiformat, i.e. Halo and Gears Of War can come to PlayStation 5.I doubt Microsoft is outright lying about making new consoles, but I also doubt that their new consoles will be anything more than a sideshow. A collectors edition for hardcore fans but not something that most people will ever know about, let alone buy.Microsoft isnt going to spell out whats going on here, because it makes them look bad, but its obvious: they are, to all intents and purposes, a third party publisher now. Theyre basically just Activision Blizzard, with Bethesda and their other studios glued on the side. Sure, they might continue to sell consoles but only as an afterthought and absolutely not because thats where they make their money, in terms of hardware or software sales.Xbox is one step up from Sega at the moment, in terms of selling hardware, and Im sure theyll soon be the same, with new Xbox consoles treated like Sega mini-consoles and promotional items. Microsoft isnt going third party, they already are.In terms of battling PlayStation they failed, fair and square. They had four attempts and never made it, and the last two times were barely competitors. I dont say that with any particular glee, just as an attempt to cut through the waffle and misdirection that Microsoft keeps throwing up.In fact, Id go further and say that they may still win against PlayStation, eventually. Not as a console manufacturer but when consoles are no longer necessary and everything runs on streaming. When that happens then theyll be a contender again although I bet their marketing is still awful.By reader Logan3Are non-gamers going to know what this means? (Microsoft)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.MORE : 10 good reasons why Im getting a PS5 Pro - Readers FeatureMORE : Why are there no big name video games being released this month? - Reader's FeatureMORE : My top 10 PlayStation video games of the last 30 years Readers FeatureSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Steam is Valves big money maker (Valve)A report has accused Valve of allowing the proliferation of hate on Steam, including Nazi symbols and other extremist imagery.After being on the receiving end of a lawsuit, over claims of overcharging players earlier this year, Valve has now come under fire for allegedly allowing extremist content on its digital storefront, Steam.The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organisation founded to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, conducted an investigation into Steam which spanned over 458 million user profiles, 152 million profile and group avatar images, and over 610 million comments on user profiles and groups.In its results, the ADL claims it identified 1.83 million unique pieces of extremist or hateful content, and 1.5 million unique users and 73,824 groups who used at least one potentially extremist or hateful symbol, copypasta or keyword on the platform.According to the published investigation, this hateful content includes antisemitic symbols, Nazi imagery like the Totenkopf and swastika, and tens of thousands of instances where users expressed support for terrorist organisations like ISIS.Its also claimed over 1.18 million unique instances were discovered of potentially extremist and hateful copypastas, which are blocks of text copied and pasted to the internet, usually for use in viral memes. The most popular copypasta is said to be variations of the swastika.The investigation identified 827,758 user and group profiles with avatars that contained extremist or hateful symbols, including white supremacist skull masks, variations of the Pepe the frog meme, and the Nazi eagle.While Steam does have rules to prohibit hate speech and discrimination, the ADL is critical of Valves attempts to moderate the platform. The report notes: The fact that extremist and hateful conduct is relatively easy to locate on Steam, raises questions regarding the efficacy of Steams moderation efforts.The ADL adds: While Steam appears to be technically capable of moderating extremist and hateful content on its platform, the spread of extremist content on the platform is due in part to Valves highly permissive approach to content policy.In rare notable cases, Steam has selectively removed extremist content, largely based around extremist groups publicised in reporting or in response to governmental pressure. However, this has been largely ad hoc, with Valve failing to systematically address the issue of extremism and hate on the platform.The ADL is calling for Valve to adopt and enforce policies to prohibit extremism on Steam. Valve needs to take greater responsibility in enforcing their policies on Steam, once expanded, and do so accurately at scale, the ADL concludes.GameCentral has reached out to Valve for comment.Earlier this year, Roblox was also accused of exploiting children and failing to stop illegal content from circulating on the platform, claims which the platform denies.Valve also makes games like Half-Life: Alyx (Valve)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : Black Ops 6 and GTA 5 are being beaten on Steam by a hot new beta demoMORE : Ukraine is using Steam Deck to operate machine guns on the battlefieldMORE : Valve closes loophole on early access and advanced access game refundsSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

10 good reasons why Im getting a PS5 Pro Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished Nov 16, 2024, 9:00amTime for an upgrade (Sony Interactive Entertainment)A reader decides to finally upgrade from a PS4 to a PS5 Pro and lists the 10 games that have convinced him to make the purchase.Now that the PS5 Pro has been released theres finally enough games to justify an upgrade from the PlayStation 4, arguably the slowest generation to necessitate an upgrade (some of this years best games are still available for PlayStation 4!).Now at the end of 2024 we have enough titles to realistically debate the top 10 games, exclusively available for the ninth generation of games consoles.As such, see below my likely controversial top 10:10. Stellar Blade If you can get past the waifu simulator aspect theres a fantastic character action game to be enjoyed with elements of the greatest the genre has to offer, crammed into a beautiful looking world that shows off the ninth gen hardware.9. Final Fantasy 16 For its first seven chapters, Final Fantasy 16 offers the most compelling story in the franchise since its PlayStation 2 iterations. Unfortunately, the interesting plot threads, and easily one of the best battles in gaming history, wraps up by Chapter 8 (out of 12), leaving a very generic and dull conclusion to a game that could have been the best in decades.8. Spider-Man 2 A great 1.5 iteration of the original 2018 game. Nothing groundbreaking but an entertaining sequel and visual showcase for the PlayStation 5.7. Silent Hill 2 I still prefer the PlayStation 2 original and the monsters in the remake have made me audibly laugh on occasion, but this is still a survival horror worth experiencing.6. Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth Kind of a cheat but taking both Remake and Rebirth as a whole experience is the way to enjoy this games. If you have held off already, Id suggest waiting for Final Fantasy 7 Requiem in 2026 to enjoy this reimagining of this gaming classic in its full.5. Astro Bot The first 3D platformer in a decade to hold its own against Mario! This charming platformer is great for all ages and the nostalgia for an older gamers is intoxicating.4. Demons Souls The remake of one of my favourite games of all time didnt disappoint. Despite being a launch title, arguably one for the best-looking games of this generation and a joy to revisit after a decade of Soulslikes.3. Baldurs Gate 3 2023s game of the year has had nothing but praise but from a novice to the genre and Dungeons & Dragons this is easily the most daunting single-player games Ive ever experienced. The systems depth, the worlds lore; it took an investment of time and education to grasp a basic understanding, which is why its not my number on but I will herald it as one of the greatest co-op games of all time.2. Alan Wake 2 There is no other media experience quite like Alan Wake 2. A Scandi-noir/psychological survival horror game doesnt sound too different, but the way it weaves its dreamlike world between two campaigns is like nothing Ive enjoyed before. I could write a whole article about how great it is, but if anyone in your friends or family has access to ninth gen console and enjoys crime dramas, they should give it a go pronto.1. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty I wont defend this choice as I wasnt privy to the hype train and failed launch. What I played was CD Project Reds best game to date and the most immersive, detailed open world ever created, with unforgettable characters and cinematic moments on par with the best movies in history. Im sure we all have our own opinion about the best Gen 9 games to date but at least now theres plenty to argue over (only took four years!).By reader Carl GoldsmithCyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty the best reason to get a PS5 Pro? (CD Projekt)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.MORE : Why are there no big name video games being released this month? - Reader's FeatureMORE : My top 10 PlayStation video games of the last 30 years Readers FeatureMORE : As a parent I would be perfectly happy with banning GTA 5 - Reader's FeatureSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Xboxs new advert is sending mixed signals (Microsoft/YouTube)Microsofts Gaming CEO has said therell be more Xbox consoles after the Xbox Series X/S, but dont expect a mid-generation upgrade.Xboxs current strategy has been to expand its reach through multiplatform games and putting Xbox Game Pass on other devices, but this message has raised a lot of questions around the companys future in the console business.While Microsoft has been pushing Xbox Game Pass for years already, this multiplatform push has accelerated following poor sales of the Xbox Series X/S with executives already openly discussing plans for the next generation.If there was still doubt around Microsofts future in the console business though, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has reaffirmed the company has more hardware in the pipeline.Well definitely do more consoles in the future, and other devices, Spencer told Rolling Stone.While he doesnt give any details on the distinction, other devices is likely a reference to Xboxs plans for a handheld console (Americans do not generally refer to handheld consoles as literal consoles) with this quote implying that it might not directly relate to the companys next gen plans.In light of Sonys PS5 Pro console, Spencer was also asked about the chances of a mid-generation upgrade for the Xbox Series X, and he implied that one isnt on the cards.Can the Xbox Series X be bottled into a handheld? (Microsoft)We think about hardware that can create unique value for our players or creators on our platform, Spencer replied. We dont need to do incremental hardware for our own benefit. Does a new device really give you a unique experience on screen in some way?[Its] less like the old days, going from the original Xbox to 360; that was the standard defintion to high definition. Now, [its] harder to show the benefits.Summing up Xboxs mission moving forward, he adds: We are trying to expand, What does an Xbox mean? I want Xbox to be something 20 years from now. I think in order for Xbox to be vibrant, be successful, it needs to be about multiple pieces of hardware.This message is the driving statement behind a new Xbox marketing campaign, which includes an advert showing people playing games on various devices (laptops, tablets, and phones) with the message This is an Xbox.Microsoft is pushing this message aggressively beyond TV adverts too, with ResetEra users highlighting new Xbox posters discovered on the tube in Sydney, Australia. As well as the normal This is an Xbox posters, there are also others that say this is the door and this is where you stand plastered across the walls and floor.While you can see what Microsoft is going for, the tone comes off as slightly patronising when divorced of the context, which is only made clear in a separate poster alongside it highlighting All these things are Xboxes. If Microsoft is committed to making more consoles, it feels odd to see adverts proudly emphasise how you dont need an Xbox console to play its games even if dedicated hardware moving forward is only a small part of Xboxs overall plan.Its also important to note that while Spencer is saying they are committed to the console business now, its entirely possible things could change down the line. Is this the future of Xbox? (Microsoft)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : Xbox handheld in the works but its release date is surprisingMORE : Halo and Gears Of War can come to PS5 confirms Xbox bossMORE : The best early Black Friday 2024 deals on PS5, Xbox, and Switch consolesSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Why are there no big name video games being released this month? Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished Nov 16, 2024, 1:00amFarming Simulator 25 so its come to this (Giants Software)A reader is shocked to realise how few triple-A games are being released in November, during what should be gamings busiest month.There are many things that seem broken about the video games industry at the moment but one of the complaints that I always find puzzling is that there are too many games being released. Not in the sense that I think there can never be too many but that I simply dont agree. By total number, if you count out all the lowest of the low rent indie games on Steam, maybe theres more but in terms of big name triple-A video games the ones people actually care about there are worryingly few.Since its just before Christmas, November is normally the biggest month for new game releases and yet the biggest multiformat launch this month is well, there isnt one. If you put a gun to my head, looking at the release schedule, I guess its either Farming Simulator 25 or Planet Coaster 2? If thats not scraping the bottom of the barrel, I dont know what is.There are a few format exclusives but theyre equally low tier: Nintendos least anticipated exclusive of the season in Mario & Luigi: Brothership, the poorly reviewed Lego Horizon Adventures, the not-really-a-game Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and the probably good but not very mainstream S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chornobyl.The worst thing is that apart from Assassins Creed Shadows, which was meant to be out in November, this isnt because of delays, this is simply all there is. [Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was also delayed GC]. In December theres Indiana Jones And The Great Circle another Xbox console exclusive that doesnt seem likely to sell very well and thats it for the entire year.Thats a miserable state of affairs and, for me, yet more proof that the people in charge of games companies are pretty much universally incompetent. Ive heard some suggestion that this is all a delayed result of the pandemic, which may be true to some degree but I imagine its simply because games take longer nowadays and things they thought were going to be finished in four or five years are now taking six or seven.Publishers talk about a lack of growth in the console market as if this is a surprise, but dont seem to draw any connection between the decline in the number of triple-A games being released and the fall in console sales and peoples general lack of interest in gaming over the last two years.PlayStation 5 console sales have dropped more than expected? Hey, maybe thats because youve gone 12 months without having a major new game? Xbox sales have been in the doldrums for the last two generations and you had to spend 10 gazillion dollars buying Activision Blizzard to compete? Hmm you know, I think I might know why that is.Oh, but that Switch is still selling well despite coming up to its eighth birthday? And Nintendo has been releasing a steady stream of well-received games, with three out this autumn? You know, it might just be that theres some kind of connection there.Imagine if the movie industry shutdown for two months in the middle of the summer and instead of the latest MCU film or Tom Cruise movie you got a bunch of indie stuff youve never heard of and a vague promise that something better might be out next year? That is the position the games industry is in at the moment and its pathetic.The people in charge of these companies have got to get a grip and realise that they are in the business of making video games and they are failing. Its not the poor developers actually creating the games that are at fault, but the idiot execs with their company bonuses who think the answer to every problem is to sack another 500 people.Heres an idea: maybe those 500 people couldve made you a new game instead, that you couldve sold at Christmas and made a profit from. Crazy idea, I know, but I think its worth giving a try.Planet Coaster 2 how is this one of the biggest games of the month? (Frontier Developments)By reader CranstonThe readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.MORE : My top 10 PlayStation video games of the last 30 years Readers FeatureMORE : As a parent I would be perfectly happy with banning GTA 5 - Reader's FeatureMORE : Why I don't think Starfield is a misunderstood gem - Reader's FeatureSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Hakoom has been an avid PlayStation fan since the PS1 (Hakoom via X)A now former PlayStation partner and Guinness World Record holder alleges his account was unfairly banned by Sony.No matter how much you enjoy earning PlayStation trophies (the Sony equivalent to Xbox achievements), you probably dont love it as much as Abdul Hakoom Hakam.The man was once so dedicated to collecting PlayStation trophies that it got him in the Guinness Book of World Records five times, and he still holds the title for most PSNProfile trophy points collected, at 2,306,475.Although he retired from trophy hunting in 2021, his accolades landed him a partnership with Sony. The relationship has recently turned sour though, and Hakoom has decided to split from Sony following an incident regarding his PlayStation account.Why has Hakoom quit Sony?In a joint Instagram and X post, Hakoom explains how, on September 9, his PlayStation account had been hit with a permanent suspension for apparently no reason.He claims he never received an email regarding the ban and, after allegedly receiving no help from Sonys customer service, he got in contact with another department who promised to investigate the matter.Hakoom was later informed that his suspension was because of multiple violations of Sonys terms and conditions, but Hakoom argues the ban was still completely unwarranted.Why was Hakooms PlayStation account suspended?According to Sony, Hakooms violations were as follows:He earned the Platinum trophy on games, which normally require at least 100 hours, within only a few hours.He had completed games in zero minutes.He had logged in over 2,000 accounts across 29 PlayStation consoles.When you complete a specific achievement in a PlayStation game, you earn a trophy. If you earn every trophy in a game youre awarded a Platinum trophy as proof youve completed every challenge. These arent always tied to 100% completion of the game, but theyre typically the final accolade players unlock.Hakoom denies all of these supposed violations, pointing out that his quick Platinum trophies were a result of Sonys auto-pop feature. Basically, if you earn the Platinum on a PlayStation 4 game, you automatically get it upon booting up the PlayStation 5 version of that game.As for the multiple accounts and consoles, he says this is a result of playing PlayStation for 17 years, having signed up for accounts for lots of now-dead online games and needing to purchase, for one reason or another, 10 PlayStation 3s, five or six PlayStation 4s, four PlayStation Vitas, two PlayStation 5s, and two PlayStation TVs.He also points out that the PlayStation Store is filled with games that can easily be beaten in less than a minute. Such games are commonplace and designed for easy Platinum trophies; in fact, this is why Hakoom opted to retire from trophy hunting in the first place.His account has since been restored, but hes been removed from Sonys partnership program, which is what has prompted him to go public with these allegations of what he calls corruption and oppression.Metro has contacted Sony about the allegations but they are yet to comment.Sony has not issued a response at this time (Sony)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : Concord players are acting like lemmings as they rush to get platinum trophy before shut downMORE : Whats the point of grinding for Trophies on PS5? Readers FeatureMORE : PS5 Pro has already had a price cut in the UK ahead of Black FridaySign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Overwatch Classic is an unexpected reminder of how good Overwatch 2 isGameCentralPublished Nov 14, 2024, 7:00pmOverwatch: Classic you can never go back (Blizzard Entertainment)As Blizzard turns back time, to the launch of the original Overwatch, the new retro mode only goes to show how good we have it with Overwatch 2.While its easy to convince yourself that live service games are a recent trend, the truth is the most popular games have been around for a long time. Fortnites Battle Royale mode has been rocking for over seven years, Overwatch is eight years old, and even the comparatively spritely Apex Legends is coming up to six years old.Thats long enough to invoke a sense of nostalgia across these games, something Fortnite capitalised on last year with its OG mode. As is often the case in live service games, where Fortnite marches, others follow. Apex Legends is in the midst of Launch Royale, its return to the original Kings Canyon layout, and Overwatch is not far behind.Earlier this week, it launched Overwatch: Classic, an event where players can play the game in its original launch state. For many, that will sound like a godsend. Theres a lingering consensus that Overwatch used to be good and that somehow Overwatch 2 ruined the franchise. So, developers offering players the chance to go back puts that to the test.Classic is a very novel mode and a surprisingly deep recreation of the original experience. Even with changes to the engine over time, Blizzard has been able to replicate just about everything in the game as it originally was yes, including a 6v6 environment.While there are more serious tests planned for the future, to explore that format, this is the first Blizzard-endorsed taste of a return to having 12 players in a lobby since the launch of Overwatch 2 last year. Its an amazing snapshot and one of the most interesting modes introduced to the game. And man, it feels awful and thats perhaps the most interesting thing about it.Overwatch: Classic the gang as they used to be (Blizzard Entertainment)For only being a limited-time event, a lot of work has been put into Overwatch: Classic. These characters have changed so much over time. The move from Overwatch 1 to Overwatch 2 also came with an engine overhaul, so reverting everything to how it was will have been a much more complex endeavour than just reinstating a previous patch state.When you jump in, youre bound to have stark reminders about some of these heroes and their initial states in 2016. Play as D.Va and you will quickly remember how slow you move when shooting, that Defence Matrix is a one-off ability, and that, of course, your D.Va bomb can kill you.Lucios wall-riding is significantly worse, as it feels like youre skating with boulders in your shoes. Also, the first time you try to use Transcendence as Zenyatta will make you feel like youre moving through molasses.For the opening few days of Classic, theres no hero lock, in order to mirror the original Overwatch 1 launch. This means you can have as many of the same heroes on your team as you want. That includes the nightmare of six Torbjorns, or the hilarity of six Winstons causing primate chaos from the sky.Its all hilariously weird, and we shouldnt lose sight of that. This is a really neat way to play Overwatch in 2024. Its a mess of broken abilities and an absurd regression of the quality of life in the game now, but thats part of the charm.That said, it is still a mess. Nostalgia is a powerful drug. Its whispers always try to convince you that things were better in the past. Often, the stuff we love feels like it used to be better. Things restored from yesteryear still have to exist in the context of today though.As we get older, our responsibilities grow. No matter how much something improves over time, its always going to feel better when you were younger, less jaded, and could interact with it for hours on end instead of having to go to work.Overwatch: Classic is a rare chance to see the stark reality of how things were. It feels bad if youve put any significant time into the modern version of the game. In the ensuing eight years since the franchise launched, the game has improved so much through quality of life aspects but also balance and flow.Overwatch 2, while certainly able to throw out some head-scratching patch notes, is just a better experience. Classic is a well-realised celebration of the history of the franchise. It also feels like Blizzard slyly demonstrating, you have no idea how good you have it.And thats not wrong. Overwatch is getting more updates than ever right now. Heroes are releasing faster, and the audience has never had a more content-rich environment. While Overwatch 2 has its issues, its ultimately a game built on eight years of learning.Sadly, we can never go back to 2016. Overwatch was something completely new then. We werent really living in a world of live service titles yet. Theres a reason it won a lot of Game of the Year awards. It was special, but bringing back the game in that state cant recapture that magic. The reason it worked back then was there was nothing like it.Importantly, no one had any idea what they were doing. The player-base hadnt spent years learning the flow of games. You can take Overwatch back, but you cant revert the player-base as well. Unfortunately, modern players have learned how Overwatch is played. We know if Reaper is wraithforming into six players recklessly, hes probably going to use his Death Blossom. Alas, our ignorance was bliss, and our whimsy has hardened with the burden of knowledge.Still, Overwatch: Classic is an awesome exercise by Blizzard and one that should continue in the future. The developers have already said that it would explore other metas from Overwatchs past, such as moth Mercy and the infamous goats.These might be more interesting comparison points for the modern day, as Overwatch changed a lot and quickly in its first few years. Even so, seeing the game as it was in May 2016 is an amazing relic to have access to. Its a chaotic mess and theres fun to be had in that. However, its certainly much easier to appreciate where the game is today after just a few rounds of Classic.Overwatch: Classic party like its 2016 (Blizzard Entertainment)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : Two beloved 90s shooters are being preserved online for free with Epic Games approvalMORE : PS5 Pro has already had a price cut in the UK ahead of Black FridayMORE : Honouring 30 years of Warcraft: how remasters and classic Classic WoW will workSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Switch is finally getting some decent discounts (Nintendo)SHOPPING Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.Black Friday hasnt technically started yet, but there are already tons of discounts for Nintendo Switch consoles and games in the UK.With the consoles successor expected to arrive at some point next year, this Christmas should be the best time to pick up a Nintendo Switch at a cheap price.The console has amassed an impressive library of games since it launched in 2017 and it hasnt slowed down this year, with recent titles including Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom, Super Mario Party Jamboree, and Mario & Luigi: Brothership.Ahead of Black Friday, many retailers have already slashed the prices on a number of Switch bundles, so heres a round-up of all the discounts available online.Black Friday 2024 Nintendo Switch dealsAt the time of writing, the best Nintendo Switch deal is through Argos, where you can pick up a Nintendo Switch OLED, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and a 12 month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online for 289.99. When priced individually, all these items come to roughly just under 390, so its pretty huge saving overall.Considering the Nintendo Switch OLED by itself usually costs 299 on the same site too, youre essentially getting one of the systems best games for free.This same bundle is available on other retailers, including the Nintendo Store, John Lewis, and Smyths Toys, but it is roughly 10 more expensive there. Smyths Toys, however is offering the same bundle with either Mario Kart 8 or Mario & Luigi: Brothership for 329.99, which is a pretty great deal too.The OLED model has an improved screen (Nintendo)If youre after a Nintendo Switch Lite, which can only be played in handheld mode, Argos also has the best deal, selling two variants on the Animal Crossing: New Horizons bundle for 189.99, which is 10 cheaper than everywhere else.As for just the console itself, Amazon has the improved Switch OLED for 271.50, which is almost 40 cheaper than the Nintendo Store.Nintendo Switch OLED dealsNintendo Switch OLED Console + Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 309.99 Nintendo StoreNintendo Switch OLED Console + Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 289.99 ArgosNintendo Switch OLED Console 279.99 ArgosNintendo Switch OLED Console + Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 299.99 Smyths ToysNintendo Switch OLED Console + Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) + Mario & Luigi: Brothership or Mario Kart 8 329.99 Smyths ToysNintendo Switch OLED Console 271.50 AmazonNintendo Switch OLED Console + Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 298 John LewisNintendo Switch Lite dealsNintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Timmy & Tommy Aloha Edition + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 199.99 Nintendo StoreNintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Isabella Aloha Edition + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 199.99 Nintendo StoreNintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Isabella Aloha Edition + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 189.99 ArgosNintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Timmy & Tommy Aloha Edition + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 189.99 ArgosNintendo Switch dealsNintendo Switch Console + Nintendo Switch Sports + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 259.99 Nintendo StoreNintendo Switch Console 249.99 ArgosNintendo Switch Console + Nintendo Switch Sports + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) + Mario Kart 8 269 Very.co.ukNintendo Switch Console + Nintendo Switch Sports + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 249.99 John LewisMario & Luigi: Brothership is one of the last big Switch games (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : Where are the PS5 and Switch made? How Trump tariffs may impact pricesMORE : Video Game Christmas Gift Guide 2024 PS5, Nintendo Switch and XboxMORE : Nintendo Switch to be best-selling console ever despite 31% sales dropSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The new Halo will almost certainly be on PS5 (Halo Studios)Phil Spencer has insisted there are no red lines preventing first party games coming to other formats, leaving the door open for anything from Fable to Blinx.The release of Lego Horizon Adventures this week which is also being released on Nintendo Switch reopens the question of how Sony feels about publishing their games on other formats. The truth is we have very little idea, since their only comments on the subject have been vague and ambiguous, but by comparison Microsoft has talked about it quite a bit.What theyve said has often bore little relation to what theyve done given they once insisted Indiana Jones And The Great Circle was not coming to PlayStation 5 but reading between the lines its seemed theyve been preparing the way for all or most Xbox first party games being released on other console formats.Now, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has given the clearest possible indication of that, by insisting that I do not see sort of red lines in our portfolio that say thou must not, in terms of individual games going multiformat.Spencer didnt mention any franchise by name, or give any indication of what would be next, but did say that its too early to make a decision about the next version of Halo.Thats no doubt because the next game is a long way off, with the developer only recently indicating that it has started work on new titles. Although rumours have already suggested that the move to Unreal Engine 5 is in part to make porting to the PlayStation 5 easier.The next big test for Xboxs multiformat plans will be the release of Avowed next February, which its somewhat surprising was not on PlayStation 5 from the start, given its a lower profile title.Theres still no release date for the PlayStation 5 version of Indiana Jones but if it becomes clear that Microsoft is planning a roughly six month exclusivity period for Xbox games, before releasing them on PlayStation, then it becomes easier to predict what will happen with other 2025 titles such as South Of Midnight and Fable.Like the new Halo, the likes of Perfect Dark, Gears Of War: E-Day, and State Of Decay 3 have no release year yet but if theyre 2026 or later then by that point first party Xbox games may be appearing on other formats as a matter of course.In theory this will include the Switch 2, although its uncertain how powerful Nintendos new device is and which titles it will be able to handle. Releasing Call Of Duty on Switch was one of Microsofts key arguments for allowing the Activision Blizzard acquisition, but whether the Switch 2 will be able to handle it and other high-end titles remains to be seen.Elsewhere in the interview with Bloomberg, a (rather bedraggled looking) Spencer indicated that Microsoft was still interested in buying other companies after Activision Blizzard, hinting at more mobile publishers and perhaps a studio in Asia even though they only just shut down Tango Gameworks.Despite continually falling Xbox Series X/S console sales, Spencer insisted that, The Xbox business has never been more healthy. The business is performing right now, and I think that means a more healthy future for hardware and the games we build.I feel pretty good about where this industry is going, he added. To reach new players, we need to be creative and adaptive of new business models, new devices, new ways of access. Were not going to grow the market with $1,000 consoles.Once again, he strongly hinted at releasing a handheld Xbox in the future, which is assumed to be the next gen console the company has technically already announced, but this time he implied that it is still a few years out and not necessarily aiming for the previously rumoured 2026 release date.Halo is still the crown jewels of Xboxs first party line-up (Halo Studios)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : Best Nintendo Switch deals for Black Friday 2024 will save you 100MORE : PS5 fans think new ad is teasing a 30th anniversary preview eventMORE : Gamers sue Ubisoft for shutting down classic racing game after buying itSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Do you agree with Phil Spencer? (YouTube)The Thursday letters page isnt sure PS5 owners want to play Halo and Gears Of War, as one reader suggests an alternative to the Steam Deck 2.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukDelusions of grandeurI dont think Im the only one thats sick of hearing from Phil Spencer at this point, but I think its obvious from the photo in this new interview that the stress of his job is starting to take its toll. I cant say Im all that sympathetic though. Given how much time and money hes had access to I dont see that hes done anything to improve either Xbox or video games in general.The comments about no red lines was interesting, but no less than is expected at this point, while his other comments were the usual guff about needing industry growth and mobiles being the way to do that even though more recent news suggests that bottom is falling out of that market.Spencer just seems washed up at this point and, frankly, so does Xbox. I dont even know what its supposed to be anymore. Its barely a console and streaming is just a sideshow for now, so that doesnt make it any more than a third party publisher with delusions of grandeur.And I do think that has always been Spencers problem. The Xbox business has never been more healthy, he says. But how do you figure that? Activision Blizzard has never been more healthy but Xbox itself seems to have outlived its usefulness and as an Xbox Series X owner that makes me bitter and angry.ColdsbaneLong waitIm sure that Im not the only one that got some second-hand cringe from that new Phil Spencer Xbox interview. The guy seems increasingly off his rocker, especially if he thinks Xbox is doing better than ever. I also think hes fooling himself if he thinks anyone still cares about Gears Of War or, especially, Halo.The most interesting thing was confirmation of a handheld console but the warning that it wouldnt be out for a while. Now this could just be a lie, like much of what Spencer says, but if its going to be later than 2026 what happens to Xbox in the meantime?I really dont see anything on its current slate becoming any kind of a big deal, unless Fable is both incredibly good and on PlayStation 5 from the start. 2026 seemed believable because it was obvious the Xbox Series X/S had failed but leaving it to fend for itself for much longer is going to cause even more problems.84ColbatNo more secretsI see were back to imaging that Sony has some secret store of new single-player games its suddenly going to announce out of the blue, now rumoured to be in early December. Im going to make my own prediction, not based on industry contacts but simple logic and observation: Sony aint going to announce anything.Maybe youll get a PlayStation Blog post about new action figures or something, which seems to have been partially leaked, but thats it. Theres not going to be any State of Play for the 30th anniversary, youll be lucky if you get a new trailer.Sony might be acting odd but not so odd that theyd keep lots of announcements in their pocket for a random rainy day. The more games they announce the more appealing their console looks, and they want it to look as appealing as possible ahead of Christmas so they can actually sell some for once.KikibombEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukUnsexy newsVery sad to see Tequila Works filing for insolvency, as I thoroughly enjoyed the game The Sexy Brutale. It is a little gem and one of my favourite games of all time, which I think they published or/and help make. It is very similar to Gregory Horror Show, with a very good story and interesting gameplay, which I have got the platinum for.Tequila Works also made the beautiful looking RiME, which I have on physical in my backlog to play and they also created Gylt, which was a Stadia exclusive for a while and then got released on other platforms and it is on my wishlist to play.Andrew J.GC: Tequila Works did publish The Sexy Brutale, and helped with development, but the lead creator was Cavalier Game Studios, who still seem to be going but havent announced any new game in some time now.Unequal termsAs a PlayStation 5 owner I cant wait to play all those amazing Xbox classics Ive been denied for all these years like, erm Microsoft Flight Simulator, maybe? I shouldnt be mean but Im just not sure what Microsoft thinks it has to offer the PlayStation 5, beyond Activision Blizzard games that were always multiformat anyway.Im not interested in Halo 8 and Gears Of War 7, or whatever were on now. Those series are well past their best and I really cant see any of the announcements so far turning out to be anything particularly interesting.The problem for Microsoft is that Xbox needs PlayStation but PlayStation does not need Xbox, as we see with Lego Horizon Adventures being on Switch but not Xbox Series X/S. Sony doesnt care if Halo is on PlayStation 5 or not and Im not sure many gamers do either.RollerTrue sequelRE: Shahzaib Sadiq getting upset about no Steam Deck 2 yet. Check out this article from Reviews.org Australia with two of the Steam Decks designers. The Steam Deck is about to released in Australia (19th November).They talk about their thoughts for Steam Deck 2 and the handheld PC space in general, where they dont see themselves as a one stop shop. One quote from it about the Steam Deck 2 is this:So we really do want to wait for a generational leap in compute without sacrificing battery life before we ship the real second generation of Steam Deck. But it is something that were excited about and were working on.As the reader said these things in an Inbox letter, about the PS5 Pro, I think hell see their point: The PS5 Pro is a paperweight, A minimal update, reflections that will barely even be noticed, when moving through the next set of levels and puddles in Spider-Man 2. That is truly phenomenally mystifying and it totally justifies the ludicrous price tag? No, it never has and never will.Being overly dramatic seems to be the MO but no need in this case, about the Steam Deck 2. As the reader mentions, theres essentially the Steam Deck Pro in the market, in the form of the Pro priced 800 Rog Ally X.SimundoImpulse purchaseIm still not clear on why Microsoft has had to delay its big new mobile app. According to Phil Spencer its because they need to do more research into the industry. But did they not have a plan for all this before they paid multiple billions for Activision Blizzard?I thought getting control of King was one of the main reasons for doing it but now, a year later, theyre still looking into it? I carefully research a game before I spend 70 on it, I wouldve thought a company like Microsoft wouldve been a bit more cautious before spending so much money on something they apparently didnt even know what they were going to do with it.KorbieNon sequitur gamingCute review of the new Lego game. Agree that doing one for Horizon seemingly makes no sense, its not like they have a movie, TV show or even kids cartoon of it in circulation. Though once they had decided to do it, I thought itd turn out reasonably well; Horizon would transplant to the Lego video game formula pretty well.Noted you reviewed it on the PlayStation 5, Id be interested to see how it performs on the significantly less capable Switch. Putting it on Nintendos platform is a no-brainer though, given the demographics, just hope its not a phoned-in job. Sonic games sell the best on Switch yet even the recent Generations remake is a noticeable downgrade from the Xbox and PlayStation versions.As for Xbox, I have a feeling the reason it isnt on Microsofts machine has more to do with pure business than any kind of platform exclusivity or loyalty. Xbox has obviously struggled this generation, shifting less than half of Sonys 60 million odd units. Also, looking at recently released information about player stats and sales, most of those console owners are either just playing Fortnite and other live service titles or subscribe to Game Pass and play whatever is on there. So it probably just wasnt worth the cost and development to bring over to Xbox; Sony were probably right to assume that nobody would buy it.Pretty sad really that its ended up like this for Microsoft, Sony certainly need the competition to keep them on track but that even financing ports to Xbox isnt financially viable for publishers unless they cut a lucrative Game Pass deal doesnt look good for the future of the hardware.MarcGC: The small map areas and lack of destructible scenery is clearly a limitation introduced for the Switch, so we imagine it works okay. Its not a bad game, its just weird that it exists.Inbox also-ransSo when can we say definitively that the Switch 2 isnt going to be announced this year? Its the middle of November on Thursday and I cannot believe for a second its going to happen now its got to be January.RyanGC: Its not New Years Eve yet.I saw some Resident Evil 9 rumours saying that the game stars Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine on an island fighting something called Goat-Man. I notice you didnt report on this, does that mean its not true?LayuGC: Theres nothing to suggest those rumours are accurate, no.Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.MORE : Games Inbox: What will happen for the PlayStation 30th anniversary?MORE : Games Inbox: Is Silent Hill 2 the best remake ever?MORE : Games Inbox: Will the PS5 Pro delay the release of PlayStation 6?Sign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Can the Xbox Series X be bottled into a handheld? (Microsoft)Microsoft has confirmed prototypes are being developed for an Xbox handheld, as it seeks to rival the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.Over the past year, Microsoft has explicitly teased its next generation plans, as the Xbox Series X/S continues to lag behind its competitors.While weve heard the company boldly proclaim its next console will see the biggest technological leap ever in a generation, there have also been several clear indications that it is pursuing the handheld market from both Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and Xbox president Sarah Bond.Spencer has now confirmed Xbox is building prototypes for a handheld device, although it seems rumours of a 2026 release may be overly optimistic.In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer said the expectation is that we would do something in the handheld gaming market, before confirming Microsoft is working on prototypes and considering how to market them.According to the report, Spencer has asked his team to analyse the handheld market and develop its vision based on what it learns. Crucially, Spencer is noted as saying that any device is still a few years out.While its unclear if this potential handheld will be the primary model for the next generation, it sounds like hes simply waiting to see what Nintendo pulls out of its hat with its impending Switch successor.Could it be a hybrid console like the Switch? (Nintendo)As for the near future, Spencer notes that the company is looking to improve the Xbox app on existing portable devices, and partner with hardware companies to make sure Xbox games are in sync with their platforms.Longer term, I love us building devices, Spencer added. And I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and whats happening now.In the same interview, Spencer said there are no red lines when it comes to bringing Xbox games to other platforms. Xbox has doubled down on its multiplatform strategy over the past year, with its next major exclusive, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, set to come to PlayStation 5 in 2025.With Nintendo, Valve, and (with the PlayStation Portal) Sony all finding success in the handheld space, its no surprise Xbox is planning a move into the market. The big question, which applies to its next gen plans in general, is what exactly Xbox can offer that the others dont.Indiana Jones And The Great Circle is Xboxs last hurrah for 2024 (Bethesda)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : The best early Black Friday 2024 deals on PS5, Xbox, and Switch consolesMORE : Black Myth: Wukong fans should check out this overlooked Xbox 360 gemMORE : Marvels Wolverine director changes allegiance from PS5 to join XboxSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Honouring 30 years of Warcraft: how remasters and classic Classic WoW will workGameCentralPublished Nov 14, 2024, 1:00amWorld Of Warcraft is bigger than ever (Blizzard Entertainment)Blizzard is celebrating three decades of Warcraft, with remasters of the original two games and a reset of World Of Warcraft Classic.World Of Warcraft celebrates its 20th anniversary on November 23, but the franchise is far older than that. Its often forgotten nowadays, but World Of Warcraft is actually a spin-off, from a franchise that started off as a series of real-time strategy games. And so it was on November 15, 1994 that developer Blizzard released Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and took the first step towards a game that is only getting more popular with age.With the original game now being 30 years old, that means the franchise is enjoying a double anniversary this month. To celebrate the fact, Blizzard has announced remasters of both the original game and its 1995 sequel, plus a new 2.0 update for the disastrous remaster of Warcraft 3, which was originally released in 2002.Blizzard previously said the original two games were too old to be enjoyable anymore but the remaster of Orcs & Humans includes new modern controls, a new interface, faster gameplay, and completely hand-drawn graphics that you can toggle on and off at will.Warcraft 2 is getting the same treatment, plus online multiplayer and backwards compatibility with all existing custom maps, which is certain to please fans. Meanwhile Warcraft 3: Reforge 2.0 will have a new UI, a new lighting system and improved environments, and various quality of life improvements.The three games are currently only available via Battle.net (so not Steam) and cost 8.99 for Warcraft 1, 12.59 for Warcraft 2, and 24.99 for Warcraft 3. Or you can get them all in one Battle Chest for 34.99 (so a saving of 11.58).Its a very welcome way to celebrate the anniversary, especially as so many people today are likely to be unaware of the games and indeed the entire real-time strategy genre. Orcs & Humans was heavily influenced by Westwood Studios Dune 2 which established the template for all future games, including both Warcraft 2 and Westwoods follow-up Command & Conquer.While turn-based strategy games have seen a resurgence in interest in recent years, real-time games never have, in large part because they dont work well on consoles and greatly benefit from mouse and keyboard controls, and high resolution monitors.Although Warcraft sister series Starcraft kept the real-time flag flying for a little while, thanks to its popularity as an esports game, by the mid-2000s the genre had completely fallen out of fashion, as new ideas dried up and even the most popular series experienced ever decreasing returns.Thats ironic given that the MOBA genre, including games such as League Of Legends and Dota, were born from mods made for Warcraft 3. That success came years later though and in the meantime Blizzard tried to expand Warcraft with a point n click graphic adventure. But that was also a dying genre at the time and production problems meant it was never completed.However, its story did influence work on World Of Warcraft, especially in terms of orc character Thrall, and in late 2004 the massively multiplayer online (MMO) game became an instant hit and remains to this day one of the most popular video games in the world.Technically, World Of Warcraft is an MMORPG, as most MMOs are, which means it works like a traditional action role-playing game but within a game world populated by hundreds of other human players, who you can co-operate with in group events or largely ignore if you want to play on your own. Although the setting and characters are the same, in gameplay terms World Of Warcraft has nothing in common with the original three games, so its going to be interesting to see what new players think of the remasters.The moment World Of Warcraft became a hit every publisher immediately tried to emulate it with their own MMO, in a rush to jump on the bandwagon, which is highly reminiscent of current attempts to follow in the footsteps of Fortnite and other live service titles. Especially in the fact that it quickly became clear that there was only room at the top for a small handful of games.At this point, World Of Warcraft has had 10 major expansions, with another two already announced. One of the secrets of the games success though, is that it also receives a constant stream of smaller, free updates that ensure theres always new things to do and reasons to keep playing.The 30th anniversary update, for example, is number 11.1 and called Undermined. Itll be out later this year and involves goblin capital city Undermine, where it adds a new dungeon to explore, a new PvP competitive map, and a new raid zone with eight different bosses. More unexpectedly it also adds cars, in which you can race through the city streets.Thats the sort of addition no one wouldve guessed at when World Of Warcraft first launched but given so much has changed over the last 20 years many players have begun to get nostalgic about how the game used to be, without all the modern additions. That led to the release of World Of Warcraft Classic in 2019, which has been slowly adding back in the new expansions in chronological order.But thats been going on for so long now that Blizzard has announced a classic Classic version of the game, resetting it for a second time and meaning therell now be three different versions of the game running at the same time. Officially known as World Of Warcraft: Classic 20th Anniversary Edition, the new (old) version will start on November 21 and offers a chance to play the original game as it was in 2004, before any of the expansions were released.Nevertheless, there will be some mod cons, such as the Chronoboon Displacer and the revamped honour ranking system. Plus, hardcore mode will be available from the start, where if you die thats it and theres no way to resurrect yourself although you can stay and chat as just a ghost.Its very likely that in another five years therell be a need for a third Classic version of the game, because World Of Warcraft as a whole has never had more players than right now. Thats in part because China has really got into it in recent years but its also a testament to the fact that if you keep your audience satisfied, some games really can last forever.Warcraft: Orcs & Humans is where it all began (Blizzard Entertainment)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : 00s pop icon completely ageless starring in Netflixs number one Christmas movieMORE : Xbox handheld in the works but its release date is surprisingMORE : Halo and Gears Of War can come to PS5 confirms Xbox bossSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

There are some tempting Switch bundles already (Metro)SHOPPING Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.Ahead of Black Friday, GameCentral rounds up all the early discounts on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch consoles.Whether it be for yourself or as a Christmas present for a friend or relative, Black Friday sales are an ideal time to get your hands on a fancy new console.With any luck, well see some decent price drops for Sonys PlayStation 5, Microsofts Xbox Series X and S consoles, and maybe even the Nintendo Switch. Youd think that last one would be prime for a price cut, with the Switch 2 expected to arrive next year, but you never can tell with Nintendo.While the day itself is still a way off a lot of retailers have already started trimming prices in advance. So, weve scoured the interwebs for all the early discounts you can take advantage of.Black Friday 2024 discounts on PS5The PS5 Pro only launched earlier this month, so given how new it is, its unlikely to see any discounts anywhere this year.Amazon has a small discount on the standard version of the PS5 Slim that comes with a disc drive, which is currently 13 cheaper at 466.99. If youd prefer the digital only PlayStation 5, EE seems to have the best offer at 379, which is 10 cheaper than Sonys asking price.PS5 Slim (standard version) 466.99 AmazonPS5 Slim (digital version) 379 EEThe original models been discontinued and replaced with the Slim (Sony)Black Friday 2024 discounts on Xbox Series X/SWeve yet to see many price cuts on either the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S this year. For the former, your only option is, once again, Amazon, which currently has the 1TB console going for 459.99 at a discount of 20.As for the Xbox Series S, Smyths has an offer on both the console and a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Normally, such a subscription would cost nearly 45. On top of the 249.99 console, thats roughly 295 altogether. Smyths offer, however, is currently 259.99, meaning youre getting a three-month subscription for only a tenner.Xbox Series X (1TB) 459.99 AmazonXbox Series S (512GB) + Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (Three Months) 259.99 SmythsThe Series S lacks the strength of its bigger sibling, but it is much cheaper (Microsoft)Black Friday 2024 discounts on Nintendo SwitchAlthough theyre not specifically Black Friday related, Nintendo does have four discounted Switch bundles on its own store. The first is for the original Switch model, which typically costs 259.99. For the same price, you get the console, a copy of Nintendo Switch Sports, and a 12-month online subscription.The next two are for Animal Crossing: New Horizons themed Nintendo Switch Lite consoles. These come with the aforementioned game pre-installed and a 12-month online subscription and all just for 199.99, so youre basically only paying for the console.Last but not least is a Switch OLED bundle that comes packed with a 12-month online subscription and a copy of the impeccable Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Altogether it costs 309.99, which isnt a bad deal, but John Lewis is offering the same bundle for even less at 269.95.On a similar note, Smyths is offering the Nintendo Switch Sports bundle at 279.99. While 20 more expensive than Nintendos offer, this one lets you pick two extra games from a select line-up, which includes recent releases like Super Mario Party Jamboree and The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom.If all youre after is the console on its own, Amazon has the Switch OLED going for 277.99, which is 32 less than it costs on Nintendos store.Nintendo Switch Console + Nintendo Switch Sports + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 259.99 Nintendo StoreNintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Timmy & Tommy Aloha Edition + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 199.99 Nintendo StoreNintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Isabelle Aloha Edition + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 199.99 Nintendo StoreNintendo Switch OLED Model + Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) 269.95 John LewisNintendo Switch Console + Nintendo Switch Sports + Nintendo Switch Online Subscription (12 Months) + Two Extra Games 279.99 SmythsNintendo Switch OLED 277.99 AmazonThe OLED model is a notable improvement on the original Switch (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : When is Black Friday? 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What is this teasing? (YouTube)A new PS5 advert has got tongues wagging for seemingly hinting at a new annoucement for PlayStations 30th birthday.The 30th anniversary of the PlayStation brand is coming up, so youd think Sony would have something special planned for such a momentous landmark in its history, but so far its done relatively little to reference it.There was the range of limited edition hardware, featuring the original logo and grey colour scheme of the PlayStation 1, but all of that was very expensive, and quickly sold out, and so now fans think Sonys gearing up for something else.The rumours are based on a new advert for the PlayStation 5, which at face value seems fairly innocuous, but is believed to be hiding a teaser for the anniversary itself.Said ad went up on YouTube earlier today and it doesnt feature any actual games or products. Just the iconic button symbols appearing throughout a city, as it shifts and morphs into a big playground, capping off with Sonys Play has no limits slogan.However, around the 11 second mark, a train station sign can be seen displaying a date and time for December 3 at 20:24. Or rather December 3, 2024. Thats the exact date of the PlayStations anniversary.As such, people are assuming Sony has some kind of an announcement planned for that date. If so, the next question is what it could actually be. A new mini-console, to replace the flawed PlayStation Classic? A retro compilation of older titles? At the very least, wed expect some more affordable products for the Christmas period.We do know Sony is collaborating with Youtooz on a new range of collectible figures. Recently, Youtooz posted a teaser on X for figures of Kratos, Ratchet and Clank, Sly Cooper, and Astro Bot, so maybe a formal announcement and release date is being saved for the anniversary.Some have suggested there could even be a whole showcase, but thats probably wishful thinking. Plus, with The Game Awards 2024 taking place that same week, any major PlayStation game announcements would most likely be saved for then.Over on Reddit, fans are trying to manage expectations. Definitely a hint at their 30th anniversary, showcase not so much, wrote user Arcanunn.Some like VenturerKnigtmare420 have taken the opportunity to joke about how maybe this time Sony will definitely announce the Bloodborne remaster everyone wants.These are likely coming out to coincide with the anniversary (Youtooz)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : PS5 Pro selling faster than PS4 Pro price had no negative impact says SonyMORE : Where are the PS5 and Switch made? How Trump tariffs may impact pricesMORE : PS5 Pro scalpers are losing money but theyre still scamming fans elsewhereSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Tetris Forever the actual greatest of all time (Digital Eclipse)The video game that helped end the Cold War (kind of) is honoured with an interactive museum featuring 18 different versions, including the 1985 original.Although its not quite as obvious a choice nowadays, given how long ago the games heyday was, its hard to take serious any list of the top 10 video games of all time that does not include Tetris. The timeless design of Tetris makes it an essentially perfect gaming experience, but its importance extends beyond just its qualities as a piece of interactive entertainment.With its 40th anniversary due to start next year, it can be difficult for younger gamers to appreciate its impact and relevance (or perhaps not). But apart from anything it was the game that sold the Game Boy, and without the Game Boys handheld dominance Nintendo may have ended up on a very different trajectory than it is today.But even that is just a single part of one of the most interesting behind the scenes stories in all gaming. One that involves Cold War era intrigue and Robert Maxwell trying, and failing, to convince Mikhail Gorbachev, and his other Kremlin contacts, to gift him the rights to the game. All of which was portrayed in the surprisingly entertaining, if highly sensationalised, Tetris movie on Apple TV+.The movie downplays Nintendos role in things but was inspired by David Sheffs 1993 book Game Over, which we always recommend to those interested in the early days of the games industry. If you dont want to read that though (or are only interested in the Tetris bit) then you now have another alternative to the movie, in the form of this interactive museum.Its by remaster experts Digital Eclipse and follows the same format as their excellent Atari 50 compilation, as well as other more focused titles like The Making Of Karateka and Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story.So, while you can play all 18 included versions of Tetris from a simple menu, the best way to experience things is by working through the timeline to explore the life and times of the franchise, from its inception to the modern day, through the medium of videos, photos, short text explanations, and playable games.Tetris Forever Hatris is a fun alternative (Digital Eclipse)30 years ago, this wouldve been referred to as multimedia, a concept that never really took off with the limited technology of the time but here the history of Tetris is told via whatever media is most appropriate to get the point across, from retro TV ads to Japanese posters and talking head interviews.The magic of Tetris backstory is that its all a lot more interesting than you wouldve thought, even if most people know the basics, of it being the invention of Soviet programmer Alexey Pajitnov, who simply wanted to bring a little fun and happiness to the world. In the early days Tetris always revelled in its Soviet origins and, in its own small way, was a celebration of the thawing of the Cold War.Youll notice that we havent yet attempted to explain what Tetris is or how its played, but with over 200 million copies sold (and thats probably a gross underestimation when you add in mobile versions, let alone unofficial clones) we feel that would be an insult to the games legacy.There is a problem with Tetris Forever though, as despite what you might imagine this does not include all the different versions of the game or anything close to it. Therere no cross-licensed versions at all, so while you do get the very first version of the game, created on the Soviet computer format Electronika 60, theres nothing here at all by Nintendo, EA, or any of the many other companies that have brought Tetris to over 65 different formats in the last 39 years.There are some interestingly weird sequels and spin-offs, but many of those had nothing to do with Pajitnov, even though he did work on a number of them back in the day. Pseudo-sequel BomBliss, and all its variants, are all but forgotten today, while Tetris Battle Gaiden was never released outside of Japan. Theyre interesting novelties but there are obvious gaps in the collection, with no Welltris or Faces which Pajitnov did actually work on and instead only a couple of versions of Hatris.The most serious problem is that this means Tetris Forever does not include the two best versions of the game: the original Game Boy edition and the more recent Tetris Effect by Tetsuya Mizuguchi. Nintendo would never allow someone else to licence their games to appear on other formats, so this is no surprise, but it does leave a gaping hole in the collection.Developer Digital Eclipse has tried to work round this though, via Tetris Time Warp: an entirely new game made specifically for this occasion. It plays as a perfectly bog standard, modern version of the game, until you clear a line with a special glowing tetromino and it transforms into one of the many Tetris variants from throughout the years, including a legally distinct version of the original Game Boy game.Time Warp is as good a compromise as you could hope for, given all the legal issues, but while Tetris Forever is a very interesting interactive museum, for sheer entertainment value youd probably be better off watching the movie (or better still reading the book) and buying a copy of Tetris Effect instead.In Short: Another immaculately researched and presented interactive museum by Digital Eclipse, but one that is missing too many important versions of the game to function in quite the way its intended.Pros: Fascinating museum features, with rare promotional items, brand new video interviews, and some games that have never been released in the West before. Perfect emulation of even the original Electronika 60 version.Cons: Its not anyones fault but the lawyers, but this is missing all the best versions of the game, and many of its spin-offs.Score: 7/10Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PCPrice: 29.24Publisher: Digital EclipseDeveloper: Digital EclipseRelease Date: 12th November 2024Age Rating: 3Tetris Forever this is what the original 1985 version looked like (Digital Eclipse)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : Dragon Age: The Veilguard sold even less than Star Wars Outlaws in UKMORE : Where are the PS5 and Switch made? 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Silent Hill 2 much better than expected (Konami)The Tuesday letters page gives up on the Nintendo Switch 2 being announced this year, as another reader worries about kids access to GTA 5.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukRemaking the moodIve just finished the Silent Hill 2 remake and Ive got to say it has completely exceeded my expectations. Even knowing that it was good, thanks to the positive reviews, I expected it to be a straight recreation of the original game, but with a few modern touches. But its much more than that, a completely new game that mirrors the original but is never exactly the same with some parts removed and others added.Full credit to Bloober Team, I think theyve done a great job and Im genuinely wondering whether it might be the best remake Ive ever played. The other contenders, I would say, are Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Resident Evil 2 and 4. All of which are similar in that they play pretty loose with the original game very loose in Final Fantasy 7s case but still manage to capture the mood and atmosphere of the original perfectly.This is a million miles away from the pointless remakes Sony has been churning out lately, for things like The Last Of Us and Until Dawn, which just seem to be literal cash grabs, that add nothing to the original and arent needed anyway.I think its silly to say remakes are good or bad. They can be either or just mid. But I think the best ones are great and I cant get enough of them. I wish they were remaking Soul Reaver instead of just remastering it.LemptonLike what you likeThank you for printing my (positive) take on Starfield. I wasnt even surprised to see the umpteenth negative review in the Readers Feature a week later but an Underboxer did comment my continued belief that the gaming community love to hate Starfield.I have to admit Ive spent more time dwelling on my discrepancy of experience than I should, I dont dispute any of the complaints that have been repeatedly levelled at Starfield, I can only say they havent impacted my enjoyment of the game in the way it has for others.And shouldnt that be OK? We dont all like the same things, if Starfield isnt for you there are numerous other space titles you could play instead.While numbers for Starfield are down on other Bethesda titles, it has a (smallish) dedicated following and is starting to see some really cool mods. I can only promise to never write in on this subject again and quietly hope we see a few more expansions.DarKerR (gamertag)GC: Of course its OK. Look at us, were convinced Etrian Odyssey 4 is one of the best games ever made, and were never going to stop going on about that. The only thing we disagree with you about is the idea that theres numerous alternatives; there are far too few space exploration titles for our liking.Different tiersSurprising Dragon Age: The Veilguard isnt selling all that well.The GC review made it sound like it was on a par with Elden Ring and Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom. A top tier title. I wonder why it isnt performing as well as EA would have hoped?I was tempted to give it a go and refund if I didnt like it, but two hours to get an idea of how a complex role-playing game plays isnt a lot of time.P.EllaGC: We said it was very good but Elden Ring and Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom are two of the best games of the generation, if not of all time, so its not on that level. And Dragon Age is selling well, just not spectacularly.Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukTo stalk or not to stalkIve never played any of the previous S.T.A.L K.E R. games and Im not a big first person shooter or survival game fan either, to be honest. But I recently read Roadside Picnic by the Strugatsky brothers, on which the games and the film Stalker are loosely based, and loved it.Following that I watched a few preview videos of the new game, and I have to say my interest is piqued. I do like an open-ended role-playing game and this looks like it might hit the spot. A positive review from your good selves may probably be the decider. In any case, read Roadside Picnic if youre a fan of dystopia sci-fi. Its excellent.SomasonicGC: It is indeed, and if youre a fan of that and Stalker we cant see you not enjoying the games to at least some degree. The older ones can usually be had quite cheaply or theres the recent compilation S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends Of The Zone Trilogy on all formats.The final trollAt this point Nintendo is literally trolling us, right? There is no way a Donkey Kong expansion for the Japanese theme park justifies a whole Nintendo Direct. Its literally only Japan; internationally speaking, whos going to go visit that in the middle of November?!But I think this guarantees no Nintendo Switch 2 reveal this year. Theyre not going to do it in the middle of Black Friday, which basically lasts the rest of the month, and theyre not going to do it in late December. I suppose theres a small chance they tease it at The Game Awards but what kind of chance? I wouldnt have said any more than 10% or so.No, all those rumours were wrong and while I appreciate they may have been right at the time the end result is nada this year. Except for probably another Nintendo Direct about a Zelda concert tour or an interactive tea machine or some other nonsense thats just an excuse to troll us one last time.TacleHome classicOne of the greatest Home Alone games ever produced, to me, has to be Home Alone on the Mega Drive. This game was not only a shoot em-up platformer but also brilliantly combined the ability to explore houses as well as a neighbour, as well as being able to build weapons and collect items to build them while also preventing two thieves from robbing each house. Adding to this ,you also had the ability to set traps in each house, adding to the fun.For anyone who has played this gem of a game they will tell you that if there is one Mega Drive game you have to own this is one of them. Even Home Alone fans who have never played this game will love it and wonder why they missed this classic.A remaster of this game, I feel, is well deserved and should be converted into 3D 4K HDR10, as well as additional weapons and traps, combined with voice acting from the original characters (Macauly Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern).This would make a remaster of this amazing game stand out and give it an upgrade it truly deserves, along with a revamped sound rack of remixes of the original Mega Drive soundtrack.Here is a walkthrough of the game for anyone who has never played it. Im sure you will agree this deserves a decent remaster.gaz be rotten (gamertag)GC: You cant convert a 2D game into 3D, it would have to be completely remade.One good reasonIve been thinking about the PS5 Pro and even though I bought the PlayStation 4 and then the PS4 Pro I have no reason to think about buying the PS5 Pro.The only reason I can thinking of them bring it out is because next year GTA 6 is out. They put a PS5 Pro and a free copy of GTA 6 and it could shift them. I still wouldnt buy one but could twist some players arms into buying one and if the Pro does have the power to play GTA perfectly it could sell a hell of a lot more.DavidGC: Its already selling more than Sony expected.Easy accessI found myself agreeing with a lot of what last weekends Readers Feature said about GTA 5. Like the author, I would never call for a ban, it wouldnt really have any effect anyway not to mention its not like its the only game kids shouldnt play.The responses saying its down to parents I feel are a bit ignorant to whats realistically possible. I assume were all just accepting that anyone in secondary school is going to play games rated 18, because how would anyone ever stop that?By that point theyve got friends to get games through, bank cards to buy it themselves, and phones which need parental controls removed for school lessons at school. Im not even sure why we have 15 or 18 certificates anymore, when the only place left that can enforce it is the cinema. Microsoft and Sony certainly dont have any way to do it.Its junior school ages were talking about. As the article pointed out, you may be able to control what happens in your own home but at some point theyre going to interact with other children. You cant control other parents and every school has a spectrum of families ranging from fully engaged and understanding what their kids are watching or playing to the ones the NSPCC adverts are about.I dont think banning the games would ever help. Its certainly not going to stop them watching it on YouTube or Twitch on their phone. And who can honestly say when they were young, the solution to your parents saying No wasnt to just do it anyway and not tell them. Easy access to this stuff is part of their life, just like social media and the best thing you can do is engage with them on it.TimGC: Very sensibly said.Inbox also-ransI wonder if the marketing bods at Nintendo have considered calling the Switch successor the Switch Up? Seems to me that, while it incorporates the Switch name it also works as an instruction to existing owners.Meestah BullIm kind of torn whenever I see Nintendo sue someone for piracy. On the one hand I hate that sort of corporate bullying but on the other hand I cant help but laugh when these cocky streamers get a face full of ninja lawyer, despite thinking the law somehow doesnt count with them.JiffoEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.MORE : Games Inbox: Will the PS5 Pro delay the release of PlayStation 6?MORE : Games Inbox: What will be Rockstars next game after GTA 6?MORE : Games Inbox: Is the PS5 Pro worth getting?Sign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Nintendo is being a big tease (Reuters)As the world awaits news on the Switch 2, Nintendo continues to troll fans with another Direct presentation on something completely unrelated.Ever since Nintendo confirmed its next console will be shown at some point before April 2025, every new announcement from the company has come with added anticipation.Nintendo has resorted to putting disclaimers on subsequent Direct presentations to control expectations, but theres been a string of surprises in recent months which has bordered on troll behaviour including a museum, the Alarmo clock, a new music app, and a Switch port of Xenoblade Chronicles X.The company has now announced a Direct presentation for something else completely separate from Nintendos Switch successor: a new area in the Super Nintendo World theme park.When is the next Nintendo Direct? The Super Nintendo World Direct is set to be streamed live today and will showcase the new Donkey Kong Country expansion coming to the theme park at Universal Studios Japan. It will span roughly 10 minutes, with the disclaimer that no game information will be featured.Youll be able to watch the stream live through Nintendos YouTube channels on Monday, November 11 at 10pm GMT in the UK, which translates to 2pm PT/5pm ET in the US.The Donkey Kong Country expansion was originally slated to open in spring this year, but it was delayed to late 2024 with no specific date. As such, its very likely this presentation will reveal an opening date, potentially for this month.While this is focused on Universal Studios Japan, Donkey Kong Country and its Mine-Cart Madness ride will debut in the West at the upcoming Super Nintendo World park at Universal Orlando, which is set to open next year.Theres currently no confirmation that itll be part of the Universal Studios park in Los Angeles, which is more pushed for space.This is Nintendos third Direct presentation since August, following a Nintendo Museum broadcast and a joint Indie World and Partner Showcase.Is there a Zelda surprise coming in 2024? While it looks increasingly unlikely that well see any news about the Switch 2 this year, rumours suggest Nintendo isnt quite done with surprise announcements.Insider Samus Hunter, who teased the Donkey Kong Country showcase ahead of its reveal and correctly predicted the Xenoblade Chronicles X remaster, has hinted that something Zelda-related is also coming this winter.In a post on X, the insider states it is not a hint for a Zelda game and is more like a riddle, with the picture showing Link playing the ocarina from Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. Many have suggested it could be related to additional Zelda songs for the Nintendo Music app, which makes sense considering there are barely any songs on it. With the musical theme, a Zelda concert of sorts might also be a possibility. Well have to wait and see if a Zelda announcement does materialise, but just dont expect the long rumoured Wind Waker and Twilight Princess remasters to make a sudden appearance.Donkey Kongs expansion is coming to Super Nintendo World in Orlando too (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : Nintendo Switch 2 will run current Switch games but unveil is likely till 2025MORE : The Nintendo 3DS is finally dead as its last player is forced offlineMORE : Yes, someone has got THAT game running on Nintendos Alarmo clockSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

PS5 Pro not a flop (Sony)It may cost a fortune but despite rumours that its not selling, the PS5 Pro is doing even better than Sony originally expected.Given its existence was leaked well over a year ago, the PS5 Pro has been the subject of controversy for a very long time. The mid-generation upgrade costs a staggering 700, which stands as the most obvious proof that the console is not aimed at ordinary gamers, but only hardcore fans.The PS4 Pro was exactly the same and barely accounted for more than 10% of all PlayStation 4 sales. The PS5 Pro isnt expected to be any different, although Sony has revealed that its actually sold better than its predecessor, so far.Hardcore users are the target of this hardware, said Sony president Hiroki Totoki. In terms of the pricing many people made different comments on that, but pricing on PS5 Pro has not had a negative impact, I dont think.Some fans have suggested that because the PS5 Pro is still easily available at retailers, and that scalpers have had to reduce their prices, its an indication that it has not sold well, but according to Sony this is not the case (it also ignores the fact that the PlayStation 5 shortages were primarily due to the pandemic, which is no longer a factor).As quoted by Nikkei Asia, Totoki added: Im under the impression that the product is performing slightly stronger than the pre-orders of the PS4 Pro during the same period.Odd phrasing aside, this suggests that Sony is perfectly happy with the PS5 Pro, in terms of its positioning in the market and its sales so far.Even if it is selling slightly more than the PS4 Pro at the moment, its still only going to be a comparatively minor release for Sony, with no significant impact on either their bottom line or the PlayStation brand as a whole.But that is what people have been just as upset about, as Sony continues to remain very distant from its fans, with few public announcements and a release schedule that is for more sparse now than at the start of the generation.Spending money and resources on niche hardware such as PlayStation VR2, PlayStation Portal, and PS5 Pro, while at the same time announcing and releasing so few first party games, remains a very strange look for Sony and theres still no real sign of them changing direction.Recent comments suggest they have final realised that their obsession with live service game has not paid dividends but theres still no indication so far of a major change in policy, with regards to either software or hardware.Maybe Sony could get on with make some games now, instead of just hardware? (YouTube)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : My top 10 PlayStation video games of the last 30 years Readers FeatureMORE : 15 years later Modern Warfare 2 is still the biggest Call Of Duty has ever beenMORE : Trump tariffs will make video game consoles up to 40% more expensiveSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Will people see the difference with the PS6? (Credits: AFP via Getty Images)The Monday letters page asks why EA is shutting down the Battlefield 3 servers, as one reader advises how to ban GTA 5 in your household.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukSmall leapReportedly the PS4 Pro made up 14.5m of the PS4s 117m units shifted, around 12%. Some units would have been double dippers, so Id say 10% is fair. The PS5 Pro will be about the same percentage as well.Although I dont think theres much crossover between Sonys hardware and software divisions the complaints about the former due to the lack of the latter is to be expected.Im not sure though why the 90% who have no interest in the Pro have to get so bent out of shape about what its offering, even if they are scratching their heads and cant see it.It was never aimed at them and the base unit exists, the Pro is no skin off their nose. Leave the 10% to enjoy the gains they want and welcome.Clearly though, the Pro does represent the problem diminishing returns will have marketing their next console to the majority of their customers.I dont see how Microsoft or Sony can build a console for an acceptable price in the next three years that can demonstrably show a worthwhile-to-most leap in graphics.SimundoIn the moodI went into Star Wars Outlaws with some trepidation, due to the lukewarm critical response and my own experience of becoming more and more jaded with the games industry in general, especially triple-A titles. Im happy to say that Ive been pleasantly surprised by the game and to cut a long story short, Im enjoying it. After 24+ hours I still get a tingling sensation when walking the streets of Tatooine.I wonder if they could have crammed in a few more iconic locations, but fingers crossed for the next gaming foray into the Star Wars universe. I still think The Mandalorian is begging to be made into an open world bounty hunting game, or from a personal perspective I would love to see something done with Darth Bane.I dont know what percentage of my enjoyment is due to circumstance; longer nights and colder weather making gaming easier and more appealing. Also, I think I need to be in the right frame of mind to really enjoy a game and wonder how many times Ive not enjoyed or discarded a game due to my own situation at the time. Is this something that you find when reviewing games? And if so, how do you tackle the issue?Themadmonk82GC: Were not sure how to answer that, other than to say thats our job.Made in AmericaEveryones love-to-hate orange businessmen has made his way back into the White House. What does this mean for the gaming industry and more importantly Xbox?Trumps potentially new import tax of 10% on foreign goods and 60% from China could spell absolute disaster for the gaming industry. We could see a 10% rise in video games from any American game studios (lets not even think about microtransactions) and the Xbox itself whilst an American company is produced in you guessed it China.Could Xbox see its already struggling console see a massive 60% price increase? Will Microsoft owned games increase by 10% or will they pass it off as one of their foreign studios creation? Time will only tell but what we can be sure of is gaming is going to see an even more turbulent time during the Trump presidency.Boy WonderGC: The tariffs are to discourage foreign imports, not US exports. Unless youre implying a tit-for-tat trade war, which is possible. The Xbox Series X/S, like most consoles, is primarily made in China, so in theory it would be subject to the 60% tariff. Unless its decided it doesnt count because Microsoft is American.Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukHome adviceWorking in IT and having boys myself, it struck me reading the article about GTA 5 how much parents have to assume responsibility for not allowing their kids to play it. Whilst its impossible to control what happens in their friends homes, it is possible to stop it being played at home.Routers have a feature which allows you to block websites and theres certain software you can put on your PCs and laptops if they are gaming that way, that totally block websites and category features. Not to mention parental features on other gaming devices that should be turned on and using a pin or password unknown to the child.There are so many online YouTube tutorials on this now, theres no excuse for parents. Also, speak to the broadband providers technical team.Sarah HertfordGTA 5 kids love it (Rockstar Games)To be confirmedAre GC or any readers finding problems with the PS5 Pro?I am on a PlayStation 5 Facebook group (over 8,000 members) and there are people reporting not booting, rebuilding databases and crashing out.It looks like they are already having to be sent for repair to Sony. Which can only look really bad for a very premium product, even if just a handful.For me, it has put it to TBC for buying one right now.Si ZeroIts in the gameIve been playing a decent amount of Battlefield 3 before the servers shut down for good yesterday, in EAs yearly culling of online services.In relation to the servers and games being delisted, how does it work exactly? Are the servers always managed by Microsoft and Sony in that they switch off the multiplayer servers, but one retain one server that holds the copies of the game for when people redownload it, which is tied to the users licence for the game?Ubisofts decision to release a patch for The Crew 2 to make it playable offline in the future is commendable. Yes, the valid argument is that it should never have been online only and they have also ended the original The Crews life prematurely, but at least this user friendly option has been applied and hopefully many other companies can implement this going forwards.Back to Battlefield 3, I returned to it last night to play some of the campaign again and found that you cannot even access any of the maps for multiplayer. So, they still remain installed on my console, yet I now cannot even open them.I really hope game preservation takes a step forwards, as it is sad to see so many games and game modes wiped from existence.NatorDomGC: EA has a unique relationship with Microsoft, in that they run their own servers. Microsoft wouldnt let them do it at first and EA didnt actually support Xbox Live in the early days. Theyve never said why they want control but its assumed to be so they can shut down games whenever they want, thereby encouraging you to buy new entries in the franchise.OmniballI was thinking about the recent mention of a new Speedball 2 lately. I still have a version on Xbox 360 where you can revert to the original graphics, and I still love it. Anyway, Ive been enjoying the latest Call Of Duty, Black Ops 6, and was wondering if you combined the omnimovement sliding from that game, plus a button to tackle and get the ball from your opponent, a new version of Speedball could work really well.Imagine multiplayer with all players controlled by real human teams. Inbox magic, make it so.Johnny Alpha SDCurrently playing: Black Ops 6, Flintlock: Siege Of Dawn, and Elite: Dangerous Odyssey via GeForce Now, Steam on Microsoft Edge app on Xbox Series X sounds complicated but works really well and is free.Explaining horrorIve previously mentioned my intention to play P.T. via the 10th anniversary re-creation in VR, on Dreams over the Halloween season and it was just too much!I totally freaked out after many attempts and experiencing the bathroom, the flying window, the creepy lighting and an up close encounter with Lisa. The latter was the last straw. Being the coward that I am, I checked out walkthroughs on YouTube, so that I had an inkling of what to expect, and Im glad that I did as the last puzzle sequence would have meant me never escaping that infernal hallway as the stress slowly diminished my actual lifespan.It truly is a masterpiece of genuine horror and even after watching walkthroughs, I had to play it flat before playing in VR (which was still scary).On browsing YouTube for walkthroughs, I came across this interesting little feature called P.T.s Hidden Meaning. It suggests that, whilst Silent Hills had been in production, P.T. was released by Hideo Kojima in the knowledge that it would never see the light of day.It was effectively his way of hitting back at Konami after their acrimonious parting. It really is quite fascinating, and the evidence is both compelling and plausible. It makes a lot of sense when held up against the demos content and the eccentricity of Kojima. It is well worth checking this link out for any fans of P.T.D DubyaGC: Theres almost a year between P.T. being released and Kojima leaving Konami, but its an interesting theory.Inbox also-ransHi just wondering if you were going to review Nikoderiko The Magical World, a great looking platformer that came out recently, think more people should know about it.ZombiekickerGC: Maybe, the graphics certainly look good.Sad news about the death of Tony Todd, who is most famous for his roles as Candyman and Final Destination. It is going to hit different when we see him in Indiana Jones And The Great Circle next month. RIP Tony Todd.SiGC: He was also the Vortigaunts in Half-Life 2, Admiral Briggs in Black Ops 2, and Venom in Spider-Man 2 (and presumably the rumoured Venom spin-off game).Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.MORE : Games Inbox: What will be Rockstars next game after GTA 6?MORE : Games Inbox: Is the PS5 Pro worth getting?MORE : Games Inbox: Should Rockstar Games remake Red Dead Revolver?Sign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

My top 10 PlayStation video games of the last 30 years Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished Nov 10, 2024, 9:00amHorizon Forbidden West one of the PlayStations best (Sony Interactive Entertainment)With the 30th anniversary of PlayStation fast approaching a reader lists his favourite games and, surprisingly, most are from this decade.Things arent going so great for Sony at the moment, but I didnt want to be so down for their 30th anniversary. Instead, I wanted to share some of my favourite games and consoles/peripherals over this time.For this list I havent chosen any third party games. So, for instance, games like Elden Ring, the Batman: Arkham games, Grand Theft Auto, and Red Dead Redemption 2 arent included.Instead, Ive included only Sony exclusives, which arent available anywhere else except, in some cases, on PC.10. Horizon Forbidden WestThe Horizon series hasnt grabbed me as much as other third person Sony games. It doesnt help that Im not particularly skilled at stealth. The combat though is decent. Id pick this game over the original because I found the platforming, although basic, to be a step up over its predecessor; the environments more engaging and also because, frankly, its absolutely gorgeous.9. Ratchet & Clank: Rift ApartA lot was made of the ability to open portals to open rifts between different areas, but in reality this didnt add much to the gameplay. That being said, I still enjoyed the game. I cant really remember much about it, if Im honest, other than getting around the map was pretty fun, I seem to recall a flying dragon and some rocket boots. Also, the variety of weird weapons such as one that fired a disco ball so enemies were distracted by being made to dance, which I believe was one particular highlight. A game I want to revisit at some point in the near future.8. Sackboy: A Big AdventureI feel both Sony and Microsoft are miles behind Nintendo when it comes to both platformers and family friendly games in general. This isnt the best example of the genre but even so, I still had a good time with the game. The game looks great, with interesting levels that are bright and colourful. The game makes uses of licensed music to great effect and the challenge levels add a new degree of difficulty to the main game.7. The Last GuardianAlthough most probably prefer Shadow Of The Colossus Ive never been a big fan. Personally, I much prefer The Last Guardian. I can understand why, Trico the giant dog you command doesnt always respond to button prompts, much like a real dog, but to me it kinds of adds to the charm. I also enjoy the platforming and puzzles. For me though, where the game really shines is when you are scaling great heights. I really feel like they have nailed the sense of how it must feel knowing you could plummet back down to your death at any point.6. Uncharted 4: A Thiefs EndThe last third of the game loses pace a little but otherwise this game skips from one great action set piece to another, taking place in multiple different locations that all looking stunning. I remember how amazing the game looked when I first played, with Madagascar being the standout. I think this game also has the most engaging story out of the series too.5. Astro BotI was debating where to rank this in the list and truth be told, right now, Id probably say it could be at least two or three places higher. I cant think of anything bad to say about it other than perhaps it does recycle certain elements from previous games. Outside of a select few Super Mario games, Id say its the best platform game Ive played.The levels are varied, the graphics and artwork is stunning, the power-ups are good fun, and add to the level design such as my favourite, the one that slows down time. The way the game utilises the PlayStation 5 controller in terms of motion controls and haptic feedback is unrivalled. An amazing game. Only time will tell if it will be considered a classic in years to come, which is why it isnt higher on the list.4. God Of War (2018)Modern games usually seem to take an age to get going. Theyll be a somewhat lengthy and self-indulgent cut scene, followed by some smaller cut scenes and a tutorial, and by the time you get to the core gameplay youre already two or three hours into the game. God Of War, on the other hand, starts with a bang and the first hour is action packed, with battles against a number of challenging enemies, including taking on a troll and a boss fight with the main antagonist.God Of War is essentially a beat em-up at heart, but an engaging story, stunning graphics, great combat with arguably the most satisfying weapon in all of gaming elevate it to the next level.3. Marvels Spider-ManSpider-Man probably isnt as highly regarded as other games on this list. And in some ways, I can see why. Therere games with more engaging storylines or games that are more impressive from a technical perspective. The gameplay itself isnt particularly original, given it essentially borrows heavily from the Batman: Arkham games. Despite this, I dont think any other game has quite grabbed my interest as much.I played this game so much and even when the credits rolled I still continued, until Id reached that elusive 100% completion rate something which I very rarely do, especially with open world games. It was my first ever Platinum trophy and to this date remains one of only a handful. Although, Id argue Miles Morales is better, I cant deny the pure enjoyment I had with its predecessor.2. The Last Of Us Part 2Theres been a certain amount of online discourse over the game and especially over the treatment of Joel. But although he isnt a playable character (albeit for a brief few minutes) hes arguably the most important. The decisions he makes towards the end of the first game prove the catalyst for the events of The Last Of Us Part 2. The flashbacks between him and Ellie show their relationship evolve over time, from one between a father and daughter to more strained and fractious. The fact that they were on the verge of mending that relationship shows gives context for Ellies actions.Certain The Last Of Us Part 2 fans or detractors like to paint Joel as either hero or villain. I see him more as neither. Joel is violent and selfish but hes also caring and nurturing. In short, hes a flawed person whos a product of his environment. Much has been made of The Last Of Us Part 2s themes of violence and revenge, but it also explores the nature of empathy, compassion, redemption, and forgiveness. The Last Of Us Part 2 might not have been the game the fans wanted but I think its all the better for it.1. The Last Of UsI tried to avoid having more than one game from the same franchise in this list but in the end, I just couldnt bring myself to not include both The Last Of Us games. Most games can be played regardless of whether you have played any of the previous ones, but I feel like both so intrinsically linked you cant enjoy one without the other.A lot has been said about the story of The Last Of Us and with good reason. The Last Of Us and its sequel, for me, are miles ahead of the competition in terms of motion capture, dialogue, and sheer emotion impact of its themes and characters.However, the gameplay isnt without merit. Sure, mechanics like item crafting, listen mode, and the mixture of stealth, melee and armed combat arent exactly groundbreaking but shiving a clicker always feels satisfying; as does stunning an infected with a brick before taking them down with a baseball bat to the head or taking out a well-armed militia group using well-placed arrow shot and stealth takedowns.The Last Of Us is a game that utilises many different gameplay elements but does them all with a high level of competence, that other similar games dont achieve. And all whilst having a high level of polish and production values.By reader matc7884The Last Of Us Part 1 better than the sequel? (Sony Interactive Entertainment)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.MORE : As a parent I would be perfectly happy with banning GTA 5 - Reader's FeatureMORE : Why I don't think Starfield is a misunderstood gem - Reader's FeatureMORE : The PS5 Pro is not worth a near 50% price increase - Reader's FeatureSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Why I dont think Starfield is a misunderstood gem Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished Nov 9, 2024, 9:00amStarfield is its reputation deserved? (Bethesda)A reader rejects the idea that Starfield is not a disappointment and argues that its Bethesdas weakest game and no fun to explore.I read the recent Readers Feature regarding Starfield, and how much the reader loved the game, and I felt compelled to offer an alternative viewpoint.Ive enjoyed every single-player Bethesda role-playing game since Daggerfall, having somehow missed the first instalment of The Elder Scrolls. Ive trekked through Ashlands and Wastelands; fought (and friended) ancient, forgotten vampire families and android-loving, teleporting scientists; faced dragons and deathclaws, giants and super mutants.Ive killed an undead dragon in Blackreach and slaughtered the raiders of Nuka-World. Ive built settlements and bathed a city in cleansing nuclear fire. In short: Ive sunk untold hours into the masterpieces crafted by my favourite game designers and Ive loved every single minute of Bethesdas live another life, in another world approach to world building.I bought Starfield in early release last year, after eagerly anticipating it for many years. After a few short days I found myself bitterly disappointed. I denied it at first. I forced myself to sludge through the tedium because I just *knew* that it would get better. I was wrong.Bethesdas strength has never been cinematic storytelling or smooth, precise first person shooter gunplay, but rather exploration of a living world. It is that world which is supposed to be the shinning gem in my favourite games.I do not expect to be left in tears by masterful character development (as in Read Dead Redemption 2) nor blown away by slick, instinctive gunplay, but rather to be able to lose myself in a world worthy of hundreds of hours of exploration: I want to be a *part* of this alien world.This should be Starfields greatest strength, given the supposed scale of the game. Unfortunately, it falls completely flat. For the first time, Im forced to agree with the wide as an ocean, deep as a puddle criticism often levied against Bethesda.Emerge from the sewer in Skyrim, disembark the ship in Morrowind, flee a vault into the Capital Wasteland or stagger out of the doctors house, into the Mojave (OK that wasnt technically Bethesda, but what a game!) and head in any random direction. Know what youll find? Adventure. An endless, open world *filled* with adventure.There is every reason to delve into that sewer in Boston Common or that cave near Winterhold because you just know that something *will* be there. The world draws you in, a reason exists for the exploration.Land on any planet in Starfield and head in a random direction. Know what awaits you? Nothing. There are no points of interest. No real content. Nothing of interest to do. No story to pursue. Just endlessly recycled enemy encampments with vague, generic plots. Oh wow, another group of pirates in a science facility thats coincidentally identical to the 36 other that Ive explored this week. Yawn.Power up your grav drive and jump to a random system. Know whats there? A few asteroids. Maybe two or three lurking ships. Forgettable wildlife. A chance to mine for rocks. Sounds enthralling, huh?That isnt to say that the game is completely unenjoyable. There are moments of brilliance. Some of the quest lines are great. Ive enjoyed giving the finger to SysDef, and even the main story is interesting the first time.Slowly uncovering the truth about the artefacts and your powers may not match the experience of fulfilling the Nerevarine prophecy, but its still fun. Once. Finish those few experiences though and youll find that little else remains in this bland and empty universe.Ive been told by Starfield apologists that this is realistic, as space is supposed to be empty (as if a game with magic powers needs realism) and perhaps theyre right. Turns out realistic space exploration is boring. If you like Starfield, fine. Ive no interest in changing your mind. If youre on the fence, maybe skip this paint drying simulator. Surely there are better ways to spend your money. Like buying paint and actually watching it dry.As for me, Im still eagerly anticipating a *real* Bethesda game. Perhaps The Elder Scrolls 6 will scratch that itch. I definitely wont buy it early though; Ive learned to let others risk their money first.By reader Neil KennedyStarfield it turns out realism can be a bit dull (Bethesda)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.MORE : The PS5 Pro is not worth a near 50% price increase - Reader's FeatureMORE : Playing with my son at the UKs biggest games expo was unforgettable for both of us Readers FeatureMORE : Kids aren't playing Black Ops 6 and that's made it so much better - Reader's FeatureSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

As a parent I would be perfectly happy with banning GTA 5 Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished Nov 10, 2024, 1:00amGTA 5 not for kids (Rockstar Games)After Grand Theft Auto is banned in one country a reader admits that he wouldnt be upset if the same happened here, in order to protect his son.Earlier this week there was a news story about the country of Tajikistan banning Grand Theft Auto, as well as Counter-Strike. This was met with much patronising comment by a lot of gamers, but I have to say it doesnt sound that incomprehensible to me. I dont know why they banned it, maybe their reasons werent good, but as a father of a seven-year-old son I can completely understand why people would be concerned about the video games their children play.A reader commented only last week about how the average age of players on Call Of Duty used to be in the teens. That was certainly my experience and if theyve now moved on to Fortnite and other free-to-play games then I imagine its a very different, and more enjoyable, experience. Its definitely the case that most people on GTA Online seem to be far younger than they should be, judging by the age rating.When youre a kid the one thing you want to do above all is be treated as an adult and do all the forbidden things that adults get up to. Sex and violence in movies and video games is usually a kids first introduction into many concepts theyre too young for and Im not going to say thats completely unhealthy, but theres a line somewhere and in my opinion Grand Theft Auto crosses it.My boy is not allowed to play GTA 5, but I know for a fact he has at friends and probably behind my back in the house as well. What worries me is that while adults can see it as a parody of the worst of Americana, to a child all that parody and satire goes completely over their head and they take everything at face value.The language is a strong as its possible to be, the treatment of women is awful (it makes sense in that the men are all terrible people but even so), and the violence is unrelenting and treated as fun and amusing. Criminal activities, including stealing and drug-dealing, are treated as normal and without any moral consequence, if there even is a story context when playing GTA Online.I dont think Im being a pearl-clutching prude to say I dont want my seven-year-old playing that sort of game.But, like I said, he has. Despite my best attempts to stop him. Its not even that I want a ban, and I certainly wouldnt campaign for one, but if it happened I would be perfectly happy. I would instantly sacrifice the ability for me to play the game if it meant that kids couldnt. I dont think thats unreasonable and Im sure many parents would agree.In todays world there is practically no way to stop kids from accessing every kind of sex and violence you can imagine, and I dont even want to think about what kind of porn he might have watched already.Of course, Im sure plenty of people will pipe up with It never did me any harm but when parents reading this were kids we didnt have a game of the sophistication and complexity of GTA 5. The internet either didnt exist or was in its early days and extreme content was nowhere near as easy to get hold of.I watch the news in the last few months, and it is made very clear to me that we arent getting more peaceful or understanding as a society, but instead the opposite. Are video games part of the problem? I dont know, but I know theyre not helping. Especially not GTA 5.By reader BorsGTA 5 has an 18 age rating for a good reason (Rockstar Games)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.MORE : Why I don't think Starfield is a misunderstood gem - Reader's FeatureMORE : The PS5 Pro is not worth a near 50% price increase - Reader's FeatureMORE : Playing with my son at the UKs biggest games expo was unforgettable for both of us Readers FeatureSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.