The Tuesday letters page of Games Inbox sees readers discuss the growing popularity of retro gaming, Capcom's plans for 2027, and pre-order dilemmas for GTA 6.
Retro Gaming's Appeal
One reader expressed delight at the rumour that CeX is opening a dedicated retro shop in Birmingham, which is close to them. They recalled a visit to a CeX in London, behind Oxford Street, about 25 years ago, describing it as a treasure trove of obscure SNES games, including Chrono Trigger, and a real Virtual Boy. They hope the new shop can get close to that experience.
The reader feels retro gaming has become more popular lately, particularly in terms of owning original hardware rather than playing ports, which they consider often poor emulations. They argue that experiencing a game as it was, not a replica, is part of the equation, though it becomes more expensive over time. They concluded that Sony's push towards digital-only is making them want to go retro-only.
Capcom's 2027 Outlook
Another reader praised the review of Onimusha: Way Of The Sword, noting they were expecting it to be good after the demo and knowing Capcom are on a roll. They were not the greatest fan of the original games but will try to pick this up now. They appreciated that Capcom brought the release forward, out of the traffic jam at the end of the month, which increases their chances of finishing it before another anticipated title releases.
The reader wondered what Capcom has planned for next year, noting the only thing they know of at the moment is Resident Evil Veronica. They suggested that if Onimusha is a success, it could give Capcom confidence for even more revivals. GameCentral responded that apart from Resident Evil Veronica, there isn't much so far, just the Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance expansion, Mega Man: Dual Override, and Ōkami 2, though there's no indication when that's due.
GTA 6 Pre-Order Decisions
One reader, after watching a 26-minute look, stated that GTA 6 is day one for them, barring any unpleasant surprises. They picked up a £70 PSN voucher on ShopTo for £57.80 with a 5% off promotion. They found the graphics stunning, from the detail and density of the world to facial animation and lighting, calling it a significant new high bar for console graphics. The gameplay looked more of the same, but the new wanted and relationship systems intrigued them. They plan to ignore more coverage to avoid spoilers and will read reviews before buying.
Another reader asked a serious question about which console to pre-order GTA 6 for, as they own both an Xbox Series X and a PlayStation 5, both gifts from their wife. They love their Xbox and would normally choose it, but they read that Sony did a deal with Rockstar, making them question their decision. They asked if the PlayStation version will be better or have extras because of the deal. GameCentral responded that Sony does have a marketing deal for GTA 6, but neither company has mentioned any preferential treatment in terms of content or performance. They noted that GTA 6 is likely a game players will be playing for the next decade, and they would be less confident of Microsoft remaining in the games business for that long, which creates problems with being part of that ecosystem.
Sonic and State of Play
A reader asked when Sonic The Hedgehog games 'git gud' again, citing their enjoyment of Frontiers, Sonic X Shadow Generations, Sonic Unleashed, and the classic Mega Drive titles. They noted the backlash over the proposed movie look and expressed surprise at how big Sega is. GameCentral responded that Sonic Frontiers is the only one they've really liked in the last couple of decades.
Another reader commented on two State of Plays on the same day, with the second aimed at Asian-made games, but noted the only game known to be in the Western one is a game made in Asia. They expressed scepticism about Sony's announcements, hoping for a proper, non-AI look at Stellar Blade: Blood Rain. They added that when your mic drop is Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, it doesn't exactly raise expectations.
One reader shared their unconditional love for GTA 6, noting it's heavily anticipated on one side and sceptically received on the other. They pre-ordered the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition from the PlayStation Store at £89.99, making it their most expensive game purchase. They praised the features, including a nudist town, a realistic gym simulation, and a layered police system, and felt the relationship between Jason and Lucia seems more complex than other titles. They concluded it is the title they have dreamt about for years.
Another reader joked that they fully expect a Nintendo Direct when rumoured and it still won't be about the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake, or it will have only a minute or two. They said it better be worth the wait, questioning why Nintendo is so secretive about a remake.
One reader, who owns both an Xbox Series X and a PlayStation 5, asked for advice on which console to pre-order GTA 6 for, citing their love for the Xbox but recent news of a Sony-Rockstar deal. GameCentral advised that Sony does have a marketing deal but neither company has mentioned any preferential treatment. They noted the long-term nature of GTA 6 and expressed less confidence in Microsoft's longevity in the games business.
