The Friday letters page opens with tributes to Sir Patrick Stewart, who has died at the age of 86. Readers remember his video game roles, particularly as Emperor Uriel Septim VII in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, and discuss upcoming game releases, including GTA 6 and a potential Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake.
Tributes to Sir Patrick Stewart
One reader, Johnson, expressed sadness at the news, noting that Stewart "couldn't have lived a more full life but even so." They praised his dedication, saying, "Never saw him phone in a single role and he seemed like a really good guy." The reader highlighted his appearances in both Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow games, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone, and Lands Of Lore: The Throne Of Chaos, but suggested most fans will remember him as Emperor Uriel Septim VII from Oblivion.
Johnson appreciated that Stewart "seemed to be making an effort and wasn't just doing his Picard voice or something." They sent best wishes to his family, friends, and fans.
Looking Ahead to November and Beyond
Another reader, Andy, commented on the November release schedule, noting that only Nintendo and World Of Warcraft: Forever are willing to go up against GTA 6. They observed that December is quiet, but January will be busy with titles like Stranger Than Heaven, Forza Horizon 6 on PlayStation 5, Metroid Ravenous, and Metro 2039, with February even busier.
Andy remarked that other publishers don't seem to think GTA 6 will "suck up all the attention forever."
Hopes for an X-Men Game
Burnside expressed hope that an X-Men game from Insomniac won't follow the same formula as other superhero titles. They argued that a team game needs team mechanics, such as multiplayer or something like the old Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter games. Burnside worried that simply swapping between characters at different points would be "such a waste."
Star Wars Zero Company Impresses
TommyFatFingers praised Star Wars Zero Company, calling it "a game and half." They noted that around day 30, the story really kicked in, with humorous one-liners from the crew during cut scenes. The reader, who identified as a middle-aged man like the main character Hawks, said the game felt tailored to them.
They described it as "XCOM plus Star Wars" and declared it their game of the year so far. In a postscript, they mentioned their cafe is doing well after 1.5 years, now operating as a brunch restaurant with gourmet burgers and loaded fries takeaways in the evenings.
Anticipation for The Lost Wild and The Duskbloods
Asker discussed The Lost Wild, a survival horror game with scientifically accurate dinosaurs, which they see as having potential to be better than a Dino Crisis remake. They also welcomed confirmation that The Duskbloods is delayed until next year, preferring a delay over releasing an unfinished game.
Asker expressed a preference for a new single-player game from FromSoftware, finding the multiplayer rules "weirdly restrictive." They bounced off Nightreign quickly but were curious if other readers enjoyed it after post-launch updates.
Imagining a Different Ocarina Of Time Remake
Cocles wondered what a Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake would look like if it weren't 1:1, with a larger Hyrule Field, open world, and modern role-playing systems and climbing. They acknowledged it would be a huge amount of work and might change the game beyond recognition, but found it an interesting thought experiment.
Cocles believed the developers made the right decision, but predicted people will argue against it once it's out, as "whatever doesn't get made is always going to seem like the more intriguing choice."
Questions About Xbox's Strategy
Janson questioned Microsoft's long-term plan for Xbox, noting that Gears Of War: E-Day wasn't enough to drive console sales. They doubted any single game beyond GTA or Nintendo titles would convince people to buy a console nowadays.
Janson mentioned Fable in February and Clockwork Revolution next year, but felt the lineup was thin. They referenced Asha Sharma's role in winding down Xbox and wondered if her decisions were intentional, adding, "Nothing makes any sense and yet still the layoffs go on and on…"
The inbox also asked for a review of 1950s football management sim The Gaffer, and noted that Xenoblade Genesis is coming next year, with the Switch 2 "motoring now."
