In the latest Games Inbox, readers weigh in on the ongoing console wars, criticise EA's microtransactions, and lament Sony's decision to end physical media. The letters also cover Obsidian's upcoming Fallout game, GTA 6 hype, and the underrated Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance.
Worst of the Worst: Xbox vs PlayStation
Reader Cranston argues that while Xbox has a longer history of missteps, PlayStation's recent actions are equally damning. 'Xbox seems the obvious choice, given how long they’ve been messing up for and how the massive acquisitions have blown up in their face,' they write. However, they note that PlayStation has squandered its dominant position: 'The PlayStation 5 has had the generation to itself, basically, as far as competition from Xbox goes, and Sony has done absolutely nothing to take advantage of that.' Cranston concludes that Xbox is worse overall, but it's 'surprisingly close.'
EA and Microtransactions: A Timeless Duo
Reader Grant criticises EA's persistent push for microtransactions, even in single-player modes. 'Ah, EA and microtransactions, what a timeless duo they are,' they write. Grant warns that if EA gets away with this in College Football, it will soon appear in EA Sports FC. 'The problem is sports fans can’t stop themselves, and that tends to include a much larger proportion of casual gamers, who don’t know or care about this kind of thing,' they add.
GTA 6 Hype and Tabloid Frenzy
Reader Grackle expresses mixed feelings about GTA 6, dreading the inevitable tabloid outrage. 'It’ll be all the usual violence and sex hand-wringing but things like this having to use your driving licence to play it is going to be used as proof of how depraved it is,' they write. They predict the controversy will only boost sales, but find the 'pearl clutching from non-gamers' tiresome.
PlayStation Exit and Nintendo's Rise
Reader Focus Forever suggests that Nintendo could emerge as the big winner from the console wars. 'I completely believe the theory that they asked AI to pick people [for layoffs], with predictable results,' they say, referring to Xbox job cuts. They praise the Switch 2's ability to run PlayStation 5 ports and advise: 'Get GTA 6 on there and just fuhgeddaboudit.' They see a future with a Switch 2 and PC, leaving PlayStation and Xbox behind.
Sony's Physical Media Error
Reader Noman calls Sony's decision to stop physical games an 'unnecessary, unforced error.' They question why Sony would do this with the PlayStation 5 instead of waiting for the PlayStation 6, which may be less than 12 months away. They speculate that the move might be tied to a joint plan with Rockstar for GTA 6, but the handling 'still stinks.'
Obsidian's Fallout: A Long Wait
Reader Korbie struggles to get excited about Obsidian's new Fallout game, knowing it will take at least five years. 'This is why I don’t really understand Asha Sharma taking over at Xbox, because there’s nothing she can do that will have any impact until years from now,' they write. They suggest Microsoft might sell Xbox to someone else, but note that any new owner would face the same long-term planning issues.
Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance – A Forgotten Gem
Reader Tups praises Shinobi: Art Of Vengeance as 'one of the best games I’ve played in a while,' noting its similarity to a Metroidvania with more action and platforming. Priced at only £25, they consider it excellent value. They blame poor marketing for its lack of success: 'I didn’t see a single ad for it anywhere.'
Digital Rights and Preservation
Reader Simundo discusses the benefits and risks of digital games. 'Digital has given me access to a vast amount of old games I wouldn’t legitimately have access to,' they write, citing Steam, GOG, and backward compatibility programmes. However, they warn that the current situation is 'a courtesy and not a legal requirement' and could be revoked. They call for legal assurances of long-term access and criticise Sony's 'frankly disgusting' announcement about ending physical media, which handwaves the gravity of the decision.
