June 24th 2025.
The concept of exclusivity in gaming has been a topic of discussion lately, as seen in the letters page of Tuesday's newspaper. One reader expressed surprise at how little the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog franchise sells on PlayStation. This brings up the question of whether exclusives are as important as we make them out to be.
In a recent weekend feature, it was mentioned that Sony's exclusive games are few and far between, with only one major release per year. While exclusives may be a deciding factor when choosing between gaming consoles, their significance may decrease once sales slow down and gamers have already made their choice. After all, what matters most is the quality of the games, regardless of which company produces them.
Some argue that having more multi-platform games benefits both gamers and developers, but it's worth noting that Sony and Nintendo have a unique style that sets them apart from other companies. Their games are distinctive and cannot be replicated by anyone else. This is evident in the success of titles like Horizon Zero Dawn and Mario Kart World, which have a loyal fan base.
Speaking of Mario Kart World, some players have expressed disappointment with the game's latest installment, citing issues with the AI and track designs. While it may not live up to the standards of its predecessor, it still offers a challenging and enjoyable experience for many. However, there are concerns about the game's reliance on items, particularly the infamous blue shell, to level the playing field. This takes away from the skill-based aspect of the game and can be frustrating for players.
In contrast, one game that has been receiving high praise is The First Berserker: Khazan. This Soulslike/Sekiro hybrid offers a difficult but satisfying gameplay experience, with a lot of customization options and ongoing support from the developers. Despite its generic story and average central hub area, it has been well-received by many gamers.
Moving on to another highly-anticipated game, the sequel to Death Stranding has been met with mixed reactions. Some are disappointed that it seems too similar to the first game, with the main gameplay being dumbed down by the use of vehicles. There are also concerns about the changes made to the game's concept of dealing with obstacles, as well as the decision to introduce shooting mechanics. This may turn off existing fans and fail to attract new ones, ultimately affecting the game's sales.
In the world of online gaming, it's not uncommon to encounter challenges and frustrations. One player shared their struggles with the AI in Mario Kart World's Knockout Tour mode, where computer-controlled opponents seem to become unbeatable in the final rounds. However, there is still a sense of accomplishment when achieving a win, especially in online matches.
Overall, the gaming industry is constantly evolving and with it comes new challenges and discussions. Whether it's the importance of exclusivity, the quality of games, or the impact of AI on gameplay, it's clear that gamers are passionate about their hobby and will continue to share their thoughts and opinions.
I recently came across an interesting topic on the Tuesday letters page regarding PlayStation's decision to relocate to the US. It seems that some readers believe it was a mistake, with one even expressing surprise at the low sales of Sonic the Hedgehog. Have you ever thought about joining in on these discussions? If so, feel free to email us your thoughts at the provided address.
One topic that caught my attention was the discussion surrounding exclusives. It's true that when choosing between gaming platforms, exclusives can play a significant role, especially during the initial launch of a new generation. However, as console sales slow down and players have already made their choice, does it really matter who makes the games as long as they are good?
Some argue that having more multi-platform games is better for both players and game developers. But let's not forget that Sony and Nintendo have a unique style and approach to game development that cannot be replicated by anyone else. This is what sets their games apart and makes them so popular. So while exclusives may not seem as crucial in the long run for platform manufacturers, they still hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers.
Moving on to a different topic, I couldn't agree more with the comment about Mario Kart World. As much as I love the series, the latest installment just doesn't seem to live up to its predecessor, Mario Kart 8. The biggest issue for me is the chaos that ensues when you get caught in the middle of the pack, constantly being bombarded by shells, fireballs, and boomerangs. And let's not forget about those never-ending, boring tracks with wide straights. It's a shame because the game has potential, but it feels like a missed opportunity.
On a more positive note, I recently started playing The First Berserker: Khazan, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. This Soulslike/Sekiro hybrid offers a challenging, yet rewarding gameplay experience, with a wide variety of enemies and customization options. The linear level design adds a new level of excitement, making it feel like a gauntlet to the bosses. I do have to admit, it's one of the most difficult games I've played, even more so than Elden Ring or Shadow of the Erdtree. But the ongoing support from the developers, including a new patch with the ability to save loadouts, makes it all worth it.
Speaking of sequels, I recently read the review for Death Stranding 2, and while it seems like a solid game, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. It appears to be very similar to the first one, with the main gameplay now relying on vehicles. This may not seem like a big deal, but the balance and difficulty of walking through the terrain was a significant aspect of the first game. Additionally, I'm not a fan of the idea of just shooting the BTs, which takes away their unique characteristics and turns them into ordinary video game monsters. It's a shame because I believe the original will remain the best in my eyes.
Lastly, can we talk about the AI in Mario Kart World? It seems to be a bit broken, especially in Knockout Tour mode. While I've managed to achieve gold in all the cups in Grand Prix mode, it's a whole different story in Knockout Tour. The computer-controlled players are insanely fast, making it almost impossible to catch up if you're not in the lead. And even if you are, it's still a challenge to maintain your position. However, I did manage to achieve my first-ever Knockout Tour victory online, so there's hope for us all.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on these various gaming topics. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the gaming industry, and I am sure there will be plenty more discussions and debates along the way. Make sure to sign up for the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more, delivered straight to your inbox every Saturday morning. Until next time, happy gaming!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
