January 22nd 2024.
It's no secret that gamers are eagerly anticipating the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in 2024. But as the year approaches, some are wondering if it's going to be a challenging journey. This topic was recently brought up in the Monday letters page, where one reader shared their experience of giving up video games for board games. Another reader chimed in with a recommendation for the old-school shooter Prodeus.
If you want to join in on the discussion, you can email us your thoughts at the provided email address. As of now, there is no set release date for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which has left many gamers feeling underwhelmed by the current game release schedule. Although some games have yet to announce their specific dates, it's hard to deny that this year's line-up is not as exciting as we hoped.
With the exception of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, there are no other major releases with confirmed dates. And this year, both Sony and Nintendo seem to be lacking in comparison to the blockbuster games they released last year. However, it's understandable that Nintendo may have a good excuse for this. On the other hand, Microsoft seems to be leading the pack with Hellblade 2 being the only game with a set release date. But there's still some uncertainty surrounding the success of Avowed and Indiana Jones.
But perhaps we're forgetting something amidst all these sequels, like EA Sports FC and Call of Duty. Aside from those, the rest of the year is looking pretty barren at the moment. And with the long wait for GTA 6, it's safe to say that we'll need to find other ways to occupy ourselves until then.
Moving on to another topic, one reader recently shared their thoughts on GAME no longer accepting trade-ins. While it's a shame for those who enjoyed trading in their games for new ones, it makes sense from a business standpoint. Plus, with the rise of digital gaming and discounted prices through subscription services like PS Plus, it's not the end of the world.
Speaking of old-school games, there's been a lot of talk about retro games lately. While some may enjoy playing them for the nostalgia, it's important to keep in mind that not all retro games hold up well. In fact, most of them are just plain trash. However, there are some exceptions like Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island, and Zelda: A Link to the Past. But for the most part, it's best to stick to Nintendo classics and avoid retro games on newer consoles like the 3DS, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.
One reader shared their experience of playing Super Mario 64 on the Switch online service and how it didn't live up to their expectations. The nostalgia quickly faded as they struggled with the camera controls and found themselves getting frustrated with the game. But not all is lost, as they're currently enjoying Arcade Paradise, a laundry simulator turned retro arcade game.
On a more positive note, one reader recommended Prodeus, a retro-inspired shooter that has impressed many gamers. Despite its similarities to Doom, it has its own unique gameplay and has been praised for its combat, sound effects, and gore. While it may not be eligible for any awards this year, it's definitely worth checking out for those with PS Plus or Game Pass.
But perhaps the most exciting news in the gaming world is the recent announcement of Indiana Jones And The Great Circle. Many were skeptical at first, expecting it to be just another Uncharted clone. However, it's refreshing to see that the developers, MachineGames, are sticking to their strengths and owning the first-person perspective. This could be Xbox's most important title in years, and it may even sell a few consoles.
The trailer for Indiana Jones has been analyzed and re-watched by many, with some even praising the voice actor's performance as Harrison Ford. And while there may be more legacy characters making an appearance in the game, let's hope the marketing team doesn't spoil any surprises in the next trailer. As for the possibility of River Phoenix making an appearance in a flashback level, we can only hope. And if GC has a contact number for MachineGames, please share it with us!
And finally, one reader pointed out the impressive voice acting in the Indiana Jones trailer, despite some negative comments in the Underbox. It's great to see that the developers took the time to find the right actors for the iconic characters. And while it may be strange to see a likeness of Denholm Elliot in the game, it's safe to assume that his next of kin gave permission for his inclusion. Overall, it's exciting to see how this game will add to the growing library of cinematic storytelling on Xbox.
As we look ahead to the upcoming release schedule for 2024, one reader on the Monday letters page brings up an interesting point about the lack of excitement surrounding the lineup. With the exception of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, there seems to be a shortage of big releases with confirmed release dates. Even Sony and Nintendo, who had some major hits last year, seem to be holding back this time around. Microsoft, on the other hand, seems to be leading the pack with Hellblade 2 and a few others, but there are some doubts about the potential success of Avowed and Indiana Jones.
One reader, Tamsen, raises a valid concern about the length of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, which is rumored to only be eight hours long. While some may applaud the idea of shorter games, it's surprising considering the amount of time it has taken for the game to be released. However, Tamsen still hopes the game will do well, as they are against the idea of bloated games and believe that shorter games should be given a chance to succeed.
Another reader, Michael, shares their thoughts on GAME's decision to no longer accept trade-ins. While it may be a disappointment for some, Michael points out that it doesn't make business sense for them to continue this service if it's not generating enough profit. It's a sign of the times, as physical game sales have declined in recent years due to the rise of digital purchases.
Next, we have a reader who goes by the name of "big boy bent" discussing their love for retro games. While they enjoy revisiting old classics like Super Mario World and Yoshi's Island, they admit that many older games don't hold up well and are often disappointing. They also mention their experience playing Super Mario 64 on the Switch, which didn't live up to their fond memories of it. However, they do have positive things to say about the game Arcade Paradise, which is a laundry simulator turned retro arcade game.
Switching gears to the topic of new games, one reader, Wonk, highly recommends Prodeus, a retro first-person shooter that he describes as "legitimately fantastic". While it may not be eligible for any awards this year, Wonk believes it's a must-play for anyone with PS Plus or Game Pass.
Another reader, Anon, shares their excitement for the upcoming Indiana Jones game, which they believe could be a game-changer for Xbox and even attract new console buyers. They are impressed with the trailer and the decision to have MachineGames, known for their first-person perspective games, develop it. They also express their hope that the marketing team won't spoil any surprises with future trailers.
And finally, we have a reader who goes by the name of "Never stop acting" giving their opinion on the voice acting in the Indiana Jones game. While they were initially skeptical based on comments they read, they were pleasantly surprised by the voice acting in the trailer. They also bring up an interesting point about the use of Denholm Elliot's likeness in the game and wonder if his family had given permission for it.
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