November 2nd 2023.
How bad have things got? It's a question many of us have asked ourselves recently, especially when it comes to the gaming industry. One reader of the Thursday letters page isn't sure that 2023 should be counted as the best year ever for games, looking forward instead to Capcom's next new title.
The more I hear about the problems going on within Sony, the more I worry that the whole PlayStation division is in disarray. We know the silence isn't right, but I have a theory that Jim Ryan told everyone to switch to making live service games, then someone realised that was a bad idea, and now they're trying to switch back. This means that a year or more of development time has been wasted, right in the middle of the generation. Sony might not be affected too much because the PlayStation 5 is still selling brilliantly, but this mistake makes them look like amateurs. If Microsoft was in a better position right now, they'd really be able to take advantage of this.
I don't really want that to happen, as I have a PlayStation 5. But I'm not particularly impressed with what's going on. I don't care who is responsible at this point, I just want to see the crisis end and a lot of new announcements to show that it's over.
It's been a good year for video games, but I'm not sure it's been the best ever. Despite all the good games, nothing feels new. Everything is a sequel, and they don't really offer anything new, just more of the same. I look back to the 16-bit era and the early PlayStation 1 and 2 and all the games were doing something new or unexpected. It's definitely easier to do that when technology is new, but for 2023 to really be the best year ever, we need more new names in the list of best titles.
I'm intrigued by the PlayStation Portal and I love the versatility of the Switch, so the idea of doing something similar with my PlayStation 5 games does appeal. I'm going to wait for the feedback it receives on launch before deciding whether or not to purchase it.
As for Spider-Man 2, I haven't played it yet and probably won't for a while. However, I do think it would have been a great idea to include split screen two-player co-op. It would have been nice to see the screen split when Peter or Miles moves away from the other player, then merge back together when they both enter the same area. It would have been a great addition, especially with online co-op as well.
Finally, I've noticed the general negativity around Capcom. It's understandable, as all their best games have been sequels and they don't really offer anything new. What I'd like to see from them is either a new IP or an unexpected revival. Monster Hunter is clearly next on their slate, but I'd like to see something unexpected sooner rather than later.
How bad have things got? It looks like the gaming world is in a bit of a frenzy and the Thursday letters page is not sure if 2023 will be remembered as the best year ever for games. One reader is looking forward to Capcom’s next new title, and it's easy to join in with the discussions yourself by emailing.
The more I hear about the issues within Sony, the more my worries rise - it seems the whole PlayStation division is in a state of disarray. It appears that Jim Ryan ordered everyone to switch to making live service games, and then someone realised this was a mistake. This means that a year or more of development time has been wasted in the middle of the generation.
Sony is still doing well due to the popularity of the PlayStation 5, but this situation is still ridiculous - if Microsoft was in a better position, they’d be able to take full advantage of it. Although I have a PlayStation 5, this situation is not impressive. I don’t know who is responsible for this crisis, but I want it to end quickly and for new announcements to show that everything is back on track.
Familiar names grace the list of the best titles of 2023, but I don’t feel like we’ve seen anything that’s new. All the best games are sequels that don’t really do anything different to their predecessors, just better. After thinking back to the 16-bit era, the early PlayStation 1 and 2, I realise it was easier to do something new when technology was new. For 2023 to be considered the best year ever, or even the best of the last 20 years, I would’ve liked to have seen a lot more new names.
I am intrigued by the PlayStation Portal, but I’m waiting for feedback on its release before I decide to purchase it. I’m curious to know if GC will have a review of it.
Regarding Spider-Man 2, I think it would have been great to include split screen two-player co-op. This would have added a lot of variety to the game, and I prefer local co-op options over online.
I am glad that Capcom is investing money back into Resident Evil 9 - I can’t wait to see what the biggest budget Resi ever looks like. Although Capcom has had a good couple of years, their choices have been safe and obvious. I’d like to see them announce a new IP or an unexpected revival.
It would be helpful to know which levels are the music levels on Sackboy: A Big Adventure. I would like to show my friend the Pulse headset's capabilities by showcasing the music levels.
Lastly, I have seen that Hogs Of War Lardcore needs help to reach its £150,000 goal. I have upped my pledge to £60 so I am in the credits!
It looks like all the readers of the Thursday letters page are passionate about gaming and the industry, and it is great to see that so many of us are eager to join in with the discussions. I am looking forward to the upcoming releases and to see what new and exciting titles the gaming world has to offer.
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