April 30th 2024.
What could come next for Fallout 4? That's the question on everyone's mind. Some have speculated that the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 would be revealed this year, but the Tuesday letters page doesn't seem to think so. One reader even expressed their desire for a modern Shōgun game. To join in on the discussions, you can email us at the provided email address.
It seems like the options for a new Fallout game are limited. While Microsoft may want to release a new installment before 2030, it's difficult to ignore the fact that game development times have become increasingly longer. It's unlikely that they would be able to create something of quality in less than three years, and a full-fledged Fallout game would probably take at least five to seven years to develop. By then, the TV show based on the game will be ancient.
It's unclear what exactly Microsoft plans to do, as Todd Howard has been tight-lipped about any upcoming projects. He did mention some mobile games and content for Fallout 76, but nothing about a big budget console game. Some have suggested that they could pause development on The Elder Scrolls 6 and shift focus to Fallout 5, but even that would take at least five years if they haven't started already. In the past, they may have taken an existing game and rebranded it as a Fallout game, but with the decline of independent developers making triple-A games, that may not be a viable option.
Personally, I'm relieved that I don't have to solve this problem. Rushing things is never a good idea, and I hope this situation helps Microsoft realize the need to address development times. At least something good may come out of it.
As much as we would love for the Nintendo Switch 2 to be revealed this year, it's highly unlikely. While it may be manufactured this year, if it hasn't been announced yet and they won't be at Gamescom, it's safe to say that it won't happen. There's still a glimmer of hope until the not-E3 Nintendo Direct, but even then, it's unlikely. Nintendo likes to do things their own way and be in complete control.
The only possibility for a reveal this year would be at The Game Awards in December, as it wouldn't affect holiday sales and Nintendo has attended before. However, my bet is against it. If I had to guess, I would say that they will announce it early next year in January.
Following a discussion about the pros and cons of easy access, it's clear that it can have its pitfalls. It can easily turn someone off from a game, even if it turns out to be better upon release. Take No Rest For The Wicked, for example. I played for an hour and was already watching the clock, and after two hours, I decided to refund it. It's just a generic game with buggy graphics. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a die-hard fan of games like Diablo.
I can't help but wonder if I would still love Dark Souls if I had played it when it was only half finished. Fortunately, that wasn't the case, and I happily gave it my money. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for No Rest For The Wicked.
If you have any thoughts or comments, feel free to email us at the provided address.
As much as it pains me to say, I highly doubt that we will see a Returnal 2 announcement anytime soon. The developer, Housemarque, has already stated that it's not in their plans, and the director has already left. It doesn't seem like there is any desire to continue the series.
Normally, this would upset me, as the original game was amazing. However, if their next game is another original IP, I would be even more excited. Even if it's not as good as Returnal, it would still be something new, which is rare in a world full of sequels. I just hope it's not a live service game, as that would be a waste of Housemarque's talent.
As we write this, there is a theory going around that the supposed announcement for Returnal 2 is actually just a comic book series or an artbook from Dark Horse Comics. So, unfortunately, we should prepare to be disappointed when the official announcement arrives.
The discourse surrounding the controversial game, Stellar Blade, has always been heated due to its status. Recently, a petition has accused the game of going back on its ideals and giving in to the pressures of "woke culture." However, I don't necessarily agree.
While I have no issue with the game's objectification, I also understand those who find it immature or embarrassing. To me, it's on the same level as a 90s "lad mag." While those magazines may not exist anymore, at the time, many people had a problem with their content.
The complaints about Stellar Blade's objectification are nothing new, but it seems to have been dragged into a larger conversation about "woke culture," which I don't believe is relevant. While I always caution against censorship, and cancel culture is a real issue, the recent patch for Stellar Blade didn't change much. It's still a game that promotes unrealistic body ideals, if you choose to view it that way. The petition seems more like a display of outrage rather than a genuine fight against injustice.
Moving on to a different game, Steller Blade is actually quite good. The combat is enjoyable, and exploring the environments is rewarding for the most part.
What's next for Fallout 4? This question has been on many gamers' minds, and it's clear that even the Tuesday letters page is wondering. Some are even speculating about the possibility of a new Nintendo Switch launching this year. But not everyone is convinced, as one reader expressed a wish for a modern Shōgun game instead.
The discussions and speculations continue, and if you have any thoughts on the matter, feel free to join in by emailing us. It's clear that Microsoft is under pressure to deliver a new Fallout game, but the long development times are a concern. It's unlikely that they'll be able to create something decent in less than three years, and a full-fledged Fallout game would probably take even longer. By the time it's released, the TV show based on the game will probably be considered old.
It's unclear what Microsoft's plan is, as Todd Howard has hinted at some secret plans, but nothing concrete has been revealed. Instead, they seem to be focusing on mobile games and content for Fallout 76. Some have suggested that they could pause development on The Elder Scrolls 6 and switch to Fallout 5, but that would still take at least five years if they haven't started working on it yet. GC has also proposed the idea of rebranding an existing game and turning it into a Fallout game, but this may not be a viable option in today's gaming landscape.
Personally, I'm glad I don't have to solve this problem. Rushing a game's development is never a good idea, but perhaps this situation will push Microsoft to address the issue of long development times. At least something good may come out of it.
Moving on to a different topic, there's been some talk about the possibility of a new Nintendo Switch launching this year. While I would love for this to be true, I highly doubt it. It's possible that it may be manufactured this year, but if Nintendo hasn't announced it yet and won't be attending Gamescom, it's unlikely to happen. There's still a sliver of hope until their Nintendo Direct, but after that, it's safe to say it won't be happening. There simply isn't enough time to generate enough hype.
If there is a chance for a reveal this year, it would probably be at The Game Awards in December. However, I wouldn't bet on it. Nintendo likes to do things their own way and be in control of their announcements. My guess is that they'll start talking about it in January.
During the discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of easy access to games, the main concern is that it can sometimes turn you off a game, even if it turns out to be better at launch. One reader shared their experience with No Rest For The Wicked, where they played for an hour and realized they were not enjoying it. They refunded the game after two hours, citing its generic gameplay and buggy graphics. They would not recommend it unless you're a die-hard fan of Diablo.
This got me thinking about how I may not have enjoyed Dark Souls as much if I had played an unfinished version. But that's not how it worked, and I ended up purchasing the game. Ultimately, it's a risk you take when buying a game before it's fully developed.
On a different note, there's been some talk about the possibility of a Returnal 2 being announced this week. While I would love for this to happen, it's highly unlikely. The director has left, and Housemarque has stated that it's not their plan. However, instead of being upset about it, I'm actually excited about the prospect of Housemarque working on a new original IP. Even if it's not as good as Returnal, at least it'll be something new in a sea of sequels. I just hope it's not a live service game, as that would be a waste of Housemarque's talent.
Moving on to another topic, there's been some controversy surrounding the game Stellar Blade and its objectification of women. Some have accused the game of backing down on its ideals due to a recent patch. However, one reader argues that this is not a new issue and that it's been dragged into the larger conversation of "woke culture." They point out the game's objectification as being on par with 90s lad mags, which are no longer in existence. While they acknowledge the potential for censorship and cancel culture, they also note that the patch doesn't change much and the game still promotes unrealistic body ideals.
Overall, the reader sees the petition as more of a display of righteous indignation rather than a fight against a real injustice. Finally, someone shares their thoughts on Stellar Blade, describing it as a pretty good game with enjoyable combat and rewarding exploration.
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