November 13th 2024.
As we eagerly await the arrival of PlayStation's 30th anniversary, I can't help but hope for a renewed effort from Sony. It's no secret that they've been lacking in the past couple of years, and this would be the perfect opportunity for them to turn things around and show that they truly care about the gaming industry. It's almost as if Sony has been forced into the games industry by their parents, and they're just going through the motions with minimal effort. But if they can step up their game and give us a super preview event with new single-player game announcements, that would be a dream come true. However, I'm not holding my breath for that to happen.
Some may suggest a new PS1 mini-console as a way for Sony to celebrate their anniversary, but I think it's too late in the year for that now. Personally, I would be satisfied with a plush PS1 that I can use as a cushion. But even that may be asking too much. All I really want is for Sony to give us some hope for the future. Hope that they will put in the effort next year and we can forget about this rough patch in gaming.
On a different note, I highly doubt the lawsuit against Ubisoft for shutting down The Crew will be successful. However, it's alarming that so many games are disappearing and becoming unplayable once the publisher loses interest in them. It's frustrating that it's easier to play obscure Japanese NES games than recent releases. I believe that every game should have an offline mode and if it's online-only, it should have the option to switch to fan servers. It's only fair to the consumers who have purchased these games.
It's surprising that Nintendo, known for their strict policies, has done a better job at this with their new offline-only Animal Cross mobile app. If Nintendo is outshining you in terms of pro-consumer features, then you know you're not doing well. I hope other companies take note and follow suit.
Moving on to remakes, while I agree that Silent Hill 2 is a great one, I personally don't think it's the best. For me, the top contenders are Resident Evil 2 and 4. I have a soft spot for Resident Evil 2 as it improved upon the original and fulfilled my childhood dreams of a better version of the game. I'm not sure how they can top that, but I do hope they'll give Dino Crisis the same treatment. They can skip CODE: Veronica, I just want next-gen dinosaurs!
In response to a reader's recommendation for Indiana Jones And The Emperor's Tomb, I have to disagree. While it may be the best Indiana Jones game so far, I still don't think it's a good one. I remember playing it on the OG Xbox and thinking it was just a mediocre Tomb Raider clone. However, I do recall seeing a promising action game at E3 in the mid-2000s that was unfortunately cancelled. Perhaps that could have been the true Indiana Jones game we've been waiting for.
On a lighter note, I recently visited Japan and I highly recommend a hidden gem for gamers called 84. It's a bar/cafe run by a former Nintendo employee and it's full of memorabilia and illustrations from game creators. It's definitely worth a visit if you're ever in Shibuya. And speaking of Japan, I couldn't help but notice the poster of the Panasonic Q in the Wednesday letters page. I'm not sure who signed it, but it's a nice touch.
In conclusion, while we may have our differences in opinions, one thing is for sure - Tokyo is the place to be for any gaming enthusiast. With its hidden gems and gaming culture, it's a must-visit for any true fan.
Is it going to be a happy birthday? The anticipation and excitement fill the air as we wait for Sony to make a proper effort for their PlayStation 30th anniversary. We all know they've been slacking off for the past couple of years, but this could be their chance to turn things around and show us they still care. It's like they were forced into the gaming industry by their mom, but now they have the opportunity to prove they actually want to be here.
It's no secret that Sony's recent efforts have been lackluster at best. They seem to be putting in the minimum effort and it's clear that they're not as invested as they used to be. But, if they can pull off a super preview event with multiple new single-player game announcements, it could be a game changer. Of course, we don't expect that to actually happen, but we can dream.
There has been talk of a new PS1 mini-console, but it might be too late in the year for that now. Personally, I would settle for a plush PS1 that I can use as a cushion, but even that might be too much to ask for. All I really want is a glimmer of hope that Sony will step up their game next year and we can forget about this rough period in gaming.
On a different note, I highly doubt the lawsuit against Ubisoft for shutting down The Crew will be successful. However, something needs to be done about the trend of games disappearing and becoming unplayable once the publisher has given up on them. It's absurd that it's easier to play obscure Japanese-only NES games nowadays than something that came out just a few years ago. Games should have an offline mode or the ability to switch to fan servers immediately. It's not fair to sell games to people and then take them away.
It's surprising that Nintendo, of all companies, is doing things more reasonably with their new offline-only Animal Crossing mobile app. If Nintendo is beating you for pro-consumer features, then you know you're doing something wrong. Let's hope other companies take note and follow suit.
Moving on, I agree that Silent Hill 2 is a fantastic remake, but it's not my personal favorite. For me, it's a toss-up between Resident Evil 2 and 4. I love them both, but I have to give the edge to 2. It took the original game and elevated it to new heights, with its stunning graphics and intense gameplay. Plus, the nostalgia factor is strong with this one.
I can't imagine how they could top the Resident Evil 2 remake, but I have high hopes for their next project. Personally, I would love to see a remake of Dino Crisis. And let's just forget about CODE: Veronica, shall we?
Moving on to reader comments, I noticed in your preview for Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, you mentioned that there has never been a genuinely good action game based on his adventures. I have to disagree and bring to your attention Indiana Jones And The Emperor's Tomb. I played it back in the day on the OG Xbox and thought it was a fantastic Tomb Raider clone. It had everything from thrilling fights to challenging puzzles, all while capturing the globe-trotting feel of Indiana Jones' adventures.
I know it's an older game, so perhaps the folks at GC Towers never got the chance to play it. But in my opinion, it's definitely the best Indiana Jones game so far. That being said, I do remember seeing a promising action game at E3 in the mid-2000s, meant to be a sister title to Star Wars 1313. Unfortunately, it got cancelled and we were left with the disappointing Staff Of Kings on Wii.
Lastly, I recently visited Japan and wanted to share a hidden gem for gamers called 84. It's a bar/cafe in Shibuya run by a former Nintendo employee named Chokan. The place is filled with memorabilia, illustrations of game characters (some done by the original creators), and so much more. It's definitely worth checking out if you ever find yourself in Tokyo.
And on a final note, I just wanted to clarify that the poster you featured in the article is actually a Panasonic Q, not a GameCube. Just a small detail, but I wanted to make sure it was correct. Keep up the great work, GC!
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