The Tuesday letters page features reader reactions to recent gaming news, including the launch of Saros on PS5, which has left some players disappointed despite high expectations following the success of Returnal.
Disappointing Return for Saros
A reader, Cranston, shares their experience playing Saros over the bank holiday weekend. While they enjoyed Returnal immensely, Saros has been a letdown. The combat is praised as amazing, but the story fails to engage, and the areas feel too similar, with the underground machine level being the only exception. The skill tree system is criticized for making the game feel more repetitive; dying feels like a chore to unlock power-ups rather than a learning experience. The overall tone is described as miserable and grey compared to the dreamlike quality of Returnal. Cranston concludes that Saros is a step back and quite disappointing.
Star Wars and Gaming News
Another reader, Caliban, expresses indifference toward the upcoming Star Wars film, despite a younger self being thrilled. They note that games have been more consistent than films or TV, though no top-tier game has emerged yet. The Star Wars Jedi games are considered slightly overrated, with Dark Souls mechanics feeling like a bad fit. Hopes are high for Zero Company and a new Knights of the Old Republic, but Eclipse is not a priority. The reader longs for a Battlefront 3, but doubts it will happen without a new film featuring ground action. The next film, Starfighter with Ryan Gosling, might inspire new games.
Sony's Obsession with Until Dawn
Tacle comments on Sony's strange obsession with Until Dawn, a game that has never been hugely popular. Rumors of a spin-off as a PlayStation 6 launch title seem misguided, as an 11-year-old horror movie spin-off is unlikely to drive console sales. Even if not Until Dawn related, the rumor suggests a horror focus, which may not be ideal for a launch title.
GameStop's Bizarre Move
Bernie questions reality after hearing GameStop plans to buy eBay by borrowing $20 billion. The idea that a retailer of boxed games and Funko Pops would attempt such a takeover seems absurd. The reader predicts that within five years, many companies like Xbox and Ubisoft may cease to exist, noting that American companies are particularly reckless. They express apathy, as the games produced are uninteresting and safe, though they sympathize with developers facing job losses. GC corrects that Ubisoft is French.
Indie Game Recommendations
Gaz be rotten recommends two new indie titles: Restore Your Island from Paiband Game Studio and Bus Simulator: Ultimate from Gamersky Games. Both are available on Microsoft Windows, and the reader hopes for future console releases. GC jokes about the bus simulator being "ultimate."
Forza Horizon 6 Timing
Curly criticizes Microsoft's decision not to release Forza Horizon 6 on PS5 simultaneously with Xbox. Marketing efforts will be wasted if the PS5 version launches months later. The reader suggests delaying all versions for a unified release, speculating that the new Xbox boss may view early Xbox access as a form of exclusivity. However, this strategy seems unlikely to drive console sales. Forza Horizon 6 should have been Microsoft's biggest multiformat release, but the staggered release undermines its potential.
GTA 6 Pricing Predictions
Charlie predicts that GTA 6 will not cost £100 but will involve subscription services or deluxe editions tied to GTA Online 2. A battle pass is also expected, as Rockstar knows how to generate ongoing revenue, potentially for decades, as seen with GTA 5.
Resident Evil Rumors
Korbie welcomes the surge of Resident Evil rumors, attributing it to the success of Requiem. They anticipate a minigame this month, story DLC next year, and a Code: Veronica remake reveal this summer. While new characters are welcome, the reader hopes Capcom avoids de-aging Leon and others. Flashback games featuring younger versions of classic characters could work, as remakes already serve that purpose. The demand for more Resident Evil is clear.
Inbox Also-Rans
Tim Keeling sends a belated Star Wars Day greeting, while Cooper shares nostalgia for Jedi Power Battles, acknowledging it was rubbish but still enjoyable.
Readers are invited to email comments to gamecentral@metro.co.uk. New Inbox updates appear weekday mornings, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at weekends. Letters may be edited for length and content. Readers can also submit 500-600 word features via email or the Submit Stuff page.
