The Wednesday letters page is concerned about Sony's PS5 DRM controversy, while a reader wishes for an XCOM 3 announcement. Games Inbox is a collection of readers' letters, comments, and opinions. To join the discussions, email gamecentral@metro.co.uk.
Instant Access
With Saros out this week, I'm very tempted to buy it straight away. I have two main reasons: I really want to play it, and Sony games rarely drop in price for physical copies. I'm fairly certain I'll do it, but I feel like a chump for buying at full price on day one. Some people swear by it, but I usually feel trapped. Am I gullible? Should I wait a few months for a discount? Yet there are benefits: for multiplayer, you don't get left behind; for single-player, you avoid spoilers and join the conversation. I'm torn—my head says wait and save money, but my heart wants to be an early adopter like the cool kids.
Goldie
Inevitable U-turn
This PS5 30-day DRM thing is very strange. Sony hasn't commented. Many think it's a bug, appearing out of nowhere. I guess it was intentional, and they thought people would accept it—until an uproar forces a U-turn. Why can't Sony be normal? They have a virtual monopoly, so just rake in money. Instead, they make it clear we don't own what we buy, and publishers can take it away. That makes me less likely to buy, which they should want to encourage.
Cribbens
Splash Damage
I had no idea it was Firaxis' 30th anniversary. If I had, I'd have bet on no XCOM news. We didn't get a new game announcement, but we got something, so better than expected? It's tragic what happened with Marvel's Midnight Suns. People don't buy one game, and an entire studio is ruined, a promising franchise killed, and XCOM may never return. The worst part is Midnight Suns is a really good game. It's a crying shame.
Wotan
Capcom Minus Marvel
I'm not sure about a Capcom game universe. Dino Crisis, Resident Evil, and Pragmata in the same world sounds fun, but exposition would get old. However, zombie dinosaurs and robot dinosaurs appeal to me. Onimusha could be from the past, and Devil May Cry might be the same universe. But it's probably not worth it. What I'd love is a new Vs. fighter. We're not getting Marvel anytime soon, and Warner Bros. owns DC, so let's make Capcom vs. Capcom. I'd buy that, deluxe versions included. It shouldn't be expensive, especially if based on Street Fighter 6 engine. Maybe Resident Evil Requiem money can fund a Leon vs. Phoenix Wright showdown.
Klaus
Rise of the Machine
I doubt the Steam Machine will be a big success. Valve never makes enough hardware. The Steam Deck would be bigger if they produced more, but they don't seem to care. Now they might shadow drop hardware in June. That worked for Nintendo, but Valve lacks experience. Half-Life 3 could help, but if you can play it on any PC, is it really an exclusive?
Rarebit
Change of Plan
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Xbox releasing on other platforms backfired on Phil Spencer. With Game Pass, Microsoft forced Sony to improve PS Plus for competition. When Microsoft bought studios, they dreamed of negating console exclusives (since theirs weren't selling) and thought multiplatform releases would force Sony's hand. It hasn't worked—except for a few PC games, which Sony abandoned. Now Sony fans get the best of both worlds, and Xbox is failing. I've owned Xboxes, including Series X, but I've migrated back to Sony for the first time since PS2. It would take a lot to coax me back. Xbox needs exclusives next gen (and decent ones) and probably drop the Xbox brand, as damage is irreversible. I hope Project Helix does something good, as competition is healthy. Sony has been acting like the only choice for high-end console gaming.
P B
GC: It's unclear whose idea going multiformat was, but it seemed forced after spending so much on Activision Blizzard. Spencer originally planned to make all Bethesda games exclusive.
Chance Announcement
Every now and then, I remember Atlus hasn't announced Persona 6 or given any hint. That's rude. I hope it appears at Summer Game Fest, as I don't want to wait until December's Game Awards. GC, do you think we'll see it in the next few months?
Colin
GC: There's a chance, but no hint or rumour suggests it one way or another.
Busy Month
Wow! I read your article about May's game releases. Is everyone avoiding GTA 6? It's a nice list. I'll wait for reviews before buying. I've been eyeing the Bond game (hoping it trumps GoldenEye 007, as no Bond game has since), Forza Horizon 6, and Lego Batman. These series have gotten stale—Lego formula and Horizon voiceovers are tired. I haven't had a must-buy in ages, which is disappointing as a long-time gamer with Xbox Series X and Switch 2, feeling like I have nothing to play. I've been playing Fallout 4, which is leagues ahead of Starfield. The last game I kept returning to (besides Fallout 4) was Super Bomberman Collection. I wonder why they haven't added all retro arenas into one golden edition. Special moves weren't needed; random pick-ups were better. Your review made me buy it. Dirtystopout's Reader's Feature was top drawer; I was disappointed when it ended. I love hearing how people got hooked on games. Keep up the good work.
Nick The Greek
GC: Thanks.
Inbox Also-rans
Is Directive 8020 an interactive movie like Until Dawn?
Tom Twice
GC: Yes, it's by the same developer, as are all Dark Pictures Anthology games and The Quarry.
To whom it may concern: I do not want to be buried in a Mario-shaped coffin. If you do that, I will haunt you.
Kimpo
Small Print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at weekends. Readers' letters are used on merit and may be edited. You can also submit a 500-600 word Reader's Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will appear in the next available weekend slot. Leave comments below and follow us on Twitter.
MORE: Games Inbox: What new characters will be in the next Smash Bros.?
MORE: Games Inbox: Which is better out of Pragmata and Saros?
MORE: Games Inbox: When is The Elder Scrolls 6 coming out?
GameCentral
Sign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy.
