Games Inbox: Pragmata vs Saros Debate Heats Up Among Readers
Pragmata vs Saros: Reader Dilemma and Gaming News Roundup

The Monday letters page worries that The Elder Scrolls 6 may be outdated before it is ever released, as a reader hopes that Fast Fusion gets some multiplayer DLC. Games Inbox is a collection of our readers' letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk.

Spoilt for Choice

I have read with interest your recent reviews of Pragmata and Saros and I did not expect them to go quite the way they did. I knew both would be good, but Pragmata sounds a lot better than I assumed and Saros sounds like it is not really built on Returnal in the way I hoped. I did really like Returnal, and I usually like Capcom's stuff, so this is a bit of a problem for me because I cannot afford both right now. It is unfortunate that two really good, sci-fi third person shooters, that are both new IP (even if Saros is a grey area) have come out at the same time, but then this sort of thing seems to happen all the time, with both games and movies. If they were half the price I would buy them both but unfortunately that is not how things work and I have got a choice to make. It is a shame both of them do not seem to have much of a story but while Saros' combat sounds a bit slicker, Pragmata's sounds more original. Decisions, decisions… Ishi

GC: We have to admit it is a lot closer than we expected, but we would have to give it to Saros. Despite its fault the combat is absolutely sublime.

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Travelling Circus

I remember a reader writing in a while back about how the launch of GTA 6 would be seen as the AD and BC of modern gaming and I kind of think he might be right. At the moment, GTA 6 seems like more of a myth and an urban legend but at some point it really is going to be released and it is going to be all we hear about for months. I mean, if people were sick of hearing about Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynched recently then I think you are going to have to go off the grid for a couple of months from this November. Even as someone that is really looking forward to it, I am wary of the circus to come. I just hope the game is worth it all. Gauntlett

Still Playing

I know I have mentioned this before but Vampire Survivors on Nintendo Switch, with the Ode To Castlevania DLC, just has to be the best value for money in games, in my opinion. Still playing it months later. Ridiculously replayable, always finding new stuff to do. Just unlocked Mr S (he does not mess about…). All for less than a tenner and very intrigued about Vampire Crawlers. Chevy Malibu (PSN ID)

White Noise

This new Xbox boss certainly seems to have all the exec speak down pat but I am afraid that just means I do not believe a word coming out of her mouth. The exclusivity hints seem completely unbelievable to me, for example. The only time in years Microsoft has sold a lot of games is with the PlayStation 5 version of Forza Horizon and there is no way they are going to give that up in favour of hoping Forza Horizon 6 – or any big game – suddenly convinces someone to buy an Xbox Series X or Project Helix. People buy a console for a lot of reasons nowadays and while exclusives are a factor it also has to be the guarantee of a steady flow of them, which you do not get from Xbox. Confidence in the console and its maker is a bigger factor and I do not know who would trust Xbox with anything right now. I am not saying that trust could not be earned but the way she is talking makes it sound like everyone is desperate for Xbox to return to the big time and I am not sure that is true. Scalar

Crazy Suggestions

Can any readers or GC recommend any game that is similar to Mad Max? I have been replaying it on Xbox and forgot how good it actually was. Minus the repetitive aspects of course. A bare minimum Google search recommended Rage, Borderlands, and for some reason Assassin's Creed. I am on PC also so if there is an indie game I can look into it. Any recommendations appreciated. Bobwallett

GC: Many games, including Fallout, are influenced by the Mad Max films, but those first two you mention are the closest to the 2015 game. Assassin's Creed was probably mentioned because, minus the car combat, it is a fairly generic Ubisoft style open world game.

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Slow Update

For any of you that owns a Switch 2 and are looking for some slick and super speedy arcade racers to play, I cannot recommend Fast Fusion enough. Fast Fusion is technically the third game (or fourth if you count Fast RMX on the Switch) in a series that got its start on the Wii. For me Fusion certainly refines the formula to a highly satisfactory degree, with some stunning futuristic aesthetics, very sharp and responsive driving handling, and some generally quite imaginative and expertly constructed racetracks, with plenty of challenging twists, turns, and environmental hazards to negotiate. The series is also known for its polarity switching mechanic that enables you to boost over colour-corresponding pads on the tracks, which sets it apart from the competition. Fast Fusion introduces a new jump ability that encourages some more adventurous techniques and opens up shortcut opportunities. The only real con for me is the strange absence of an online component for the multiplayer (local races are thankfully catered for though) and, perhaps, that the track selection is pretty slim. But considering the game is only £14 and its production values are rather luxurious, plus the diabolical dearth of quality futuristic racers on the market these days, I can forgive this oversight. Oh, and it helps that the soundtrack is incredible. But I really, really hope we get some substantial DLC (and online racing) for Fast Fusion soon. Perhaps to coincide with the game's first year anniversary on June 5. Furthermore: for the love of god Nintendo, give the hovering car keys to Shin'en, so they may potentially make a worthwhile new F-Zero under your renowned developer-enhancing tutelage. Do it now and do it fast! Inbox magic, if you will. GG

Evil Time

Playing through Requiem got me in the mood for more Resident Evil, so I thought I would give Village another go, as I never bothered to finish it the first time round. It is better than I remember it but the scary thing about it is looking at the trophies and seeing them dated 2021! Where have those five years gone and I think we were in the middle of those stupid lockdowns back then as well – a time best forgotten! Simon

New Challengers

I do not feel as though Elden Ring had a negative effect on Elder Scrolls 6 in regards to Bethesda needing to be upping their game, due to how incredibly awesome the Elden Ring game was in general. But the contenders that have come out recently, you have got to admit, have definitely been taking a slice of pie from the open world role-playing genre. The Kingdom Come: Deliverance games have definitely been taking over some of Elder Scrolls' territory over the last few years and threatening them with some great storytelling and quest building. I think that one minute tease of Elder Scrolls 6 years back, was just to say it is in the works and it feels like Bethesda have been quiet recently, apart from the odd game like Starfield being released, so most of their staff can work on the Elder Scrolls 6 as a priority and get this game, which is Bethesda's main legacy, as complete and amazing as can possibly be. Contenders like Crimson Desert, The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and possibly other genres like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Hogwarts Legacy in their own way, are showing just how capable other companies can be at this genre of gaming. So the longer Elder Scrolls takes to make, the more difficult it will be to raise their head above the crowd. Most of the above are sort of direct rivals but you cannot forget to include the non-open world role-players and to enter the sandbox exploration world, with a certain title called Grand Theft Auto 6 on the horizon. Another thing to consider over the next few years is the culture of gaming in general, as things popular in the past does not mean it will remain popular! Younger generations are quite happy with a simpler and more indie style of game, and I have had a ton of hours myself in that marketplace. I would like to see more news and updates of Elder Scrolls 6, as it does have a harder fight to stay relevant and hopefully the past fans and newer fans are still there and excited to purchase their next ticket into the world of Tamriel. Alucard

Inbox Also-rans

Just a great big thank you to Aidax89 for recommending GeForce Now. I must have missed out on tens of thousands of reward points. Woz G

Will GC be reviewing Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes? It has piqued my curiosity after playing the first two (third is on my list). Great to be reading more of Jenkins' input recently too. D Dubya

GC: We are not sure, there was strangely no press for the game and we have not got a copy yet.