Critics lambast Final Fantasy VII remake, speculation swirls around Nintendo NX console, and enthusiasts praise Yakuza 5 game release
The Evening Inbox uncovers a cheap method of acquiring Disney Infinity 3.0 figures, with one reader seeking Rainbow Six Siege allies.
Don't misunderstand
Oh GC, you bunch of jokers. I don't detest the game (Final Fantasy VII), I detest the transition to non-turn-based combat. Surely that much was obvious. I even stated that I hoped I was misguided. You folks are a tad rash these days. Must be the Christmas pressure getting to you, rushing to get all those reviews out.
All I was saying was that it felt too similar to the current games in the series, and I don't like those, so it would only be reasonable that, following that trailer and the way the game was presented, I would have reservations about the remake or, more like, re-imagining of a classic game.
After watching the re-imagining of RoboCop, I am exceptionally wary of these moves. Either remake it using modern technology to improve the graphics but keep the gameplay the same. This technique worked brilliantly for Resident Evil.
- bobwallett
GC: I admit we might have overreacted, as you didn't outright state you hated it. We've received quite a few letters with that sentiment recently, treating the whole thing as if it's some elaborate conspiracy to infuriate fans. Square Enix claims there are still turn-based elements to it, which eases our concerns. Additionally, we're reassured by the news regarding a multi-part release. There was no way they could have done the entire thing justice on a standard budget and preserved the original size and level of interactivity.
Comparing Apples and Oranges
This idea that Final Fantasy VII is too big for one game is preposterous. I've gone through Final Fantasy VII myself, so I'm not making unfounded assertions. I find it difficult to believe that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can fit into one game, but Final Fantasy VII cannot.
This is just Square Enix trying to extract as much money as possible, with nothing more to it.
- ar1speedboy
Earning Money to Spend Money
I hope all this talk about the NX is accurate, as it genuinely sounds like a truly original and intriguing concept, far superior to some new controller for the sake of it. It does appear expensive, however, coming from a company that has traditionally been stingy when it comes to spending money.
I can't help but believe that Nintendo will roll out the idea initially, and then Microsoft and Sony will almost immediately follow suit, ultimately building on and improving it due to their larger budgets. It's exactly what occurs when Nintendo invents something new; you can't blame them for being secretive.
- Hagrid
Send in your emails to: gamecentral@ukour website
Bargain Discovered
Anyone searching for Disney Infinity 3.0 figures for their children this Christmas should be aware of a fantastic deal available on Amazon France at the moment. When you purchase six 3.0 figures, you can enter a code to receive 40 euros off. I've just acquired Darth Vader, Yoda, Chewbacca, Spot (The Good Dinosaur), Disgust, and Sadness (Inside Out) for less than £30 including shipping.
This works out to approximately £4.50 - £5 per figure, considerably less than the current UK retail price. I've purchased from Amazon France previously, and the items are shipped from the UK depot. Simply use Google Chrome and translate to English, and use your UK login details to order. You can find more information here.
- Cubes (PSN ID)/Cubes73 (NN ID/Steam ID)/Kevin M
Speaking Up
I wanted to write to say that I'm enjoying Rainbow Six Siege on Xbox One, but I'd love to be playing with some fellow readers. I'm not typically someone who uses headsets, but I'm willing to give it a try for this game, as I believe it has outstanding potential.
So any readers interested in some multiplayer action, please add me.
- RogueTr00per82 (gamertag)
PS: A reader recently recommended Prune, and I took a chance on it. Turns out it's a genuinely enjoyable little game.
Charity Record
A trio of game developers, including myself, have worked together to pen, produce, and create artwork for an original Christmas song.
Our objective was to secure a Christmas song that was truly about Christmas and make it to the top of the charts, with the ultimate aspiration of reaching the Christmas number one position; considering the last time an actual Christmas song achieved that was over a decade ago!
The artwork for the song will evoke nostalgia in many, reminding them of Christmas mornings gone by and current ones, complete with plenty of subtle gaming references. Feel free to point out any that catch your eye.
We'd like to donate a portion of the proceeds from song sales to an appropriate charity, which we'd like the fans to vote on soon on our Facebook page. Potential options include Special Effect, GamesAid, or other deserving charities.
The song is available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Xbox Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, and numerous other digital platforms. I'm confident that GameCentral and its esteemed readership will offer it a listen, add it to any festive playlists, and hopefully appreciate it enough to share the holiday cheer.
Please let us know what you think and have a wonderful Christmas!
- Paul Conry
Rocking Videos
At the weekend, I watched several excellent retro console guides by a guy on YouTube called Metal Jesus Rocks. Here's a link to his Xbox video.
I was curious which YouTube channels readers watch and subscribe to. Although the quality of these videos varies, some are exceptional, and the creators put a lot of effort into them.
I find something pleasantly honest about seeing an ordinary person talk about a console and its games. More importantly, an undecided buyer can witness how a machine or game functions before parting with their cash.
- msv858 (Twitter)
*Catch up on every previous Games Inbox here*
The Nintendo Style
It appears that I will wrap up 2015, in gaming terms at least, by playing my Wii U. I purchased my Wii U in January of this year, and it came bundled with Mario Kart 8. This weekend alone, I've spent about 25 hours on Xenoblade Chronicles X.
Granted, the Wii U has bracketed a year filled with a significant amount of PlayStation 4 play, but even excluding Xenoblade, Mario Kart 8 has retained its appeal, and I believe I'll still be playing it in 2016, if not beyond. From time to time, admittedly.
Taking note of some of the Inbox's speculations regarding the NX, I hope it remains at some distance, and I lean towards the theory (or hope) of Nintendo announcing something at E3 2016 and then releasing it in mid/late 2017. Either way, it still illustrates a short lifespan outlook for the Wii U. Shame really, as it's a good little console.
It amuses and frustrates me at times when people comment on the underpowered specs of the Wii U. I can't argue with the technical specs argument, but consider the examples of Mario Kart 8 and Xenoblade Chronicles X, games with incredible longevity that are returned to over time.
I may sound like a Nintendo fanboy, but I openly admit I have spent more time on Sony's machine. I do, however, have an affection for the Wii U, while containing somewhat mixed feelings towards the big N.
I'll finish by saying that I take some comfort from yesterday's news regarding the potential NX patent. If it turns out to be true, it puts to rest some concerns I had about Nintendo suggesting previously that they are focusing themselves on mobile gaming. It appears from the patent that the console is still the main focus, with a potential side attraction of an associated mobile platform.
Hooray for Nintendo if it's accurate!
- r-s-w1
GC: Although it will undoubtedly be revealed next year, we wouldn't be surprised if the NX isn't actually released until 2017.
Inbox also-rans
Yakuza 5 for £32.99? Yes, please! A Happy Christmas to GC and all her readers!
- SolidPete82 (PSN ID/NN ID)
The Game AwardsI was curious about your thoughts, GC, specifically on what you'd like to see improved in The Game Awards. Do you give any of these 'award' shows much credibility?
- Joe @ Dimp Digital
GC: Not really, no. The Game Awards was, admittedly, better than some, although we don't feel The Witcher 3 really deserved both the significant awards. One problem is that everything is organized by genre, with genre labels largely irrelevant.
This week's Hot Topic
As the Xbox 360 celebrates its 10th birthday, this weekend's Inbox wants to know what readers think of Microsoft's second console.
Have any of you ever owned an Xbox 360, and if you still have one, which of its games do you still play? What are your recollections of the console's unusually long lifespan, and what do you believe its legacy is today? What were its most vital innovations, and how would you rate it against other consoles throughout history?
Send in your emails to: gamecentral@ukour website
The small printNew Inbox updates appear twice daily, every weekday morning and afternoon. Letters are used on merit and may be edited for length.
You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader's Feature at any time which, if used, will be shown in the next available weekend slot.
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[1] http://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01729U0JW?tag=amazon-ti-21
[2] http://metaljesusrocks.com/xbox-360-disney-inifinity-star-wars-bundle-deal/
- Cubes (PSN ID)/Cubes73 (NN ID/Steam ID)/Kevin M recommends a bargain on Disney Infinity 3.0 figures from Amazon France.
- RogueTr00per82 (gamertag) seeks Rainbow Six Siege allies among the readers.
- RogueTr00per82 (gamertag) also enjoys entertainment video guides on YouTube, including Retro console guides by a user named Metal Jesus Rocks.
