Games Inbox: The problem with pre-orders, Polybius love, and GTA VI expectations

It was interesting reading the Farpoint review this morning. I was talking to a friend over the weekend who had it on pre-order and was massively excited to get it. I’m sure he will be disappointed to read the early reviews, as I think he was expecting something completely different to what is described in your review (something less linear and more open – Call Of Duty: Starship Troopers Edition VR was how he described it).

I recently started playing Resident Evil 7 and had been tempted to get VR, because I could see how amazing the game would be with it (I’ve literally done the dinner scene and not played it since, while I mulled over and tried to think of a way to justify getting PlayStation VR).

My friend’s enthusiasm for Farpoint was almost tipping me over the edge, but I think that your review has made me take a few steps back. I have fairly limited gaming time, and a young family, so I simply can’t justify the cost of VR for the sake of one game. I’m hoping that we maybe get a bit of a price drop or some good bundle deals around Xmas that might tempt me to make the jump.
Rickie Ratpack (gamertag)/Rickandrolla (PSN ID)
PS: With regards to playing later games in a series and going to play earlier ones, I finished the main story of Dead Rising 4 last night having only ever played a demo of the original Dead Rising on Xbox 360. I actually really enjoyed Dead Rising 4, so I probably will go back and play the earlier games in the series now.

GC: This is what we find so unhealthy about pre-orders. People tying their flags to game when they not only don’t know if the game is any good but don’t even have a very good grasp of what it’s like. It’s human nature, but that in turn makes them unwilling to admit they made a mistake and they end up defending it regardless and convincing more people to buy it. All the while, the only one that benefits from the practice is the publisher.

I really was not sure of Polybius when I saw the previews of it. I did not really know what was going on, as it seemed chaotic. But after a reader said if you liked Tempest 2000 you will enjoy it I downloaded it.

So glad I did, it’s amazing. When you’re playing it makes a lot more sense. It shows how much VR can improve the game, as I played it in normal mode and found it a lot harder. It’s harder to judge stuff without the depth perception.

It’s a real trippy experience and I see why it has the epilepsy warnings at start. But if this sort of thing does not affect you, you have to give it a try. I also love the time tunnel bits between levels, makes me feel like I’m in the TARDIS!
robbie.j

After being alerted to the removal of Alan Wake from the Xbox store by a GC reader I’d like to know how this will affect its backwards compatibility on Xbox One.

Whilst I’ve yet to pick up a Xbox One, (hanging in there for reveal/price of Project Scorpio) I will be intending to use the backwards compatibility feature of the Xbox One/Scorpio once brought.

My copy of Alan Wake is on disc so I’ve not downloaded Alan Wake via the Xbox store before.

So how (if at all) will Alan Wake play on an Xbox One, will having the disc be enough?
Chaosphere616

GC: If a reader has a copy on disc they could check for you now.

With the entire Grand Theft Auto franchise hitting over 235 million sales worldwide and with the multiple ports of GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, Liberty City Stories, and Vice City Stories. And with the huge success of GTA V and Online perhaps it’s time we saw GTA VI in the early stages of development?

It will be a long wait for GTA VI however, given the fact this franchise sells well. Beginning the development of GTA VI would ensure that it can be improved and upgraded while being developed with everyone currently engaged with GTA V. One thing I would love to see included with GTA VI is the ability to revisit all the previous cities. Even if it would be a small sized part of the city’s map you could explore, there could be apartments you can buy to be able to visit and fly to the other cities like Liberty City and San Andreas.

Also, I would love to see many more radio stations, available as well as a cool new feature from Rockstar allowing players to be able to visit in-game world music stores which they could use their in-game currency to unlock each music track in the game. Which they can play at their hideouts, saving having to sit through hours of radio station audio to hear a favourite song or songs.

GTA V has been released since September 2013 and is not far off being four years old now which is a long time to go without a sequel to a popular franchise like Grand Theft Auto.
gaz be rotten (gamertag)

GC: No, it’s not. There were five years between GTA IV and V.

Although I’m not remotely left-wing, I do like and regularly visit the Guardian website. I spotted an interesting feature on the site today: The 10 most influential video games of all time.

I agree with most of the list. Personally, I would have included the original arcade version of Space Invaders. Taito’s classic cabinet from 1978 was probably responsible for igniting my life-long interest in the hobby.
msv858 (Twitter)

GC: Elite seems a very UK-centric inclusion, as it had almost no influence or recognition outside of Europe. We’d also question Metal Gear Solid and Spelunky, but generally it’s not a bad list.

I get that 1-2-Switch is nothing more than a tech demo for the unique selling points of the Switch. I bought it (at its inflated retail price) for its throwaway multiplayer fun, but it’s looking like one of my worst gaming decisions for quite some time.

Way back when, Wii Sports was also a tech demo for the console it launched with, but it had a lot more going for it. There was Mii integration, high score tables, and stat tracking which meant you could see your progress against the computer.

I very much doubt the following will happen, but is there any (slim) chance of an update to 1-2-Switch to incorporate those things I mentioned above?
ttfp saylow (gamertag)
Now playing: Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

GC: We’d say the chances are less than slim.

I’ve just played a four-player game of Mario Kart on the Switch which was great fun, but hugely marred by the controllers cutting out and steering not working.

I realise there’s a problem with the Joy-Cons still, but this was all over the place and a huge problem. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
John

GC: You already seem to know what the problem is? If it’s the Joy-Cons desyncing you’ll have to send them back to Nintendo.

With Ultra Street Fighter II on the horizon I’m a very excited Switch owner. I’m guessing Capcom know the core audience for this game will be those that can remember when every corner shop and fish and chip shop had a version of Street Fighter throwing hadokens in the corner. Yes, it’s overpriced but for me it’s an essential purchase.

I still think Capcom created something truly special with Street Fighter II, evidenced by the sheer amount of spin-off content to be found; comics, posters, co-play, films, anime etc. Not only did it feel truly unique back in the ‘90s before all the copycat clones, it encouraged people to come together in friendly competition. With no internet, the secrets to special moves were shared amongst friends and those that had mastered dragon punches and spinning piledrivers were a force to be reckoned with.

In today’s age of spoilerific social media and instant gratification, I wonder how a younger generation of gamers will view Street Fighter II. Its core mechanics demand you learn how to block first and foremost and its signature move sets takes practice. Adding one touch inputs may make the game accessible but has a danger of reducing fights to endless special moves with no tactics.

Anyhoo, I’m excited to return to what I consider the greatest arcade game ever made. The Joy-Cons seem wholly inappropriate for more considered Street Fighter matches, so a Pro Controller is essential. GC, what’s your preference for beat ‘em-ups… fightstick or pad? I’m a purist and will always take a fightstick over a pad. Where’s that Hori fightstick that was teased back in January? I hope to see some fellow Street Fighter fans online. (Except the flow chart Kens.)
Bristolpete

GC: You say all this as if the game hasn’t been re-released a hundred times before, at vastly lower prices. And although it’s not a criticism, it’s not as if Street Fighter IV or V are very different in terms of gameplay or control. But yes, joysticks are our preference for a fighter.