nichesitetool.com

The Tuesday letters page is worried about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, as readers recommend the best places to buy physical video games in the UK.

To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

25% done
So we’re closing in on 2025 being a quarter done and I just wondered what games other people were looking forward to for the rest of the year? (Not counting GTA 6, which hasn’t got a date and probably everyone is looking forwards to, to some degree.) I know that list is probably going to change a lot once the Nintendo Switch 2 is properly announced but I can’t afford a new console this year, so that’s not really an option for me.

Instead, I’m looking forward to Atomfall, depending on the reviews, and the same for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Doom: The Dark Ages. I’m not convinced by Elden Ring Nightreign yet, so I don’t know about that, but I think I will try Forza Horizon 5 when it come out on PlayStation 5, as I’ve never played any of the series.

If you assume that a lot of games for the second half of the year haven’t even been announced/confirmed yet I think it’s looking like a pretty good line-up. Especially if you assume the Switch 2 and GTA 6 are coming too. I’m not saying that will make this a ‘good’ year, but it’s something at least.
Woody

Dream ticket
I would be very surprised if Metroid Prime 4 was promoted as the main game at the Nintendo Direct in April but if the launch line-up is Mario Kart 9 and it then I would be very happy with that: a crowd pleaser and something for hardcore fans seems the dream ticket to me.

My only other request would be that we also see at least one big budget new IP. I don’t mind if it doesn’t come out at launch – there wasn’t one for the Switch 1 – but I would like to see some commitment to things beyond the core franchises.

I’d say that the lack of new franchises was the one flaw of the Switch 1 era, so if the Switch 2 can do better then that will be an improvement. I get that with the original Switch they weren’t sure if it was going to work but now we know that the Switch 2 is an almost guaranteed hit, so I’d like to see them run with that.
Lobo

Full Spectrum Stars
I don’t know whether going open world is the answer for Resident Evil 9, but it does seem like an obvious thing to try and I would certainly be interested to see if they can get it to work. Constant reinvention is the secret for any long-running franchise and Resi has done it plenty of times before.

One idea I thought of though, is trying to make the game a squad-based shooter, maybe like the old Full Spectrum Warrior game, if anyone remembers that. It could be more action-based; that doesn’t so much as the idea of controlling multiple characters at once. There are so many in Resident Evil now you could have whole squads made up of fan favourites.

I’m sure they wouldn’t do that for the main game, but I’d be interested in a spin-off like that. Although they might be put off by Operation Raccoon City being such a flop and I guess that’s a similar idea, except for some reason they used no-name bad guys instead of characters people like.
Heathcliffe

GC: There was actually an online mode where you could play as some of the heroes, but it was still a terrible game.

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

The opposite of us
I’m curious as to whether anyone is actually looking forward to Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet? A new IP from Naughty Dog should be such an exciting moment but from the name on down everything about it looks and sounds so bad.

And now we find out that they’re trying to mimic Elden Ring in terms of gameplay and storytelling? That seems very unlikely to me. Naughty Dog has been making the same basic game, in terms of how it plays, since the first Uncharted almost 20 years ago now.

I guess they could try and hire a bunch of Soulslike experts, but I don’t know who that would even be in terms of Western developers. Maybe I’m wrong but I worry that success has gone to Naughty Dog’s head and now they just assume they can do anything.

What FromSoftware does is the absolute opposite of Naughty Dog and if they can pull off a Western Elden Ring I will be amazingly impressed. But if they mess it up, I won’t be surprised at all.
Johnson

Retail park shopping
I’d recommend Smyths for buying games in person. I don’t know if you’d class it as a high street shop, as they’re usually in retail parks, but so are most high street chains now.

Smyths has a wide selection of games, accessories, and assorted gaming merchandise. They often have physical copies of indie games (I’ve bought A Little To The Left from friends’ birthday presents three times from there now) and can be relied on for new releases. They’re like GAME but you can buy Lego and Transformers too. Which, come to think about it, is like GAME now too.

Except Smyths is cheaper than GAME and doesn’t feel on the brink of collapse every five weeks. I’ll be preordering the Switch 2 from Smyths, once I can.

Also, a shout out to Currys, who normally do a discount code for new Nintendo releases.
Euclidian Boxes

Shopping preferences
Regarding Maddle and where to buy new games from on the high street, I now go to Smyths Toys.

As a child’s toy shop mainly, it has a wider range of Switch games than either PlayStation or Xbox consolea.

I have also found (to my impatience/annoyance) that Switch games will be reduced in price by about £5 to £10 cheaper if you wait a month or so after release.

HMV long stopped selling games during the PlayStation 4/Xbox One era.

I also prefer CeX over GAME, because my local GAME store is run by an idiot. And GAME ended their rewards scheme last year, meaning there’s no benefit to shopping with them. Also, GAME no longer accept trade-ins or sell second-hand games.

I don’t like GAME.
LeighDappa

Standard response
When I read the story about the developers of Assassin’s Creed Shadows being protected I honestly thought it was going to involve guards at the studio. It doesn’t seem to, but I wouldn’t think it weird if it did.

Fans are out of control nowadays and if I was a developer working on anything that people had complained about I would not identify myself on social media or anything like that. Not that I don’t think Ubisoft hasn’t handled the game badly up to this point but nobody deserves the kind of harassment that is now treated as standard.
Holck

Late to the party
I’m finally about to dive into GTA 5 out of pure curiosity. It’s been on my PlayStation 4 drive for years. I’m afraid that after starting it, it will suck me in. I’ve never liked the sandbox mentality to modern games. I think a succinct beginning and ending is undervalued with these type of games. I’ve never played any Ubisoft nonsense for the reason that I’ve heard many people being put off by the weight of the game being a map cleaner.

I want a story. The only comparison to being told a story in metaphoric, corporate terms is a parent holding up an encyclopaedia and thruffing the volume of unopened pages between finger and thumb and saying to me ‘You’ll love it’.

But here I am about to embark. I heard good things about Sleeping Dogs, which is installed, and there are plenty of other things to look forward to, like the Uncharted series, Batman: Arkham trilogy, Ghost Of Tsushima, Detroit: Become Human, Amnesia and loads, loads more.

Basically, what I’m saying is that games need to be more focussed on the player and not the capture and stats of that. I get that they are big businesses, but they have lost a lot of the soul of our hobby.

Actually, hold that thought. It’s going to have to be Shenmue 1 & 2 remastered and 3 first. An illusion of open world but focus and telling a story. Where did those days go?

I’ve got all the time in the world to play anything at length now I’m retired but the question now is ‘What’s in it for me and the time I invest?’ I used to be excited about gaming and the developers refining their craft but now it feels akin to anticipating painting the garden fence.
D Dubya

GC: Succinct is not a word we’d use to describe Shenmue; especially as it has lots of sandbox elements.

Inbox also-rans
I’ve never even heard of that Star Wars live service game that they’ve apparently shut down after less than a year. And how much time and money did they waste on that little gem?
Lemmy

If Sony is hinting at doing a new PlayStation portable do you think we’ll get a new Ridge Racer as well? I miss those games always being PlayStation launch titles.
Gorgo

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: Games Inbox: Where’s the best place to buy video games in the UK?

MORE: Games Inbox: Will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost too much?

MORE: Games Inbox: Do you want an Xbox handheld?

If Nintendo is secretly planning to add GameCube games to the Switch 2’s online service, then these 11 titles need to be given top priority.

The Nintendo Switch’s online service offers a huge range of games from older consoles, including the NES, SNES, Game Boy, N64, and Game Boy Advance, but so far nothing for the GameCube.

Despite its poor sales, and being overshadowed by the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the purple lunchbox is not without its defenders, and it is home to a number of revered exclusives, many of which have never been released on any other format.

However, it seems Nintendo may be planning to address that issue with the Switch 2, following a recent FCC filing for what seems to be a wireless GameCube controller. So, if/when that happens, let’s see which of the GameCube’s library are the most desirable.

11. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem

Long before Emio – The Smiling Man, Nintendo had an uncharacteristic brush with the horror genre in 2002, by publishing Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem. Inspired by Lovecraftian horror and featuring disturbing sanity effects that messed with the visuals and audio, it’s regarded as one of the best survival horror games ever made.

Nintendo’s clearly not averse to having more mature games on its platform, as evidenced by the dedicated app for certain N64 games, and with the sequel unlikely to ever get made, Eternal Darkness deserves a second shot at life.

10. Viewtiful Joe 1 and 2

With Ōkami making a comeback under Clovers, the spiritual successor to the defunct Clover Studio, it would be appropriate for Viewtiful Joe (Clover Studio’s first game) to return to the spotlight as well, even if it’s just via a re-release.

We’re cheating a bit by counting two games as one, but it wouldn’t feel right to have the first Viewtiful Joe and not its sequel. Although this pair of side-scrolling beat ‘em-ups weren’t GameCube exclusives, they did debut on the console and their flashy tokusatsu-inspired aesthetics have made them relatively timeless.

9. Skies Of Arcadia: Legends

Sega’s interest in reviving old franchises, combined with the renewal of the Skies Of Arcadia trademark, has people hoping this early 2000s role-player will make a comeback. While fans may prefer a full remaster or remake, the GameCube port seeing a re-release on Switch 2 would be the next best thing.

As a self-described director’s cut of one of the best Dreamcast games, Skies Of Arcadia: Legends is the definitive way to experience its classic turn-based combat, as well as its charming world and characters. Ever since they went third party, Sega has always been a close ally of Nintendo, increasing the chances of a Skies Of Arcadia return.

8. F-Zero GX

Speaking of collaborations between Nintendo and Sega, remember when the studio behind the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series made the best future racer ever? As an evolution of the series’ high-speed racing gameplay, F-Zero GX is perhaps the quintessential F-Zero experience.

Aside from making it more readily available, F-Zero GX being on the Switch 2’s online service means it would probably get online multiplayer, which is all the justification needed for its inclusion. Considering every other F-Zero game can be played on Switch, it’d be weird (and upsetting) if F-Zero GX never followed suit.

7. Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

From one racing game that would benefit from online multiplayer to another, Mario Kart: Double Dash!! might be the most unique entry in the series, for its defining gimmick of having two characters driving together in a single kart.

While being able to hold two items at once was brought back for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Double Dash’s complete commitment to its concept allowed for neat co-op action as well as some amusing team ups within its roster. It’s admittedly not as content rich as its Switch counterpart, but it’s still a missing link fans would like to see return.

6. TimeSplitters 2

While we wanted to prioritise games that aren’t so readily available nowadays, we’re making an exception for TimeSplitters 2. You can buy a digital copy for less than £10 on the PlayStation and Xbox stores, but it’s not on Switch – which is a shame as this spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007 ran best on the GameCube.

Aside from the main campaign, there’s a variety of multiplayer modes to enjoy for up to 16 players, which would be a blast if Nintendo managed to incorporate online functionality for it.

5. killer7

The first game by No More Heroes creator Suda51 to launch outside of Japan, killer7 is fondly remembered for its unique gameplay and stylish presentation. A hybrid of a first person shooter and adventure game, you control a group of elite assassins as they uncover a political conspiracy.

Not everyone will gel with the core gameplay, or weird storytelling, but newer fans of Suda51’s work are bound to find something to love about it, even if it plays very differently to something like No More Heroes 3. Plus, while killer7 saw a modern re-release in 2018, it was only ever for PC.

4. Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance

Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance is one of those GameCube games that’s infamously difficult to get hold of physically. One quick scout online and you’ll find pre-owned English copies going for at least £200. Path Of Radiance may be good, but it’s not that good.

Its graphics were dated even by 2005 standards, but Path Of Radiance remains a solid tactical role-playing game and is considered by many to be one of the best entries in the Fire Emblem series. Plus, the Switch’s online service in the West barely has any Fire Emblem games to begin with, as most of the early ones are exclusive to Japan.

3. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron 2 – Rogue Leader

Aspyr’s trend of remastering classic Star Wars video games, like the original Battlefront duology and Republic Commando, for modern platforms hopefully means the Rogue Squadron series of arcade flight games will see the same treatment one day. If not, the Switch 2’s online service adding Rouge Squadron 2: Rouge Leader would be a more than welcome alternative.

Next to Luigi’s Mansion, this was the lead launch title for the GameCube in the West, with visuals and presentation that still hold up today, as you act out a series of climactic space battles inspired by the original movie trilogy, including the iconic Death Star run. The one drawback is the lack of multiplayer, but that just means there’s a reason to also add the sequel, Rogue Squadron 3: Rebel Strike.

2. Soulcalibur 2

The main reason to add Soulcalibur 2 to the Switch 2’s online service is not because it’s one of the best 3D arena fighters ever made (which it is) but because each of the console versions had different guest characters, with the PlayStation edition featuring Heihachi from Tekken and the Xbox hosting comic book character Spawn.

However, the GameCube version had Link from The Legend Of Zelda as a playable fighter and he worked amazingly well, with lots of signature moves and a great attention to Nintendo detail.

While the other two characters were included in the 2013 HD re-release, Link was understandably absent. This means one of gaming’s best crossovers can’t be experienced nowadays… unless Nintendo renegotiates with Bandai Namco to bring Soulcalibur 2 to the Switch 2.

1. Super Smash Bros. Melee

You all knew this would be somewhere on the list. Even though Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s existence gives casual fans little reason to revisit the older games, Super Smash Bros. Melee remains the go-to entry for many a diehard player, given its much faster gameplay and higher skill ceiling.

Even if you don’t play competitively, Melee is well worth a revisit purely for its multiplayer and any Switch 2 re-release would undoubtedly include online functionality. The Melee community figured out how to run online matches years ago, but a more official way would mean tournaments could be run without any legal interference from Nintendo.

Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter.

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

MORE: My favourite console: the GameCube – Reader’s Feature

MORE: Super Smash Bros. on Switch 2 faces a divisive dilemma with no right answer

MORE: How Nintendo Switch 2 must reinvent 3D Mario for the Astro Boy era

Amid the controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has introduced protections to shield employees from harassment.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows has become a pivotal game for Ubisoft in terms of the company’s future, which is unfortunate as it’s also the most contentious in the series’ history.

The game has been mired in controversy ever since it was first revealed, largely because of its chosen protagonists: the real-life African samurai Yasuke and fictional female shinobi Naoe. The backlash even prompted a weird apology from Ubisoft, where they acknowledged how ‘promotional materials have caused concern within the Japanese community’.

After several delays, the game is finally set to launch on Thursday, March 20, and it seems like Ubisoft is anticipating developer Ubisoft Quebec will be subject to considerable abuse from online trolls.

According to French news outlet BFMTV, Ubisoft and Canadian authorities have put measures in place to protect the game’s developers, which includes safeguards around social media.

Speaking to the outlet, a Ubisoft employee said (translated via Google): ‘We’re advised not to post on social media that we work at Ubisoft to avoid harassment.’

According to the report, an anti-online harassment plan was also presented to the CSE (Communications Security Establishment Canada) to help protect Ubisoft Quebec employees around the game’s launch.

This allegedly includes a ‘team that monitors networks and acts quickly in the event of a targeted attack’, along with psychological and legal support.

GameCentral has reached out to Ubisoft for comment.

Beyond the studio itself, there’s a lot riding on Assassin’s Creed Shadows for Ubisoft at large. After several 2024 titles fell below sales expectations, including Star Wars Outlaws and XDefiant, the company is said to be considering various options to keep the company afloat, including a possible buyout with Tencent.

According to Bloomberg, Ubisoft is also looking at bringing in investors to create a separate entity to house its video game IP, like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry.

The company is said to be considering selling a minority stake in the venture and has already contacted potential bidders, including current shareholder Tencent. However, it’s said these considerations are ongoing and no final decision has yet been made.

It’s unclear if Assassin’s Creed Shadows could reverse the company’s fortunes at this stage, if it does particularly well, but the IP has traditionally been Ubisoft’s biggest seller. The highest-earning entry in the series is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which topped $1 billion in revenue by 2022.

Ubisoft has big plans for the future of Assassin’s Creed, with reports claiming it has over 10 games due in the next five years.

Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter.

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

MORE: Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ details leak as physical copies launch early

MORE: Assassin’s Creed Infinity revealed at last and it’s very underwhelming

MORE: Every Assassin’s Creed game ranked from worst to best