Games Inbox: The Division 2 impressions, Devil May Cry 5 love, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice multiplayer

Been playing The Division 2 over the weekend and been having a lot of fun with it. I’ll admit it’s not anything even remotely new but it never pretended it was so I don’t feel I have been conned or let down like so many other games. It also works properly and doesn’t seem to have too many bugs/server problems, which is another rarity, sad to say.

Haven’t really got into the Dark Zone yet, as my character’s not high enough level yet, but very much looking forward to that. Not so sure about the PvP though, as I’m not sure that’s really necessary. At least it’s there as an option though and that’s really where this wins out over Anthem: it’s properly finished and there’s tons of content.

Anthem may be more original in terms of its setting and abilities/controls but what good is that if the game itself is not compelling? There’s always an argument to be had about originality vs. competence, and I think particularly in these sort of online games it’s competence that has to come first.
Sutur

I don’t think there’s any question we’re living in a golden age of video games at the moment. The sheer quality of games coming from all parties is unparalleled and while there are plenty of lazy sequels that’s no different than it ever was.

Unfinished games are a new phenomenon, that’s largely a negative, but at least they occasionally do get fixed and turned into a good game (like No Man’s Sky) whereas before they would’ve just been bad for ever.

My only concern with the current gaming world is that there’s just less games than there used to be, at least from the big publishers. I remember the days when someone like EA or Activision would release dozens of games a year, now it’s just a handful. That’s obviously because games are bigger and take longer to make than ever but we’ve seen recently what can happen when you get a couple of duds in a row…
Cookie

We’re getting awfully close to Avengers: Endgame now and I can’t help but notice that Square Enix still haven’t announced their game, whatever it is. I think everyone assumes that this is going to be the last Avengers with the original crew in it – surely Captain American and Iron Man are going to be buy it at least – which means they’ve managed to miss the entirety of a decade long cinematic milestone.

If it’s because they had to rewrite the game to take all the Star Wars: Battlefront II style loot boxes out then I guess they’ve only got themselves to blame but it does really seem lame. We should be getting games for all the characters, maybe even have them as official prequels, but probably most of these actors are going to be long gone before anything happens.

I know the games don’t need the actors but their replacements are, presumably going to be different characters, if they’re replaced at all. It almost makes me think I should just give up and play one of the mobile games. Can anyone recommend what’s a good one?
Gibson

I’ve just been rereading the preview for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and I notice there is no mention of the multiplayer.

My question is, does it have an online multiplayer system like the other SoulsBorne games or is it a purely solo experience?
Mitchell

GC: There are no multiplayer elements in the game.

I saw Devil May Cry 5 was being released and didn’t care one bit about it, I read your great review about it yet I still was on the fence. I purchased it a couple of days ago and I’m going to admit not only is it so much fun, it’s exciting and just what I needed.

Capcom is on form at the moment, what with the release of the incredible Resident Evil 2 remake and now Devil May Cry 5. I firmly believe other publishers should take note. I really hope that Capcom can keep it up, two incredible games in one year is something they must be commended for and if you ever interview anyone from Capcom, please pass on my compliments.
Fireatdawn (PSN ID)

Good Reader’s Feature on Capcom’s huge potential for revamping old games. It covered probably all of my favourites, although I’d probably through Breath Of Fire in there as well (but not Okami, I really think they did everything with that idea the first time round – there doesn’t seem much else that’s necessary).

My top picks though would be Ghosts ‘N Goblins and Final Fight. These are such iconic games it seems crazy that they’re just being left to rot. Final Fight is perhaps the easiest to update, just because Yakuza exists and seems such an obvious starting place. All it needs to do is dial down on the story elements and make a proper free roaming city to fight for and you’ve got a game that’s completely unique to anything else around at the moment. Especially if you add in co-op. They could even throw in lootboxes or whatever to let you customise your character if they’re worried about it not making enough money.

Ghosts ‘N Goblins is a bit trickier because it’s a lot more fantastical and I really wouldn’t want to see them make it too serious just so that it would sell. Maximo wasn’t a great game but it got the tone just about right so hopefully they could still pitch at that level at least.
Clint

I think that Reader’s Feature had it pretty much spot on in terms of what to expect from the Google announcements this week. We could be looking at a very different status quo in the games industry by the end of this month, and definitely by the end of this year and next.

It makes me wonder how much Microsoft knows about Google’s plans. I’m sure they’d pick up one whispers better than any other insiders, so it’s going to be interesting to see if they have a counter already prepared for E3. It’ll also be interested to see whether Google try and advertise their plans to the mainstream straight away or keep it just with gamers for now.
Ancel

Some great Reader’s Features over the weekend again, I’m always kind of amazed at the quality from my fellow readers. The Sony one was particularly interesting, although I’m sure many zealots would have dismissed it purely from the basic premise. But I think it’s very true that when something has been burned to the ground, like the Xbox has this gen, or is starting from scratch, like Google, it’s a lot easier to move forward without any unwanted baggage.

Microsoft may have messed up this gen but they still have an enormous amount of experience and I’m sure they’ll be a much stronger force next time, just as Sony was when they bounced back from the PlayStation 3 with the PlayStation 4.

Their problem now, as the feature stated, is that they’ve done so well this gen that it’s going to be tempting to just repeat what they did and assume it’ll work again. But I don’t think it’s going to, not with streaming tech and the lack of any worthwhile graphical upgrade. Perhaps Sony are on top of the streaming aspect, we won’t know until they announce something, but it is a genuine concern and a problem that they’ve inherited through no fault of their own – quite the reverse really.
Oggie

GC: All the features were good, although we are now running out and at the moment we don’t have enough for this weekend.

There is a new official app on Xbox that allows you to stream and play all your PC and Steam games on your Xbox. At first I thought, why? But I guess if your PC is in a different room to your Xbox it could be handy. This video explains it better than me.
TWO MACKS

Just a quick one to let people know of a decent bargain for the strategy stealth game Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun. The Game Collection are currently selling it for £7.95 on PlayStation 4 and £6.95 on Xbox One. Great price for a fantastic game.
TheCRASSman

GC: It is. A great game and the best modern day equivalent to Commandos.

The subject for this weekend’s Inbox was suggested by reader Tom Meadows, who asks what Achievement or Trophy are you most proud of getting?

Achievements, Trophies, and similar in-game rewards have been a staple of video games for a long time now, but which did you find the most satisfying to get and how long did it take you? How much do you care about achievements in general and what inspires you to go after the more difficult or time-consuming ones?

What’s the secret of designing a good achievement and what are some of your favourite, and least favourite, examples? Are there any old games you wish achievements could be added to or a modern title that you think missed an obvious opportunity?

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