Super Metroid – 25 years old this week

The evening Inbox is worried about Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice reviews, as one reader takes a chance on Baba is You.

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

 



Still super

Since we’re all probably be knee deep in Google speculation (sounds icky!) tomorrow I just wanted to point out that 19 March is the 25th anniversary of Super Metroid on the SNES. Such an old game now but I would still say completely perfect and just as playable as it ever was. I still do a run through every year or so and I still love it as much as I ever have. Perfect level design, perfect controls, perfect graphics and a fantastic atmosphere for such simple tech.

I assume Nintendo isn’t going to do anything to celebrate it, as Metroid always seems to get ignored in favour of Mario and Zelda but Super Metroid is definitely as good as anything else they’ve ever done.

I’m not sure how others feel about it but I would definitely not want to see a remake as I really don’t think there would be any point. But I would welcome a 2D sequel and for planet of references in Metroid Prime 4 – whenever that finally puts in an appearance. Games don’t usually age gracefully but Super Metroid is the Keanu Reeves of gaming.
Onibee

 



Usual excuse

Google entering the games industry was inevitable, I am surprised it’s taken them this long to enter. They, like all the other big tech companies, are looking to be the entertainment hub of the home. Google would want you to use their hub to surf the Net, listen to music, watch movies, watch TV shows, and now finally play games. Why would you need anything else when one device can do all this? Microsoft entered the games industry to be the hub of home, correct me if I am wrong.

I am not sure why anyone would discount these companies from making a positive impact on the games industry. Sony and Microsoft would have had the same level of scepticism when they first entered and look what they have accomplished.
Alek Kazam

GC: You’re right, that’s exactly why Microsoft got into gaming.

 



Compatible features

I read the Sony Reader’s Feature over the weekend but one thing it failed to mention was backwards compatibility. I know it’s something games companies have been hesitant about in the past, as it apparently makes people less likely to buy new games, but surely with the largest userbase this generation it’s a must for Sony with its PlayStation 5. Not only will it encourage PlayStation 4 owners to stick with Sony but you’d think those that have only owned an Xbox One this gen would be tempted to switch in order to play the Sony exclusives they’ve missed out on.

From a personal standpoint it’d virtually guarantee that I’d stick with Sony if I knew I’d still be able to play all the games I’ve bought and downloaded this gen on the new console and I’d actually be more likely to purchase one earlier than I otherwise would.
drlowdon

GC: They’ve not said anything publicly but there have been a couple of patents that suggest Sony is definitely looking into backward compatibility at the moment.

 

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On your own

I’ve got to say that I’m more than a little disappointed that Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a purely single-player experience.

I’m honest enough to admit I wouldn’t have done anywhere near as well in Bloodborne if I hadn’t been able to summon help for some of the chalice bosses. Defiled Amy and the Headless Bloodletting Beast were especially hard.

I hope Sekiro isn’t going to be too difficult for me to enjoy, I’ll be buying it anyway but I do have some trepidation.
Mitchell

GC: Sekiro is not technically a SoulsBorne game, despite many similarities; having other people running around while you’re trying to be stealthy was never going to work. Also, the game seemed comparatively easier than other From titles when we played it.

 



New thing

I’ve seen a few people on here, and in other places, talking about No Man’s Sky recently and the improvements that seem to have been made to the game. Everyone seems to be mostly enthusiastic about it now. I trust your opinion more than other sources, and I know it’s not really your thing, but if you ever have a quiet week could you take a look at it again and see what you think?

It seemed to be such a mess when it was released, so fair play to the creators if they’ve managed to pull it round – not that that’s an excuse for releasing the game how it was at the beginning of course. Maybe it’s finally become the game people hoped it would.

Thanks for the great work as always – don’t know how I’d make it through work each day without my 20 minutes of escape.
Chris

GC: Thanks. We will take another look at the game again if we get the chance, because if it was what was promised at launched it’d be very much our thing.

 



Tough but satisfying

I read your Baba Is You review this morning, having already briefly come across this game by accident the other day. But after you gave it a 9/10 I thought it had to be worth a shot, especially when you mentioned value for money and having just finished the Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker DLC on the Switch thought I’d carry on my puzzle gaming trend that I’ve got at the moment and make a purchase from your approval of it.

I’m currently stuck at level six so I thought I’d email while I’m having a think about the seeming impossible puzzle that I’m stuck on.

It’s not usually something I’d buy, as I admit while I’m an old school gamer being in my later 30s I’m not really an indie gamer and the graphics were a little off putting. But I thought it could be a good one to play portably on the Switch as gameplay would be paramount.

It’s the first game I admit I bought solely to play portably and have now ended up docking the console because it’s so addictive.

I guess I should thank you for your recommendation of Baba Is You but I won’t be thanking you for the headaches that this one is probably going to cause me finishing it.
Nick The Greek

GC: Good for you for giving it a go.

 



Wait and see

So not even Sega likes the Sonic The Hedgehog movie? Can’t say I blame them, seems like a train wreck waiting to happen. I imagine what they’re doing is planning out a new game and then they’ll decide later whether to make Sonic look like the movie or not, depending on how it does.

Not that it really matters though, if all they’re going to pump out is something as bad as Sonic Forces. I’m not sure even a Sonic Adventure remake is going to get anyone too excited now, considering how old it is. But I would be interested in a new sequel. It almost sounds like that’s what the Sonic Team guy is saying, especially if you account for the vagaries of translation.

Also, on a side note, does anyone care about Team Sonic Racing? What a downgrade from the previous games.
Kuyji

 

Catch up on every previous Games Inbox here

 



Day one

My anticipation for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice at the end of this week has reached fever pitch. I cannot wait to dive into FromSoftware’s newest IP.

On your recent trip to checkout the game you mentioned that Activision said that no review codes were being sent out until the 22nd March.

Over the weekend I’ve heard murmurs over the Interweb that review copies have been sent to reviewers and that Sekiro’s review embargo lifts on Thursday, 21st March. Not sure if you’ll be allowed to confirm any of this but I thought I’d ask anyway.

Just one other thing. Did you have the opportunity to visit FromSoftware in Japan and preview Sekiro, chat to the developers etc., instead of the event Activision held in London like some lucky YouTubers seem to have?
Christopher Smith

GC: We checked with Activision today and they repeated that they’re not sending out review copies until Friday. Whether others are getting theirs earlier than that we don’t know. The only time we met someone for Sekiro was at Gamescom last August.

 



Inbox also-rans

The Division 2 only sold 20% of the last one? Yeah, there’s no way that’s just down to digital sales. Something bad is happening to lazy video game sequels and I for one am glad of it.
Pontiac

I didn’t know Yuji Naka didn’t work at Sega anymore, where is he now?
Westron

GC: He moved to Square Enix a few years back.

 



This week’s Hot Topic

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?

E-mail your comments to: gamecentral@ukmetro.co.uk

 

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