Liberty City Returns: The Preservation Project (Grand Theft Auto IV)

Grand Theft Auto IV has made a striking comeback with a fan-created project known as the Liberty City Preservation Project. This endeavor breathes new life into Liberty City, one of gaming’s most iconic representations of New York, by porting it into the Grand Theft Auto V engine.

This project elevates the Grand Theft Auto IV experience with modern mechanics like improved movement, control schemes, and a weapon wheel while preserving the charm of the original. Sound effects, NPCs, vehicles, and other elements have been meticulously recreated. Although still in development, the project already offers an immersive glimpse into Liberty City’s world, blending nostalgia with advanced visuals. Fans are eagerly exploring this reimagined city, rekindling the chaos and charm of the original. As work progresses, developers aim to include more interiors and details, ensuring a comprehensive homage to Rockstar’s masterpiece.

PlayStation’s Plans for Reviving Legacy Titles

PlayStation has hinted at revisiting its older intellectual properties (IPs). In a recent interview with Famitsu, PlayStation’s Herman Hulst confirmed ongoing efforts to support internal and external creators in developing new games while exploring opportunities to revive classic franchises. This strategy mirrors Capcom’s success in rejuvenating beloved series like Resident Evil, Dragon’s Dogma, and Okami.

Notable examples from PlayStation’s recent efforts include Helldivers 2 featuring Killzone DLC and nostalgic cameos in Astro’s Playroom. These initiatives signal a gradual embrace of older IPs alongside innovative new projects. Fans hope for new chapters in cherished franchises such as Jak and Daxter, but PlayStation’s actions will ultimately determine the fate of these beloved worlds.

Nintendo Switch 2: A Glimpse into the Future

Speculation about the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to grow, fueled by a recent patent filing. The document describes advanced image upscaling technology using neural networks to enhance visuals without significantly increasing game file sizes. This could point to a hardware upgrade that retains cartridge-based media while incorporating AI-driven enhancements for sharper graphics and higher resolutions.

Rumored to include an Nvidia chip, the Switch 2 is expected to leverage technology similar to DLSS, improving performance and visual fidelity. While patents do not guarantee implementation, this development raises anticipation for a more powerful and efficient console. Fans eagerly await official announcements, hoping for a mix of technical improvements and compelling new games.

Xbox and “Black Myth: Wukong” Controversy

The developers of Black Myth: Wukong have sparked discussion by pointing to technical limitations of the Xbox Series S as a reason for skipping the platform. This follows earlier claims that PlayStation exclusivity was due to a deal rather than hardware constraints. The developers’ recent comments highlight challenges in optimizing for the Series S’s 10GB RAM, which may hinder performance compared to the Series X.

This controversy reflects broader challenges in accommodating hardware variations within the same console generation. Fans of the highly anticipated action RPG hope for resolution, ensuring access across platforms.

Indie Highlights and Upcoming Tech

Several indie games and tech developments have captured attention recently. “Vikings Dynasty,” a hybrid city-builder and RPG, promises intriguing Viking-themed gameplay. Another title, “Lighthouse of Madness,” offers a unique puzzle-solving experience. Additionally, a teaser for “The Blood of Dawn Walker” hints at exciting news to come on January 13.

Meanwhile, technology enthusiasts are buzzing about leaks regarding Nvidia’s RTX 50 series GPUs and advancements in OLED and QLED displays from Samsung and LG. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is expected to unveil further details, setting the stage for 2025’s tech landscape. Gamers can also anticipate February’s packed release schedule, beginning with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.