Gaming

WWE 2K23 review: A return to muscular form

#ANDNEW

Published

April 18, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Every so often, a wrestler slinks back to the gym and reinvents themselves as an entirely new character. Everyone know it’s the same person, but the suspension of disbelief brings wrestling fans into a new world inhabited by the new persona. For example, when John Cena first arrived onto the scene, he debuted as The Prototype before coming up with the more popular Doctor of Thuganomics in WWE. Another example of successful reinvention, Batista first debuted as the vampiric Leviathan before becoming the Animal.

It’s apropos that reinvention is at the heart of WWE 2K23. For those that disliked the pre-2020 era of the WWE 2K series, this year’s entry is a culmination of the reinvention started by last year’s WWE 2K22. Make no mistake, though; it’s the same wrestling simulator, but a fresh coat of paint keeps the series fresh for another year.

And his name is…

John Cena! Anyone who lived through WWE’s Ruthless Aggression era knows his name. In WWE 2K23, Cena’s career in the squared circle takes center stage. Much like Rey Mysterio’s spotlight in the previous game, Cena’s showcase takes players on the defining moment of the champ’s illustrious career including his debut against Kurt Angle and his stand against ECW’s Rob Van Dam.

If you’ve followed Cena’s career, you might’ve noticed something from these two examples: They’re both losses for Cena. This is one thing that breathes new life to the series. It’s not afraid to showcase the losses of WWE’s biggest star. You play as Cena’s opponents and unlock them as playable characters, instead of just a seemingly limitless number of Cena skins.

Also, Cena’s commentary seems more willing to skirt the limits of kayfabe. (In wrestling parlance, “kayfabe” refers to the illusion of wrestling. For example, in kayfabe, Mark Calaway is The Undertaker, an actual dead man.) Throughout his commentary, Cena references the various fan dialogue around his career including the Five Moves of Doom (or the belief that Cena knows and does only five wrestling moves). It’s an openness that refreshingly pervades the entire game.

It’s a lock

Another area where kayfabe seesaws in and out is the new MyRise story. Instead of the comically overused rise-to-the-top story, 2K23’s The Lock storyline starts players off as an already established star from the indies in Japan. They debut in WWE and instantly grab the Intercontinental Title from a pre-Bloodline Sami Zayn. However, instead of carrying over success from the indies, you are burdened with a toothless gimmick by management called The Lock. It’s a truly terrible gimmick, but it echoes the real-life tension that WWE repackages strong indie wrestlers into generic, brand-safe gimmicks. It’s even hilariously ironic that Shawn Michaels, a major proponent for indie wrestlers in modern-day WWE, is the one forcing The Lock on your character.

Now, if you prefer the more standard story, The Legacy, a storyline exclusive for female characters, offers the standard story you’ll find in these game modes. Though a retread of the rags-to-riches story, the storyline is a good one, nonetheless. Players debut as the niece of a prominent (but fictitious) Hall of Famer. The struggle is breaking out from the shadow of their more popular relative.

Both are fun to play through. Even better, 2K listened to feedback from last year and de-emphasized social media squabbles. While the characters still use Twitter, there’s more effort to actually play the game than just tweet through missions.

The manager returns

Both the Universe and the MyGM mode return for WWE 2K23. If you want to take a more managerial approach to a wrestling sim, these modes are for you. As always, Universe mode lets you book your own show or, alternatively, play as a Superstar from week to week. Players also have the option to deal interactions before, during, or after a match including beatdown and interference.

On the other hand, MyGM is a more strategic version of the same mechanics. Players are tasked with going up against a rival manager in an effort to be the better show raking in the most money and viewers from the other. There are a lot more options this time around, including the addition of Austin Creed (or more popularly known as Xavier Woods) and Tyler Breeze as characters, recreating their rivalry from UpUpDownDown, an actual wrestler-run gaming channel led by Creed.

As a managerial sim, the MyGM mode is a more streamlined approach that doesn’t require rote memorization of arcane mechanics. It’s simple enough to play through between MyRise and MyFaction sessions.

A microtransactional nightmare

Speaking of MyFaction, this year’s mode has an unfortunate change: a seeming dependence on buying more cards. Now, don’t get me wrong; plus NBA 2K’s MyTEAM, 2K is notorious for riddling their games with microtransactions. This year is no different.

However, in last year’s MyFaction mode, I scraped by with the mode’s in-game rewards. This year is different. WWE 2K23 is seemingly less willing to award players with meaningful cards for just playing through the mode. In the Proving Grounds section, for example, you’ll have to win every match on Legendary difficulty to get a single booster pack. All other sections sprinkle booster pack rewards sparingly.

Overall, in both looks and gameplay, MyFaction remains a lower tier reskin of the NBA franchise’s MyTEAM mode. It’s hardly rewarding enough to play through to the end, especially when it demands more money from you.

WAR GAMES!

Besides Cena, the spotlight is also on the new WarGames match type. As in the real match, two rings are set up beside each other while covered by a single cage. Two factions with three to four wrestlers each go against each other, and one from each faction start the match. At set intervals, another wrestler from one faction enters, giving that faction an edge until the next interval. It’s brutally chaotic but somehow more systematic than other multi-person match types in the game.

Besides the new match type, WWE 2K23 easily offers one of the most expansive options for a wrestling simulator including a plethora of Superstars, rings, match types, and championships. Despite the WWE banner, the title shines when it lets players be themselves and customize everything about the in-ring experience.

Is this your Match?

If you loved WWE 2K22, there’s a lot more to love in WWE 2K23. 2K finally listened to its fans with sweeping changes, while keeping most of the features that made last year’s title so memorable. WWE 2K23 is the wrestling simulator to beat this year.

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

Published

November 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.

After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.

To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.

Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins

The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.

The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.

The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.

The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.

The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.

Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds

Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.

One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.

Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.

The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.

Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.

Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.

Jungle changes reward efficient farming

Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.

The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.

Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.

These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.

Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.

Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.

Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.

Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster

Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.

Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.

Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.

Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.

These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.

Ranked play and game modes get updates

Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.

The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.

Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.

Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.

Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift

With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.

K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.

Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.

Gaming

Petit Planet launches December 4

HoYoverse’s cozy life sim arrives soon

Published

November 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

HoYoverse will launch Petit Planet, its first cozy galactic life simulation game, on December 4, 2026. The game will be available on PC, iOS, and Android, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for 2027.

The announcement was made during the Petit Planet Pre-Launch Special Program on November 1. HoYoverse also revealed more details about the game’s characters, gameplay features, and launch events.

Build a planet and meet new Neighbors

In Petit Planet, players take on the role of Planet Tenders who travel across the Starsea with Oumuamua, a Starsea Spirit said to listen to people’s wishes.

Each player starts with their own planet, where they plant a Luca Seed that grows into a Luca Arbor. This tree gradually shapes the planet’s landscape, seasons, and ecosystem.

Players will also meet various Neighbors, including Planet Coordinator Mobai and Starsea Racer Elsasani. Getting to know these characters allows players to develop friendships and discover their individual stories.

Beyond their home planets, players can explore scattered Islets across the Starsea. They can also visit the Galactic Bazaar to play games, participate in auctions, and share their creations with others.

Launch events offer free rewards

HoYoverse has prepared several events to celebrate the game’s launch.

Players can enter a pre-registration lucky draw through the official website for a chance to win prizes. Regular gameplay will also offer more than 1,000 clothing and furniture items for free.

The Besties, Made to Match! event rewards players who invite two friends to pre-register. Each participant will receive an exclusive clothing item.

Starting November 1, the Launch a Planet event will let players design their own planets through the official event website. Participants will also have a chance to win surprise grand prizes.

The first Petit Planet Seasonal Creation Event will begin alongside the game’s launch. Selected fan creations can win cash prizes, in-game rewards, and official merchandise.

Players can also visit the game’s official X account after the special program to receive a Moving Guide and join a giveaway featuring a suitcase, gift cards, and an exclusive luggage tag.

Pre-register for Petit Planet

Petit Planet is now available for pre-registration on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Epic Games Store. Players can search for the game on these platforms to pre-register and receive a notification when it launches.

The game arrives globally on December 4, 2026, for PC, iOS, and Android. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.