Gaming

Diablo IV review: Hell isn’t so bad

Much to love in the new game

Published

June 17, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Diablo IV is the fourth major entry in the long-running ARPG franchise. After the controversy of the mobile spinoff Diablo Immortal, it was hard to imagine the fourth title as anything but the continuation of the series’ devolution into a microtransactional playground. And yet, here we are. Contrary to what Immortal might have forbode, Diablo IV is everything that the series became popular for — and more.

A new vision of Hell

It’s hard to tell when a Diablo review should end. Anyone who’s ever played the series knows that the game doesn’t truly end after finishing the main campaign. By then, the game turns into a sprawling hunt for the best loot and more challenges.

That said, Diablo IV feels much more sprawling than its predecessors. It will take a while before you can even reach your second playthrough. Every corner of the map is littered with side quests, dungeons, and strongholds. Though all optional content are usually steeped in the same “kill everyone” format, there’s enough flavor to differentiate one objective from the other. It’s easy to find yourself in a deep hole of clearing out the whole map.

Instead of the procedurally generated maps of Diablo III, the fourth title thrives in an open-world format. Explored areas will remain visible even after you go offline. Balancing it all out, the game still generates new maps of dungeons after every instance. It’s fun enough to log on for an hour every day and do a few dungeons. It hooks players but not to a tedious level.

But something familiar

Despite how new the experience feels, Diablo IV feels familiar to veterans of the franchise. Instead of the more fantastical elements of the third game, the fourth game is grimdark, reminiscent of the stylings of the first and second games. An early cutscene shows a peaceful village suddenly overcome by a demonic violence. In an instant, the once-peaceful villagers brutally slaughter their village priest. Much of the game recreates similar feelings of horror and despair through its stories and locales. If you’re a fan of darker media, there’s much to enjoy in Diablo IV.

Additionally, the game is deliciously difficult, bringing back the challenge of previous games. From the get-go, players can access two World Tiers or difficulties: Adventurer and Veteran. Though Veteran is already a challenge in itself, the game locks the higher Nightmare and Torment difficulties until after you finish a playthrough. Regardless of difficulty, Diablo IV blends a satisfying challenge with a palpable feeling of growing stronger.

There’s also a variety of possibilities available to the player. Packaged as it is, Diablo IV offers five different classes with their own special playstyles: Barbarian, Sorcerer, Rogue, Necromancer, and Druid. Personally, I prefer the Necromancer, but each class is enjoyable to play. Plus, it’s not difficult to rearrange your skills and abilities. Even at higher levels, I can change my entire build and try something new for only a portion of my gold.

More delights on the horizon

On their own, the game’s classes are enough to create a variety of builds. That said, it’s been hinted that there are more classes coming with expansions, including a rumored Paladin class. I’m hoping for the return of the Monk.

New classes aren’t the only things on the horizon for Diablo IV. Blizzard already confirmed two expansions coming to the game. Prior to those releases, the game will also see the introduction of a battle pass system with new cosmetics.

While microtransactions are always controversial, Diablo IV (currently) keeps it minimal by locking only cosmetic items behind the format. Plus, the current store isn’t marketed aggressively. If you don’t care for cosmetics, it’s easy to ignore the microtransactional aspect of the game.

Of course, this can change in a heartbeat if a more aggressive store is introduced. For now, the game does a decent job breaking away from the controversies of a microtransactional hell.

Welcome to Hell

Diablo IV resurrects the joy of playing Diablo for the first time. It’s a drastic change from the third game, but it should feel familiar to those who enjoyed the first two titles.

With more content on the horizon, Diablo IV is shaping up to be a title with a fair amount of longevity through the years. That is, if it can keep its minimalized microtransactions.

Gaming

Kingdom Hearts IV gets new trailer, confirms Switch 2 release

Collection [I~III] launches October 8

Published

June 11, 2026

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, offering another look at Sora’s next adventure and confirming the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Alongside the update, the company announced that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] will launch on October 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Pre-orders are now open, while a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available starting today.

Kingdom Hearts IV returns

The new trailer offers another look at Quadratum, the mysterious city first revealed when Kingdom Hearts IV was announced.

According to Square Enix, Sora will encounter new characters, visit new worlds, and awaken new powers as the next chapter of the long-running action RPG series unfolds.

The publisher did not announce a release date for the game, saying more details will be revealed in the future.

Kingdom Hearts IV will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Collection bundles the series’ major releases

Square Enix also confirmed that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] brings together Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind in a single package.

The collection includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts III, and the Re Mind DLC, alongside several movie and cutscene compilations.

The release marks the arrival of native versions of these titles on Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, the games were available on Nintendo’s platform through cloud versions.

Free demo available now

Players can download a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind starting today.

The demo includes the opening portion of the game through Olympus, with save data carrying over to the full release. It also features a separate section set in Toy Box, the Toy Story-inspired world, although progress from that segment will not transfer.

Players who purchase the collection or Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind will receive platform-exclusive Keyblades. Nintendo Switch 2 players get Long Night, PlayStation 5 players receive Midnight Blue, while Xbox Series X|S players receive Phantom Green.

Digital pre-orders on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also include 48-hour early access for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.

Gaming

Final Fantasy fans have two big reasons to look forward to 2026

HD remasters and HD-2D

Published

June 11, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Final Fantasy X-X2 | Final Fantasy Resonance

The latest Nintendo Direct delivered a pair of announcements for Final Fantasy fans, with Square Enix confirming the arrival of classic remasters on Nintendo Switch 2 and unveiling an all-new HD-2D adventure.

First, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy X HD Remaster and Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster are coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23. Both physical and digital versions will be available.

The release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original Final Fantasy X launch in Japan. It also gives longtime fans and newcomers another way to experience two of the series’ most beloved RPGs at home or on the go.

Square Enix also released a new trailer alongside the announcement.

Final Fantasy Resonance launches this October

The bigger surprise from the showcase was Final Fantasy Resonance. It is the first HD-2D title in the Final Fantasy series.

The game launches on October 22, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Steam version arrives a day later on October 23.

Square Enix will also offer a Digital Deluxe Edition with the base game and additional in-game items.

A Collector’s Edition is planned as well. It includes the game, an artbook, a soundtrack, and a promotional Final Fantasy Trading Card Game card.

A modern take on a classic Final Fantasy formula

Square Enix describes Final Fantasy Resonance as a celebration of both classic and modern Final Fantasy. The game combines retro-inspired HD-2D visuals with a strategic turn-based battle system that adds modern mechanics to the traditional formula.

Players can expect familiar series staples including chocobos, espers, and airships. The game will also feature appearances from iconic characters such as Cloud Strife, Tidus, and Warrior of Light.

While Resonance draws from the first story arc of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Square Enix says it is far more than a direct port. The title has been extensively rebuilt into a full-fledged console RPG experience.

More details about Final Fantasy Resonance will be revealed closer to launch.

Gaming

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen to launch on October 9

A massive expansion and a two-phase roadmap revealed

Published

June 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

Capcom has officially announced Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, a massive new expansion slated to launch on October 9.

Arriving as a complete bundle, the title will mark the franchise’s highly anticipated debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, while simultaneously launching as separate expansion DLC for players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

The Dark Arisen expansion aims to enrich the base game’s dynamic fantasy world with three goals in mind: enhanced gameplay, expanded adventures, and enticing value.

Update roadmap underway

To prepare the realm for the expansion, Capcom has laid out a comprehensive, two-phase update roadmap for the base game:

Title Update 3.1: Focuses heavily on immediate quality-of-life improvements, most notably more significantly accessible map traversal through highly requested Eternal Ferrystone.
Title Update 3.2: Shifts focus toward system and engine adjustments; patch will deliver crucial performance and frame rate improvements, introduce additional save slots, implement system-level save adjustments, alter Dragonsplague mechanics, and further refine pawn and enemy actions.

Three major additions coming

When the expansion officially drops in October, players will be able to dive into a wealth of brand-new content built to push the Arisen to their limits:

Forsaken Dominion: Players will travel to Norgan, a frozen, long-abandoned northern region of Vermund blanketed in heavy snow. Home to savage hordes and creatures of immense power, the Arisen must team up with an enigmatic figure named Eir to uncover the dark secrets of an undying Fallen Dragon.
The Relic System: Defeating monsters and exploring the icy wastes of Norgan will yield powerful, hidden spoils of war known as relics. Taking these back to the Norgandian Settlement for appraisal unlocks high-tier gear boasting enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities.
Lost Rites Dungeons: For those looking to truly test their mettle, the expansion introduces 12 unique dungeon challenges. Overseen by the Pathfinder, these trials task players with clearing deadly gauntlets to reclaim legendary, dormant treasures once wielded by past Arisens.

The robust character creator is also receiving an update with a fresh wave of hairstyles and tattoos via Meszeteres Cosmetics, giving players even more ways to personalize their Arisen and Main Pawn.

Pre-order bonuses and editions

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen will be available in both digital and physical formats. The standalone Switch 2 release will include both the base game and expansion content right out of the box, while existing owners on PS5, Xbox, and PC can simply purchase the separate expansion DLC.

Players who pre-order the digital version or secure an early physical copy will receive the Explorer’s Camping Kit, the Dragon’s Dogma Music & Sound Collection, and the exclusive Norgan Fashion Set: Northern Attire.