Gaming

Everything we learned from our TEKKEN 8 Preview

Story Mode, Fighting Styles, and more

Published

December 12, 2023

Some time in late November 2023, we had the privilege of playing a build of TEKKEN 8 for roughly around three to four hours. And we’re here to share everything we learned about the heavily anticipated fighting game.

The first two hours were dedicated to Story and Single player gameplay, while the rest was to explore the versus mode, Tekken Ball, and some of the practice and replay features. Let’s get right to it!

Plenty for single players to enjoy (Mild Spoilers, skip if you go in blind)

We were allowed to play up to Chapter Four of story mode which took about 40-45 minutes to complete. Your mileage will certainly vary. We asked if they reveal how many chapters there will be and how long it will take to complete by their estimate but the folks who worked on TEKKEN 8 weren’t ready to reveal these details. They did say that it’s about 1.7 times larger than TEKKEN 7.

This should be encouraging for mostly Single Player types who might not be enthusiastic about tussling with other players online.

In addition to that, outside of the Main Story, each character will have their own mini episodes that you can play through. With 32 characters at launch, that’s plenty of content to go around.

Also, no spoilers, but the three new characters: Reina, Victor, and Azucena will figure prominently in the main storyline. In the early chapters, Reina appears to be the most… intriguing.

Arcade Quest

This is another Single Player experience but one that attempts to mimic the feeling of being out and about in Arcades. Your personally designed Avatar (you can go crazy, the customization is pretty vast), will hop from arcade to arcade with the aim of besting its top player. It’s almost like challenging a Pokémon gym leader.

Here, you can make Ghost Characters. A Ghost Character is essentially the AI learning exactly how you fight. After gathering enough data from fights, you can then proceed to fight that ghost character. The more you use a single character, the more data the AI will have on you.

What happens then is that it creates a model of that character with YOUR fighting style. Hence, the ghost character. From here, you can learn your own tendencies and find counters where necessary. This one’s going to be for those hardcore competitive players.

In Arcade Quest, you also earn Fight Money which you can use to buy cosmetic upgrades both for your avatar and for the 32 playable characters. Here’s a video from our friends over at One More Game on the customizations you can apply:

Arcade Style vs Special Style

To be even friendlier to newcomers, TEKKEN 8 implements two styles: Arcade and Special. Arcade is what most versus fighting players have come to know and love. Meanwhile, Special gives players a single button access to combos and Rage Arts.

You can switch to either style mid-fight by pressing the L1 button.

Will there be disadvantages? With Arcade Style, depending on your skill level and mastery of a character, you’ll have access to the character’s full set of moves. Meanwhile, with Special, it’s a bit more limited. You have less freedom in terms of the moves you can execute with how certain combos are mapped to a single button.

During our playthrough, we found ourselves shifting between the two styles constantly. Again, it really depends on your mastery and level of comfort in controlling the characters.

Want to see all the Rage Arts? Here’s another video from One More Game.

MyReplay & Tips, Practice Mode

Speaking of mastering characters, the makers of TEKKEN 8 went out of their way to make sure players have all the tools they need to master the characters.

They were particularly excited for us to try MyReplay & Tips. How it works is it records your fights from certain Game Modes and allows you to play them back. But more than just a replay, it shows you where you might have messed up or what you could have done better at a particular section.

You can then replay it to your heart’s content until you get the timing down. From the time we tried it, it sounds better in theory than in practice. But this is most likely because we chose the standard difficulty and weren’t having that much of a trouble with the fights. Naturally, there weren’t many learning opportunities.

How it works may seem kind of confusing at first as well. Some fights really just have no pointers so they will end up being just recordings of fights. Perhaps an improvement can be to show more alternative ways to deal with an opponent instead of simply finding where you might have messed up and providing a solution.

Tekken Ball

Tekken Ball is as fun as ever. But this is best played against another person. A few bouts versus the ‘computer’ and we found ourselves wanting to move on to other modes.

Other than that, it’s also a good way to familiarize yourself with each characters’ moves and whether you’re more comfortable using Arcade or Special Style on them.

TEKKEN 8 DEMO

Want to try these for yourself? The TEKKEN 8 demo will be releasing on the following dates for the following platforms:

PlayStation 5 – December 14
Xbox Series X|S – December 21

The Demo is supposed to have all the game modes that were available in our preview but also have available The Gallery where players can catch-up on where the story of TEKKEN stands on its latest installment.

TEKKEN 8 will be released exclusively on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Steam on January 26, 2024. Pre-Orders for the Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Versions are now available on said platforms.

Related Topics:Bandai Namco Tekken TEKKEN 8

Gaming

IKEA, Xbox launch nine-piece YXSTABY gaming collection

Gaming inspired furniture

Published

November 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Gaming setups don’t have to look like dedicated gaming rooms. IKEA and Xbox are making that easier with their new YXSTABY collection.

The nine-piece collection combines IKEA’s furniture design expertise with Xbox’s understanding of gaming. It brings together functional furniture and playful accessories inspired by Xbox controllers.

IKEA launched the collection in the Philippines on November 4 at its Pasay showroom. The event featured interactive room setups that demonstrated how the furniture fits into everyday homes.

The launch also included a cosplay runway inspired by IKEA’s iconic blue and yellow FRAKTA bag. Guests explored immersive gaming stations and experienced the collection firsthand.

Gaming furniture designed for everyday homes

YXSTABY addresses the challenges of fitting gaming setups into shared living spaces. Its furniture supports different gaming positions while keeping accessories organized.

The gaming lounge chair accommodates both forward-leaning gameplay and relaxed reclining positions. A rolling side table keeps gaming accessories within reach.

The collection also includes flexible storage for cables and accessories. Its felt inserts protect stored items, while its foldable design doubles as a laptop stand.

Families can also move their gaming setups between rooms. A TV stand with castors makes it easier to relocate equipment without dedicating an entire room to gaming.

Xbox controller-inspired accessories

Xbox’s influence extends beyond the collection’s gaming furniture. Several accessories take inspiration from familiar controller elements.

The Gaming D-pad cushion recreates the controller’s distinctive directional button. A stainless steel platter also borrows its design from the D-pad.

Another standout is the tilting thumbstick stool, which takes inspiration from an Xbox controller’s analog stick. A mirrored display box gives collectors a dedicated space for controllers and other gaming memorabilia.

Bringing gaming into Filipino homes

IKEA Philippines Sales Leader May Castillo highlighted the collection’s relevance to local households.

She pointed to the Philippines’ strong gaming culture and the country’s high engagement with video games across different devices.

IKEA Philippines Selling Manager Sarah Cox said the collection draws inspiration from Xbox controllers and how gamers actually play. It also incorporates IKEA’s playful approach to furniture design.

The collaboration brings together two brands with different strengths. IKEA understands how people use their living spaces, while Xbox understands what players need from their gaming setups.

The result is furniture that makes gaming more convenient without making the rest of the home feel like a gaming room.

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.