Gaming

Making Sense of Zenless Zone Zero

The latest game from HoYoverse

Published

December 22, 2023

HoYoverse has a pretty well-rounded set of titles. Among its most popular ones are Genshin Impact and most recently, Honkai: Star Rail. The two titles offered something different. One is an open-world adventure while the other is an exciting turn-based game. Their latest, we would describe as an action RPG with some puzzle-like navigation. That’s Zenless Zone Zero.

Urban, Cyberpunk-ish aesthetic

HoYoverse has taken us from a high-fantasy world all the way to space. With Zenless Zone Zero, the setting is a little more grounded. The game is set in an urban city called New Eridu. But things are a little grim. It’s the last surviving civilization in a world destroyed by Hollows.

Hollows are sort of pocket dimensions that appear out of nowhere within New Eridu. Each Hollow is infested with monsters called Ethereals and The Corrupted.

The Ethereals are monsters from the get go but The Corrupted are regular people who were exposed too long inside the Hollow and have since converted into Ethereal-like monsters.

But the Hollows are also home to some choice resources that’s why there are Hollow Raiders and Proxies. This is what players will play as. The main characters you’ll choose from are the brother-sister pair that are famous Proxies who help guide Hollow Raiders.

Other than Ethereals, players will also encounter lawless thugs as well as Persons of Authorities inside the Hollows. It’s a mish-mash of people with similar goals resulting in inevitable conflict.

Hollow Raiders. Agents, and Proxies

Belle and Wise are the two main characters you’ll choose from. They run a video shop as a facade but in reality, they work as Proxies who aid Hollow Raiders. They guide the Hollow Raiders into the Hollows with what is called a Bangboo.

Bangboos are bunny-looking robot-like devices that were meant to help evacuate people from Hollows. It’s also essentially this game’s mascot.

The Hollow Raiders or Agents, meanwhile, are the ones you control in battle. They are also the characters you’ll pull once the Gacha mechanic kicks in. To start you get control of three of them: Anby, Billy, and Nicole.

Anby is a blade-wielder. She fights fast and fluidly. Billy is a gun-slinger and is great for fighting multiple enemies. Nicole is a… a bombshell. She hits enemies with a briefcase she carries which also happens to fire an exploding projectile. You’ll spend a big chunk of the early game with these three.

Blitzing combat

Easily the most entertaining part of Zenless Zone Zero is its combat. At first, it feels like your standard action game mixing light and heavy attacks with special moves that have cooldowns.

What elevates the combat is how each character handles and the flashy tag-team attacks they deploy. For instance, Anby’s blade attacks will give those who played SCARLET NEXUS flashbacks as her play-style feels a lot like the melee combat of Yuito Sumiragi. But then you get to Billy and Nicole who have totally different play styles.

Billy reminds me a lot of the comic book character Grifter of Wildcats. They’re both masked double pistol specialists. Billy’s tag-in attack is great with dealing with multiple enemies and, naturally, doing damage from a distance.

Nicole, meanwhile, is a mix of melee and projectile attacks. Her normal and heavy attacks have her swinging her weapon but her tag-in and special has her firing a bomb at your opponent.

We weren’t lucky enough to draw any new characters during my playthrough but we suspect they will all have their own unique flavor to them. We honestly can’t wait to try them out.

Exploration and maze/puzzle

The quieter parts of the game have you play as either of the MCs to roam around a safe part of New Eridu. Here you can freely walk around a small area and talk to its inhabitants.

The ramen shop gives you boosts for your next foray into the hollows. And the other areas are for weapons and what have you. This particular part gives off Persona 5 vibes.

And then there’s the part where you’re trying to make your way through a hollow. It’s presented in this puzzle/maze-like format where you have your bangboo move around CRT-like TVs. Each TV acts like a zone in the hollow. You have to cleverly make your way through to grab bonus items, avoid battle encounters (some you just can’t), and ultimately find spots where you can exit.

This, admittedly, was the part of the gameplay that felt slow at first. But over time, the puzzles and maze became a little more of a challenge. It turned into somewhat of a mini-game but it is, actually, a crucial part of ZZZ.

Performance and platforms

Zenless Zone Zero is available to play on PC, Android, and iOS. For the purposes of this preview, we played the PC build on a Legion Go. It ran perfectly fine on the handheld gaming PC. We experienced minor lags and stuttering during some segments of the game but that’s understandable since this isn’t the final build.

There were also a couple of instances when the game just flat out stopped functioning that we were forced to restart the Legion Go itself. But this was early on in the testing and never happened again.

The art style lends itself nicely to even lower graphics settings. If you’re playing, try to prioritize getting high frame rates as that becomes pretty crucial in the combat parts of the game.

Should you play Zenless Zone Zero?

How many Gacha/Live Service games can you fit in your life? With HoYoverse alone, there’s already plenty. But the particular setting and aesthetic of Zenless Zone Zero, it’s definitely worth giving a try.

The familiar Gacha elements are there except you’re in an entirely different setting compared to Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. We can also say that among the three, Zenless Zone Zero feels and looks the most different.

If cyberpunk, animé action is your thing, then you should definitely look out for this game when it officially launches.

Related Topics:HoYoverse Zenless Zone Zero

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.

Gaming

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.

The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.

But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.

Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.

The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.

At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.