Gaming

Pyre review: A slam dunk in story and splendor

Published

August 3, 2017

Joseph Berida

Sports ignite people. We map stories to players’ careers. We label rival athletes facing off as heroes and villains. We cry when the home team loses a deciding playoff match. We rejoice when they finally win championship gold.

Pyre sets out to spark that real human passion in its fantastical basketball/visual novel combo.

Entrancing aesthetics

Supergiant Games, the creative studio behind Pyre, is known for its sensuous, painterly art direction. The developers do not disappoint, as one look at the screenshots should make clear. Vibrant blues and reds blend in soft brush strokes and end in thick lines in the lovingly detailed player portraits. Neon greens, yellows, and purples contrast strikingly to form surreal panoramic landscapes littered with titanic alien skeletal remains.

The character designs feel familiar yet fresh; towering horned demons and alluring harpies get mixed in with armored worm-knights and small, scrappy dog men. These creatures spring to life like in classic hand-drawn Western animation, their frames moving with the conviction of the weight they carry. Tiny imps dart about manically, savages soar with wild grace, and the sentient trees lumber as if they own the earth.

These animations playing out in the Rites, which is what Pyre formally calls its magical 3v3 sport, is a dazzling display of balletic athletics.

Darren Korb’s zydeco-electronica fusion soundtrack ramps up the tension in every contest, brings things down to a wistful melancholic chill on the road in between matches, and rouses the spirits with folksy ballads alongside soulful vocal talent Ashley Barrett.

Fantasy basketball for freedom

In-universe, you are the Reader. You have been exiled to the Downside, a desolate no man’s land, for the crime of literacy. Reading is strictly forbidden in the Commonwealth, the nation where you came from. The only way back to civilization is through winning the Rites, as the purity of performance in this divine tradition pardons victors of all their sins.

In the Rites, two teams of three players fight over control of a celestial orb, with the goal of dousing the opposing force’s pyre. This is accomplished by plunging the orb into the pyre repeatedly until its flames are snuffed. Points signify the strength of the pyre, dwindling every time the orb is thrown into it. Once the points are reduced to zero, the match ends.

As the Reader, you act as coach to the Nightwings, once hailed as the ultimate test for other teams to prove their worth, but have now just returned as a ragtag band of misfits, eager as any of the exiles to earn freedom.

Increasing complexity in competition

In-game, you take direct control of the Nightwings, maneuvering one player at a time. The mechanics are easy to understand upfront for a somewhat novel take on basketball, and the control scheme feels natural given the one-player limitation. However, the variations in character abilities, statistics, and equippable items make matches more intricate and even overwhelming when the difficulty spikes.

You might find yourself cruising through the early battles, as the AI players are content to watch you zip across the field, sail over their heads, and slam dunk that orb into their pyre. I certainly did, especially with immediate access to the speedier characters that can run past enemies with ease. It didn’t take too long for me to start experiencing more intense competition, though, eventually resulting in losses where my opponents choked my offense and danced all over my defense.

And this is where the unique beauty of Pyre shines through.

There is no game over

Win or lose in the Rites, the plot keeps moving. Remember that everyone in the Downside is an exile and yearns for liberty, too. So when your adversaries triumph, their own personal narratives advance in step with the Nightwings’ journey. And while a majority of the teams you face are headed by unrepentant evildoers, there are a couple of genuinely good people also vying for liberation.

When you learn how the aged cur Dalbert Oldheart was unfairly banished from the Commonwealth, losing doesn’t sound so bad if this kind old critter goes free. You can be victorious next time, and without a guilty conscience, dunk on Witch Udmildhe and her bog crones who wish to unleash the malevolent Yslach Astral-Born on the world.

Not that winning doesn’t come with its own price either. When you win and let a team member go back to the Commonwealth, you let that team member go for good. In addition, you can only choose from the three characters you’ve used in matches the most. This means you’re constantly losing the players you’re most accustomed to when you keep winning.

MVPs, one and all

Thankfully, every individual you recruit into the Nightwings is a standout, both in how they play in the Rites and how their own story arcs develop and overlap with the rest of the colorful cast. Pamitha, the sassy harpy, cuts across the field with winged fury, but relents at the immediate sight of her sister out of guilt. The pale white, blue-eyed blonde demon Jodariel cuts an imposing figure with her steely stare and twisted horns, and she commands the court with her presence. Yet, past her stoicism lies warm, motherly instincts.

Pyre introduces such outcasts with complicated backgrounds at a reasonably rapid clip, and when you’ve assembled the entire crew, revelations are dropped at an even pace to keep you driving forward to see where the plot goes.

And before I forget, most of the interactions with the characters and the world at large is through the visual novel format of still portraits and lots of text interspersed with choices. Voice acting (save for one particular role which has to be heard to be believed) is limited to mumblings in a made-up language. It’s charming in how distinct the delivery is, and I never noticed a single canned soundbite.

Consuming, fiery storytelling

Yet this static presentation never left me bored or buttoning through dialogue. I basically marathoned 10 hours on my first session, and reached the very end on my second five-hour sitdown with the game. Despite the archetypes that make up the cast, the authenticity in characterization made me love each of the Nightwings.

I laughed at Rukey Greentail’s boasts landing his furry tail in hot water. I was in awe of Sir Gilman’s boisterous determination. I pondered on Volfred Sandalwood’s notions of true independence. I was gutted over Hedwyn’s broken promise. I agonized over every choice as to which of them I would anoint for freedom.

I will be replaying Pyre. I want to learn more about those I let go early, fight even harder, and just make better decisions to see how all the Nightwings deal with the burden of losing comrades and gaining liberty in a land of oppression. I will cast myself once more into the fires of competition for their sake, because Pyre made me believe their bonds are worth burning for.

[irp posts=”16566″ name=”7 must-play re-released video games in HD”]

Gaming

The quirky Legion Go Fold stole the show at MWC 2026

Is this the ultimate travel gadget?

Published

March 3, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

An all-in-one device is a pipe dream for many. Imagine a device that can turn into a tablet, a laptop, a phone, and a console with the flip of a switch. As showcased during MWC 2026, Lenovo wants you to stop imagining. A new concept called the Legion Go Fold is an all-around device you can take with you on travels.

On account of the lineup it’s associated with, the Legion Go Fold is, first and foremost, a handheld gaming console. Normally, it’s a sizable 7.7-inch screen you can attach the Legion Go’s recognizable controllers to.

However, as the “Fold” in its name is hinting, the screen can be unfolded into a much larger screen. At its quirkiest, the concept looks like a vertical tablet with controllers attached to either side. Lenovo says that this is best used in split-screen mode where you can split the display between a game and other media such as a walkthrough video.

Alternatively, you can just rotate the screen horizontally and attach the controllers to play with the maxed out 11.6-inch display.

Finally, the Legion Go Fold can be used as a laptop via the detached screen and an included wireless keyboard. Like the other devices in the Legion Go lineup, the right controller can be used as a makeshift mouse.

Because it’s a concept, the Legion Go Fold isn’t close to being released yet. However, it’s a good evolution of what the Legion Go can already do. As we said in previous reviews, the lineup can technically be a work laptop in a pinch. This just makes it easier.

Automotive

Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo makes global debut at MWC 2026

Tech giant becomes first technology brand in Vision GT program

Published

March 3, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Xiaomi has unveiled the full-scale concept model of the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo or Xiaomi Vision GT at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. This marks the company’s official entry into the elite Vision Gran Turismo project.

Created for the legendary Gran Turismo franchise, the electric hypercar concept represents the first time a technology company has been invited to participate in the Vision GT program. Xiaomi now joins a select group of global automakers, becoming the 36th brand to take part and the creator of the 51st Vision Gran Turismo concept overall.

The project began at the GT World Series in London, where series producer Kazunori Yamauchi personally invited Xiaomi to design its own Vision GT car. For Xiaomi’s global EV design team, the opportunity meant rethinking hypercar development from a technology-first perspective, blending advanced aerodynamics with AI-driven intelligence.

Sculpted by the wind

At the core of Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo is aerodynamic balance. Instead of chasing extreme low drag or maximum downforce alone, Xiaomi pursued efficiency between the two.

The concept follows a “Sculpted by the Wind” philosophy. Its teardrop cockpit silhouette, integrated air ducts, and airfoil-shaped structural elements guide airflow seamlessly from front to rear. The body avoids excessive add-ons, relying instead on built-in aerodynamic solutions.

Signature design elements serve dual purposes. Cross-shaped headlights integrate into the airflow system, while the halo-shaped taillight sits within a massive rear air outlet. An Active Wake Control System surrounds the rear with micro-perforations that manage turbulent air using real-time speed and angle data.

The Accretion Rims feature vortex-style wheel covers that remain visually stationary while the car is in motion, reducing drag from rotating surfaces. Internal turbine fins help cool the brakes during operation.

Through iterative simulation testing, Xiaomi says the concept achieves a drag coefficient of 0.29, downforce of negative 1.2, and an aerodynamic efficiency rating of 4.1 — figures that highlight balance rather than extremes.

A “sofa racer” interior

Inside, Xiaomi departs from the rigid, track-focused cabins typical of hypercars. The “Sofa Racer” concept emphasizes comfort without sacrificing control.

A ring-shaped cockpit architecture wraps around the driver, blending dashboard, doors, and seats into one continuous structure. Breathable 3D-knitted fabric materials aim to provide both support and warmth.

At the center is Xiaomi Pulse, an intelligent assistant integrated into the dashboard. Working alongside Xiaomi HyperVision and the company’s HyperOS platform, the system adapts displays and interactions based on driving mode and environmental data. Physical controls remain tactile and precise, including an infinite-shaped steer-by-wire wheel.

The concept also integrates into Xiaomi’s broader “Human × Car × Home” ecosystem. Powered by XiaoAi AI Assistant and the Xiaomi MiMo foundational model, the car connects with personal devices and smart home products, positioning itself as part of a unified digital lifestyle.

Xiaomi has also envisioned a companion driving simulator designed as furniture for the home, extending the Vision Gran Turismo experience beyond the vehicle itself.

Yamauchi praised the project, noting how the design successfully resolves the tension between low drag and high downforce. Further details about the car’s arrival in Gran Turismo 7 will be announced at a later date.

With its Vision Gran Turismo debut, Xiaomi signals a broader ambition: redefining the electric hypercar through AI integration, ecosystem connectivity, and aerodynamic precision.

Gaming

Resident Evil Requiem is out now

30 years later

Published

February 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

Resident Evil Requiem is now available worldwide, marking the ninth mainline entry in Capcom’s long-running survival horror franchise.

The game launches today on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GeForce NOW. Set 30 years after the Raccoon City Incident, the story returns players to the ruins of a city that defined the series’ legacy.

This time, players follow two protagonists: newcomer Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst investigating a string of mysterious deaths tied to her mother’s murder, and returning fan favorite Leon S. Kennedy. As their paths converge at the center of a new outbreak, both must confront the lingering trauma of Raccoon City and uncover the truth behind the incident that changed the world.

First-person or third-person

For the first time in the series, players can freely switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, blending immersive horror with more dynamic action. Multiple difficulty settings are available, including a Casual mode with aim assist and a Standard (Classic) mode that reintroduces the Ink Ribbon save system while playing as Grace.

Editions available

Resident Evil Requiem is available in Standard and Deluxe editions. The Deluxe edition includes five costumes, four weapon skins, two screen filters, two charms, and additional bonus content. A Premium Steelbook Edition bundles the Deluxe content with a limited-edition lenticular card, available while supplies last.

Capcom is also celebrating the launch with a slate of collaborations and collectibles. These include a themed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the franchise’s first-ever amiibo figures of Grace and Leon arriving July 30, 2026, limited-edition watches designed with Hamilton, a one-of-a-kind Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT created as Leon’s in-game vehicle, and 1/6 scale collectible figures launching this fall.

Resident Evil Symphony of Legacy

To mark the series’ 30th anniversary, the Resident Evil Symphony of Legacy orchestral concert series will tour Japan, North America, and Europe later this year. Meanwhile, Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition and Resident Evil Village Gold Edition also arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 today, alongside a Generation Pack bundle exclusive to the platform.

With a return to Raccoon City and a new chapter in survival horror underway, Resident Evil Requiem ushers in what Capcom calls a new era for the iconic franchise.