Gaming

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree review: Game of the year again?

Back with new challenges

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Since the launch of Elden Ring in 2022, the gaming industry started a love affair with Soulslike difficulty. From the cutesy stylings of Another Crab’s Treasure to the bodacious Stellar Blade, it’s a great time for those who prefer working for their victories. But, of course, nothing beats the king. FromSoftware is back with Elden Ring’s first DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree.

After beating the Lord of Blood, the Tarnished find themselves transported to the Land of Shadow. Kindly Miquella has invited several people from the Lands Between to follow in his footsteps. In what can only be described as a perilous Stations of the Cross, players must fight tooth and nail to figure out what happened to the missing demigod. Naturally, as is always the case with FromSoftware, things are not what they seem.

A little bit of everything

Shadow of the Erdtree’s map slots nicely into the space within the original game’s map. Imagine a crescent moon. While the lit part represents the main game, the DLC is the dark part (or, quite literally, the shadow of the Erdtree).

The DLC costs quite a bit for just an addition to an already packed game. However, its sheer size makes the cost of entry more than worth it.

It also helps that the DLC has a little bit of everything you loved from the main game. Forces associated with all the demigods are converging around the area. Magic-wielding Carians, finger monsters, dragons, new weapons. It’s a veritable who’s who of the Lands Between.

Then again, it also has the things you might have hated. Scarlet rot, losing the boss because of the camera, platforming challenges that require a ballerina’s finesse. There are a lot of things that can make you pull your hair out. Then again, that’s part of the charm.

If you want to rekindle your love (or hatred) for Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree is a must-have.

Some jolly cooperation

Besides bringing back elements from the main game, Shadow of the Erdtree comes with FromSoftware’s iconic level design. Segments connect so seamlessly. In one moment, you could be riding through a vast landscape on Torrent. In the next, you’re already knee-deep inside a dungeon. The DLC resurrects that brilliant feeling of getting lost.

Yes, getting lost isn’t the best feeling. However, almost every diverging path ends in a well-deserved reward. Oh yeah, and tough boss fights.

Being a tough game, the title makes cooperation even more important. While a lot of them still troll others, a lot of player messages help others by telling them of secret passages, unseen ambushes, and preferable battle tactics. Personally, I’ve also been chatting with friends about their experiences with bosses. It’s satisfying to know that you’re not the only one subjecting yourself to such masochism.

FromSoftware knows how to make boss fights challenging but fair. Plus, even in those moments where victory seems impossible, the game relies on its wide fanbase to create that feeling of a shared experience.

A few technical difficulties

That said, there are a few segments that are poorly optimized for modern systems. Framerates will drop unexpectedly. In a tough game like this, a few missed frames can spell disaster during a tense boss fight.

Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, FromSoftware has not released a significant optimization patch to solve the issues. Bandai Namco has only issued statements asking players to turn off third-party software which might be hogging resources away from the game.

Additionally, a few boss fights don’t feel fair. One example is a knight riding a large boar. The fight starts off with the boss immediately charging at the player with a move almost impossible to dodge. It’s a battle that almost requires you to use up one health item right off the bat. Thankfully, FromSoftware has just issued a patch that changes the boss’ positioning. It means that the studio is willing to listen to its players, and it also means that the issues presented in this section might not even apply to a patched game months after this review.

Plunge into Elden Ring again

Shadow of the Erdtree is more than just a DLC for Elden Ring. Essentially, it’s an entirely new world to explore. It’s filled with new enemies, weapons, challenges, and frustrations. If you’re a fan of FromSoftware, you’d know that their DLCs always hit. If you’re only familiar with Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree offers more of the same, but that’s all you’ll need from a FromSoftware game. The DLC is well worth the purchase.

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Gaming

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance’s SEGA Villains Stage out on April 3

Face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises

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March 21, 2026

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The SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will release on April 3 for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, XBox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.

The DLC lets players face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises: Like a Dragon and Yakuza, Golden Axe, and Sonic.

An animated trailer has been unveiled as part of the announcement. It features those franchises’ characters, Goro Majima, Death Adder, and Dr. Eggman.

There will be a total of five crossover stages, three bosses, and two Boss Rush modes featuring the bosses for the DLC.

In addition, there will be three more Ninpo, three new outfits, and six new music tracks. The SEGA Villains Stage DLC is a free update for all players.

Aside from the crossover, players can also try out a new Hardcore Mode which features changes in enemy placement and stronger boss attacks.

Additional combat settings also lets players adjust recovery frames, the flash effect, and camera shake. Various quality-of-life improvements are also planned for the 2D action-platformer.

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Gaming

The hunt begins: The Witcher in Concert hits Manila with surprises in tow

The Continent comes alive

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March 19, 2026

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If you’ve ever heard a haunting chant echo through a battlefield or felt the weight of a choice that isn’t as simple as good or evil, then you already know—the Path has a way of calling you back.

And if you haven’t stepped into that world just yet, consider this your invitation.

With less than two weeks to go, The Witcher in Concert is set to take over Manila for a one-night-only performance. It’s happening on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire—bringing with it not just the music of a beloved RPG, but a full-on return to the Continent.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the concert transforms one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks into a live experience. Expect performances from selected musicians of the Filharmonika Orchestra alongside Percival Schuttenbach—the Polish folk-metal band whose distinct sound helped define the game’s identity. Paired with in-game visuals, it’s a show designed to feel both nostalgic and entirely new.

As the night draws closer, here are three things fans can look forward to:

Relics from the Continent: official merchandise

For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities.

This includes the following:

  • Event Tee (PhP2,200)
  • Geralt Long Sleeve (PhP3,400)
  • Event Hoodie (PhP4,200)
  • Beanie (PhP1,800)
  • Tote bag (PhP1,800)
  • Key chain (PhP1,400)
  • Enamel pin set (PhP1,400)
  • Event magnet (PhP800)
  • Geralt gaming mouse pad (PhP2,000)

It’s the kind of loot drop fans won’t want to miss.

The path to Solaire: getting there made easier

Getting to the venue is part of the journey—and this time, it’s a little easier. Attendees can use the Grab code FCPH2026 to get 20% off rides (up to PhP75). With the condition of a minimum fare of PhP250. The promo is valid for two rides per user and applies to trips to and from Solaire Entertainment City.

A rare encounter: meet Percival Schuttenbach

For a handful of lucky fans, the experience goes beyond the stage. Ten winners will get the chance to meet Percival Schuttenbach and receive an autographed CD.

To join, ticket holders need to share any official The Witcher in Concert post on their Instagram Story. They need to write what they’re most excited to hear live and tag @filmconcerts.ph. They need to submit their entry before March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on March 25.

Answer the call

As the Continent arrives in Manila, fans are encouraged to lean all the way in—whether that means coming in cosplay as a monster hunter, mage, bard, or something far more dangerous.

Tickets are available via TicketWorld and participating outlets nationwide.

The Path is open. The question is—will you answer the call?

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Gaming

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains launching on June 11

Introducing a team-based, cinematic twist to the classic board game

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March 19, 2026

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Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains will launch on June 11, Ubisoft has announced. It will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, GeForce Now, and PC through Steam, Epic Games, and the Ubisoft Store.

The Behavior Interactive title introduces a team-based combat twist to the traditional real estate board game. It includes competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and through couch co-op.

This transforms the classic Monopoly gameplay into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations matter.

Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant. Dynamic GO events also introduce game-altering twists.

The full reveal will be on April 29.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board, packed with iconic locations from across the saga.

The gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements. These make up for a refreshed experience from start to finish.

Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains. There’s plenty of options, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul.

Each character brings unique abilities to shape the team’s strategy and affect the match’s complexion with every roll of the dice.

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