Gaming

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

Back with new challenges

Published

July 5, 2024

Luigi Leonardo

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.

Related Topics:Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Gaming

SEGA/ATLUS, animate launch year-long collaboration featuring popular IPs

Fairs, live music events, more to be held, featuring globally-renowned SEGA group franchises

Published

May 11, 2026

GadgetMatch

SEGA/ATLUS and animate have officially announced a massive, year-long global partnership. This shall bring the gaming giant’s most iconic franchises to over 140 retail locations worldwide.

Marking the first cross-regional collaboration of its scale for both companies, the project is set to feature a rotating lineup of eight major IPs from the SEGA Group.

This includes titles from group companies like ATLUS and Rovio Entertainment. The featured franchises will be rolled out in phases.

The initiative kicks off in June 2026 with Sonic the Hedgehog taking center stage. Then, it will be followed by PUYOPUYO, HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE!, the Persona series, and the highly anticipated Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Moreover, the schedule continues through early 2027 with spotlight events for Yakuza / Like a Dragon, Angry Birds, and the classic Sakura Wars.

The project includes animate stores both in Japan and overseas (including locations in China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.).

Fans visiting will experience a mix of limited-time exhibitions, exclusive merchandise, hands-on gameplay sessions, and “Cafe Gratte” collaborations.

The massive partnership is part of SEGA’s “Transmedia Strategy” which aims to expand its IPs beyond the digital screen and into the daily lives of fans.

Leveraging animate’s extensive retail network definitely creates an immersive experience for fans of different franchises under SEGA.

The festivities begin June 6, 2026, with the Sonic “Only Shop” and Fair. Fans are encouraged to check local animate listings for specific event dates and regional availability.

For the full schedule, including dates, locations, and activities involved, visit this microsite.

Gaming

The Switch 2 is getting more expensive this year

The price increases will start this month.

Published

May 11, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Gone are the days when consoles get cheaper as time goes by. These days, especially because of the RAM crisis, gaming consoles are getting more expensive. Joining this worrying trend, the Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price hike.

Even upon launch, the Switch 2 was already pricier than its original counterpart. Currently, without the incoming price hikes, the console retails for US$ 449.99. It’s a lot but not completely out of reach.

Last week, Nintendo announced a price hike that might push the console to less than attainable levels. Starting May 25, the Switch 2 will cost JPY 59,980 (up from JPY 49,980) in Japan. The original generation is also getting a hike: JPY 47,980 for the Switch OLED, JPY 43,980 for the base Switch, and JPY 29,980 for the Switch Lite.

Abroad, you can expect price hikes on September 1. The Switch 2 will jump to US$ 499.99, CAN 679.99, or EUR 499.99, depending on where you live. These are the only official hikes announced right now, but Nintendo has confirmed that price revisions will be implemented in other regions, too.

As you might expect, the price increases are due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Though the console is an undeniable hit, the Switch 2 can’t hide behind its popularity against the price shortage dealt by unnecessary data centers. At the very least, users worldwide have time to grab the console in its original pricing before the hikes.

Gaming

Resident Evil Requiem’s LEON MUST DIE FOREVER update out now

Free minigame added as extra mode after completing Requiem

Published

May 9, 2026

GadgetMatch

Capcom has officially released the action-packed “LEON MUST DIE FOREVER” DLC for Resident Evil Requiem.

The free minigame is now available on the fastest-selling entry in the franchise’s history as an update across various platforms. This includes PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Unlocked as an extra mode after completing the main story, “LEON MUST DIE FOREVER” puts players back in the shoes of legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy.

The mode emphasizes nonstop combat action, with players fighting their way through areas they’ve previously visited throughout the game.

They will then have to defeat the final boss, all with stronger enemy variants, and five difficulty ranks, in a race against the clock.

To keep the experience fresh, each run features randomized area progressions and “enhancer abilities” that Leon can unlock by filling an enhancement gauge.

Players can also hunt down the golden spider to earn more time. Plus, successful runs allow fans to unlock a variety of new costumes for Leon, including the “Wolf Mode” and “Turbo GT” outfits.

Watch the trailer for more insight:

Alongside the gameplay content, Capcom has released a series of technical updates, including bug fixes and PC support for the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

In addition, all new “LEON MUST DIE FOREVER” merch, including t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirt, and hoodies, is now available on Amazon.

As Capcom continues to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, fans can expect even more updates for the title later this year.