Gaming

Gundam Breaker 4 is for the frustrated Gunpla enjoyer

Finally built ‘my own Gundam Heavyarms’

Published

September 2, 2024

I have a Gundam Heavyarms Endless Waltz Master Grade that’s been sitting on my bed-side table and has remained untouched for over three years. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to sit down and finally put the thing together. But I never have. What Gundam Breaker 4 has afforded me is to build the Gundam of my dreams, albeit, digitally.

Gundam Breaker is a franchise known specifically for this mechanic. Its latest installment – Gundam Breaker 4 – is its best yet.

**My Gundam Wing agenda**

Wing Gundam

You start the game off with Gundam RX-78, better known as Gundam Grandpa. If you bought the pre-order bonus, the moment the Assembly mechanic is introduced, you can immediately change it to a Gundam you’re more familiar with.

In my case, this was Wing Gundam. The only Gundam series that I obsessively engaged with were Gundam Wing and Gundam G. I dabbled with other, more recent series here and there but Gundam Wing was really just it for me. It was a pleasant experience going through the early parts of the game with the actual first Gunpla that I ever owned and built.

But as I progressed, I realized the early Wing Gundam build wasn’t enough. It wasn’t gonna get it done against the progressively tougher opponents I was fighting. A little more on the that later.

I went from a sort of Franken-Wing Gundam build and slowly made my way to something that kind of looks like my all-time favorite Gundam – Heavyarms.

GUNDAM BREAKER 4_20240831032108

To be clear, Gundam Heavyarms Endless Waltz — the Gunpla I own and haven’t built in over three years – is present in the game. As of writing, I just haven’t collected all the parts to actually build it.

So I went with the next best thing – make whatever parts I have look and feel like Trowa Barton’s stead.

Digital Gunpla workshop

Unlike in real life, Gunpla building in Gundam Breaker 4 is much more straightforward. Instead of having to piece together hundreds, if not thousands, of parts, you only have to select things from a menu and only really have to deal with a few parts.

In the Assembly menu, you pick pre-assembled parts for the following: Head, Left Arm, Right Arm, Body/Torso, Shield, Jetpack/Booster, Legs, Builder Parts, Left Arm Close-Range Weapon, Right Arm Close-Range Weapon, Left Arm Long-Range Weapon, Right Arm Long-Range Weapons.

I know it still looks like it’s a lot but the building part is pretty straightforward. You go to a particular body part and there you’ll have a selection of available parts– ones you either shopped for or more commonly, looted in battle. Each part has a different set of stats and skills.

To start the game, you don’t really get a full set with the exact Gundam or other Mobile Suits you like. These will open gradually as you complete missions. Eventually, you’ll be able to build the Gundam you want and upgrade its parts using the ones you find in the missions.

Since I couldn’t get Heavyarms early-on, I just put together the best parts with the best stats while painting the thing to my liking. Even in digital, I still don’t have the time, energy, nor meticulousness to fully customize my build. Thankfully, the painting section has good sectioning/ It keeps your preferred coat of paint even if you change the parts.

Going on missions, collecting parts

GUNDAM BREAKER 4_20240831022630

Going on missions is pretty direct. Just keep playing and following the storyline and you’re bound to learn all you need to know when it comes to missions.

You get story missions and quest missions. Each can be completed in Easy, Standard, and Hardcore categories. I tried Hardcore in one of the early missions and realized I was severely underpowered. But it did yield some parts that were very useful in my campaign.

Mission objectives may vary from protecting something to defeating actual Gundams. In some instances, gigantic Mobile Suits will appear as the bosses. Whatever the case, these battles aren’t too difficult. You can hack, slash, shoot, and dodge your way into most of these missions relatively easily, even in the Standard difficulty.

The battles can get stale after a while but what keeps them fresh is the build you go into battle with every new mission. That’s what makes the whole thing exciting.

Come and stay for the Gundam building

GUNDAM BREAKER 4_20240831003938

The story is very standard fare. It’s not memorable but it isn’t bad either. It’s very middle of the pack as far as storytelling goes. But it’s engaging enough to make you want to keep building and battling to get the best possible parts for your build.

The game’s core mechanic revolves around building Gunpla (Gundam plastic models). In Gundam Breaker 4, you’re given a vast array of parts, ranging from iconic Gundam heads to powerful weapons and unique accessories. You can mix and match these parts to create your own one-of-a-kind Gundam. The customization options are virtually limitless, allowing you to experiment with different combinations and aesthetics.

Cool tidbit. The Start Screen of the game changes to your current build.

One of the game’s standout features is its intuitive building system. The process is straightforward and enjoyable, even for those who have never built a real-life Gunpla before.

You can easily select parts, rotate them, and position them to your liking. The game also provides helpful visual guides to ensure that your Gunpla is assembled correctly.

Gundam Breaker 4 Captures the spirit of Gunpla

Gundam Breaker 4 is the perfect remedy for the frustrated, mostly lazy (or burned out) Gunpla enjoyer. If you enjoy seeing Gundam built but do not necessarily have the skillset and patience to deal with plenty of real-life moving parts, then this is the next best thing.

It’s even re-ignited my interest for Gundam in general. I’m looking to engage in more Gundam shows and stories after dabbling in this game.

Gundam Breaker 4 captures the spirit of Gunpla and makes it relatively accessible to more people. It’s a game I’ll likely keep firing up for the rest of the year until I get all the Gundam kits and builds I want.

Gaming

PRAGMATA release date, Nintendo Switch 2 availability confirmed

Preorders now open, free demo available too

Published

December 19, 2025

GadgetMatch

Capcom has announced the official release date for upcoming sci-fi action game PRAGMATA. The title will be available on April 24, 2026 on multiple platforms.

Aside from launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, PRAGMATA will also be available on Nintendo Switch 2, as confirmed in a new trailer exploring the lunar cityscape.

Preorders are now available as well on all platforms. In addition, the Sketchbook Demo is now available on Steam and is coming to consoles soon.

The free public demo provides the opportunity to experience the title’s immersive setting and thrilling gameplay for the first time. It also includes fun extra surprises to challenge players.= and encourage repeat playthroughs.

As a preorder bonus, players will receive Hugh’s samurai-styled Neo bushido outfit and Diana’s ninja-inspired Neo Kunoichi costume.

Alongside the standard version, a Deluxe Edition will be available. This includes the Shelter Variety Pack, an assortment of alternate outfits for the two characters.

The Deluxe Edition also includes a weapon skin, emotes, extra background music, and an in-game library with 75 digital artwork pieces.

The new trailer expands what players know of the game’s environment so far, with the protagonists in what seemingly looks like a futuristic dystopian city. It shows Hugh and Diana both being chased by various opponents, as well as a bit of their dynamic together.

As for its gameplay, PRAGMATA will feature a dual-character control, enabling players to control both Hugh and Diana simultaneously.

Central to the action is a “hacking” mechanic but Capcom will enrich combat with a more strategic and exciting element unique to the title.

Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade free demo released

For Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox

Published

December 18, 2025

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a free demo for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade which is launching on January 22, 2026.

The demo is available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Players can carry their save data from the demo period over to the full game and claim the bonus items “Revival Earrings” and “Survival Set” in the process.

In addition, the game has Xbox Play Anywhere support. This means players can enjoy seamless progression across console and PC platforms.

Switch 2 users can enter the following codes to download the demo via the “Redeem Code” option on the Nintendo e-Shop:

United States: D3GM3304HKQBB2VB
Europe: D3GM3304HKPBB2VB
Japan: D3GM3304H3DBB2VB
Korea: D3GM3304H3CBB2VB
Hong Kong and Taiwan: D3GM3304H3BBB2VB
Southeast Asia: D3GM3304HY9BB2VB

Meanwhile, the free demo for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox for PC is available via this link.

Aside from the aforementioned platforms, the visually enhanced and expanded version of the original 2020 remake is already available on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Epic games.

What players can expect

In the demo, players can experience the game’s iconic opening chapter, in which the mercenary Cloud Strife and the underground resistance group Avalanche attempt to destroy a Mako Reactor powering the dystopian city of Midgar.

In their fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company, Cloud and his comrades are thrust into a larger conflict that will decide the fate of the planet.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade features improved graphics and performance. Aside from that, the game includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission.

This exciting additional story features fan-favorite ninja Yuffie Kisaragi as she embarks on a thrilling new adventure.

Players can expect expanded gameplay mechanics, refined combat systems, and immersive storytelling that deepens the lore of Midgar.

Square Enix has also released a new One-Winged Angel trailer:

Gaming

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro might be the comfiest headphones I’ve tried

The memory foam cushioning is divine.

Published

December 17, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Despite being a self-professed audiophile, I have always had a problem with wearing headphones the whole day. Sooner or later, the weight just becomes too much. So, when I saw the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro with its thick cushioning, it was love at first sight.

But will that love last?

Lookin’ like a succulent pork belly

Obviously, I’m exaggerating, but the head strap really does look like a pork belly because of how thick it is. And that’s not a complaint, either.

The BlackShark V3 Pro has one of the most comfortable cushioning I’ve ever experienced from a pair of headphones. Plus, both the head strap and the earcups use memory foam, so it feels like new every single time.

Over time, I can barely feel the headphones bearing down on the top of my head because of the thick cushioning. I lasted more than five hours before I felt anything. Even after taking it off for a spell, I was ready to get back into the game. For me, that’s an absurdly good record.

The earcups, on the other hand, fit perfectly. For reference, I have an average ear size. A lot of headphones I’ve tried often leave my ears in pain from all the flexing, but the BlackShark’s fit is just right.

A minimalist but elegant design

Besides the nice cushioning, the rest of the headphones exude that elegant look you might expect from more premium headphones. Except for incredibly subtle Razer branding and a thin ring of lime green around the mic button, there’s nothing to indicate that this is a pro gaming headset.

The earcups are connected to the strap via thin metal arms and a braided cable. The same arms offer 15-degree maneuverability to ensure the most comfortable fit.

Unfortunately, they don’t fold, so it’s harder to take these headphones outside. It’s a slight wrinkle in an otherwise stellar design.

Going back to analog

A lot of headphones today prefer using gesture controls over actual buttons and knobs. Getting rid of buttons does help make designs look sleeker. However, it comes with the added frustration of fiddling around with often-finicky gestures.

Thankfully, the BlackShark V3 Pro has a wealth of buttons and knobs for, in my opinion, easier control. This also lends to its credence as a gaming peripheral. When I’m in the zone, I don’t want to mess around with gestures that might not even work.

The left cup has a dedicated power button, a microphone button, a USB-C slot, and a 3.5mm port (for both input and output). It also has a nifty knob for volume control.

Meanwhile, the right cup has an equalizer button, a noise cancelling button, and a dial to adjust the ANC levels. There’s also audio feedback that lets you know exactly what you’ve pressed.

I love this layout. Though you can argue that all these buttons seem like overkill, there’s just something about manually pressing buttons and turning knobs, especially when you’re focused on gaming. It’s like a palpable feeling of turning it to 11 that you just don’t get with gesture controls.

Premium for gaming, a step less for everything else

The BlackShark V3 Pro is a bass-leaning headset. That’s pretty much what you’d expect from a gaming-focused device. A premium on bass helps you feel the immersive thump of gunshots, explosions, and even simple footsteps.

Personally, I don’t prefer bass-heavy devices. However, this pair refreshingly does not tear with high bass level. It offers a pretty rich output for the deeper end of the audio spectrum. An extensive listening session of metal created thrumming breakdowns and heavy drum solos.

However, there’s a clear step down when it comes to treble. It’s only one step down, though, because I can hear that these cans are capable of impressive treble. However, the focus on bass can drown out the other end. I’ve tried adjusting the equalizer, but it made too little difference to elevate the experience for audiophiles.

Additionally, the soundstage feels more centered than immersive. This pair isn’t what I’d pick for long listening sessions. Then again, this wasn’t made for that. This shines more brightly for gamers.

With THX Spatial Audio, these headphones feel more alive during FPS gaming sessions. Another audio enhancement can amplify footsteps, too. The audio adjustment feels weird at first, but it does give a competitive edge for shooters. It’s also compatible with a few other games, including Civilization VII, which gave a pleasant auditory experience.

A much better mic than I expected

The BlackShark V3 Pro comes with a detachable microphone you can snap on to the 3.55mm port. As a pro gaming peripheral, the attachment is expected but not even necessary for a headset of this caliber already.

It’s a fairly decent, well-thought-of accessory. The audio input was, according to people I played with, clear for in-game comms.

Even better, the Razer Synapse app comes with its own equalizer just for the mic. If you need more control over how you want your voice to be broadcast, these headphones give a surprising level of customization. Being easily accessible through the app is a huge plus, too.

In terms of quality, I might still default to a dedicated external mic. However, if you don’t have one, Razer’s premium pair is a great alternative.

Battery good enough for almost two weeks

Razer promises that the BlackShark V3 Pro can last around 70 hours on a single charge. This is a fairly accurate prediction which aligned with how I used the headphones.

As I mentioned, I can withstand around five hours straight of using the headphones. By the end of the first week, I still had a lot of juice. And if I didn’t push it to my absolute limit, I could make this last even longer than two weeks.

Ultimately, the battery’s life depends on how you use the headphones, which differ greatly from person to person. And, at the end of the day, I had no problems with keeping the headphones connected to the long and braided wire.

Is the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro your GadgetMatch?

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is one of the most comfortable pair of headphones I’ve ever tried. It’s also a premium gaming peripheral that reflects its price point well at US$ 249.99.

Sure, you won’t get a pair of headphones worthy for an audiophile, which makes this a Swipe Left if you are. But as a gamer, these are more than what you need, which makes it a hardy Swipe Right.

As someone who’s both, I’d still give this a Swipe Right. My audiophile side already has a more balanced alternatives, after all. But the BlackShark V3 Pro is excellent as a tough-as-nails daily driver.