Gaming

SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada looks promising and demanding

Survival of humanity through AI

Published

October 1, 2024

Gab Orlina

A world set in the future can mean two things. Either the world is about to achieve some level of utopia or is trying to survive a dystopia. With technological advancements coming in droves, humanity stands at the literal crossroad as survival is of utmost importance. Several games have tackled this concept in the past. They involved a little bit of artificial intelligence here and there.

One such addition to the plentiful list of games is SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada. It’s a techno-RPG set in a future Earth now overrun by a violent environment. Humans have been forced to retreat underground, and the only way to survive is by scavenging resources on dangerous surfaces. All of this would need to be achieved with a little help of technological advancements to combat the surroundings.

I got a chance to see what the game was about during its Closed Network Test. Safe to say, it’s a promising game with a lot of unique features that makes it stand out from other post-apocalyptic sci-fi RPGs out there.

An AI that has your back

As soon as the CNT started, you are greeted by the tutorial that introduces the Magus and your own CRADLECOFFIN. Admittedly, I was confused at first as to what they wanted you to do when it was just to look at three specific screens. After about 20 minutes, you’re off to explore the wonders of the world with your own Magus guiding you through.

Similar to any RPG, customization is the forefront of every early game task list. Luckily, SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada has a ton of that going around. The obvious one primarily revolves around your Magus. It can be and look any way you like — just not too offensive. For your own CRADLECOFFIN, I pretty much glossed over changing anything since the default design was all good.

Your Magus comes with its own set of skills. These are quite essential as you go through your excursions. Unfortunately, I only ever got to utilize the one that was unlocked at the start of the test. So, my experience with the rest is limited. However, these skills aid you when you’re in a pinch so you can’t go wrong with them.

The harshest environment on the planet

Part of the first few missions in the CNT was excavating the most important mineral for humanity’s survival: the AO Crystals. These are crucial in rebuilding and improving the settlement you’re residing in for the whole game. They are scattered all over the surface world. Fortunately, they’re pretty easy to spot through your Magus and extracted in a short amount of time. The only problem though is that, well, you got company up there

The first wave of enemies you’ll encounter are violent creatures known as Enders, and they’re everywhere and in every form. Once an Ender detects where you are, the fight is on as you will need your arsenal of weapons to stop them. Once you get past them, you will potentially need to deal with other players in the server that can beat you if you’re not prepared.

However, the biggest obstacle you have to face throughout your excursions is the rain. At several points in the day, much like in real life, it will rain and deal chip damage to your CRADLECOFFIN — which you can’t allow to happen. Good thing your Magus also gives you weather updates, but it effectively stops your progress too.

Every second counts when you’re out there

Remember the CRADLECOFFIN you’re in? Now, as it turns out, for every excursion you have, you only get about thirty minutes as indicated by the COFFIN’s battery life. This, in turn, makes every adventure into a time-based stage wherein you need to accomplish your tasks and make it to the exit point unscathed.

It is rather different compared to other survival RPGs in the sense that every move contributes to achieving your goals. Also, every resource is valuable. During the first few excursions, it’s not as demanding yet. You only really need the bare minimum resources. However, I have a feeling that the latter stages and tasks will require you to maximize the full 30-minute timer.

What I found that was great was that the only thing derailing you in each adventure is the rain, especially when excavating AO Crystals. You can start the process of the excavation and stop halfway through to deal with Enders or other players, and still come back to finish the job. It does make those tasks a lot easier and more manageable. However, they need to be accomplished before your battery runs out.

Survival of humanity has demanding stakes

SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada, however way you slice it, is simple in the beginning but demands a lot the longer you play. In a survival-type of an RPG, managing your time, resources, and ammunition is crucial in getting through all your tasks. With the environment not being in your favor in some cases, it can feel like a race against time.

In the limited time I got to play it within the CNT, however, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring and battling enemies. Knowing that the tasks can be quite easy to accomplish, it doesn’t feel that big of an ask to deal with the obstacles right then and there. I know that’s only a taste of the full game, but there is a good reason to be excited!

Related Topics:Bandai Namco SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada

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.