Gaming

Civilization VII preview: Immersion takes center stage

Improving on a classic formula

Published

January 16, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

When I was seven years old, I got my very first video game: Civilization III. Because I was so young, I didn’t understand how to play most effectively. Still, my lack of game sense didn’t stop me from immersing myself in an alternate history where I could pit Greek hoplites against Aztec jaguar warriors. Immersion was key.

It wasn’t until Civilization VI that I fully understood the inner workings of a Civ game. The world turned into a set of manipulable numbers to secure victory. Immersion melted away. I was, however, still hooked. Even if I couldn’t imagine myself as the leader of a nation anymore, Civilization VI remains my most played game according to Steam.

Now, Civilization VII is reinventing the wheel once again. In recreating the iconic game’s systems, Firaxis has crafted something that expertly maneuvers between immersing the player in alternate history and allowing them to master the game’s mechanics.

Three games in one

In the trailers and previews leading up to today, Civilization VII looked less like itself and more like a copy of other 4X games (which were, in turn, copying from Sid Meier’s series). Instead of the seamless transitions between eras that were characteristic of the series in the past, the new title pares everything down into three Ages. Plus, at the end of each Age, Civs can reinvent themselves into one more apt to the incoming Age. Humankind, anyone?

However, after playing the game for a day, I can safely say that calling Civilization VII a Humankind copy is terribly unfair. Each Age stands up for itself but still lets one build up from another. It’s a feat that Humankind was never able to do.

Plus, in making each Age stand out, it rekindles the epic transitions that were in Civilization III. Back then, the end of each era came with a transition screen that transformed old cities into new. Civilization VI did away with this entirely. The seventh game, on the other hand, has its own setup screen, making it an extremely big deal that the times are changing.

All their own Ages

I’ve only played through the Age of Antiquity and the Age of Exploration. However, just from those two, I can see how different each Age is.

In the Age of Antiquity, the game is about expanding throughout your entire starting continent. It’s a game that seasoned Civilization players will find familiarity with.

However, things change drastically in the Age of Exploration. In most of my games in the previous title, I almost never dabble in colonialism and exploration. I was perfectly content with turtling in my home continent. In most cases, I still won my game. In this game, however, the system forces you to engage in exploration. It is, after all, how you “win” that Age.

As such, the Age of Exploration feels like an entirely different game. However, it’s still based on the previous Age. Though it seems like a fresh start, it doesn’t make me feel that everything I did in the Age of Antiquity was for naught.

Making them feel different

Beside the systems themselves, one of the biggest reasons why each Age has its own identity is a better focus on visual and audio design. In Civilization VI, changes between the different eras were there but not pronounced. You might not have even noticed them.

In Civilization VII, it’s more apparent. Your Civ’s buildings change in a much more blatant way to follow the time period. Additionally, buildings can change depending on the tile they’re settled on. For example, tundra-settled cities are more obviously covered in snow.

Another huge win is a much more identifiable soundtrack. Never mind the epic pieces composed by Christopher Tin, the franchise’s soundtrack since the fourth game has always felt like an afterthought. Sometimes I still listen to the third game’s soundtrack on loop. I don’t do that with the fourth through the sixth’s soundtracks. I think this changes with the seventh game. The new game’s soundtrack sounds more alive, more willing to immerse you in your chosen Civ’s culture.

Randomness in immersion

Another way that immersion slowly left the series is through an air of predictability. Everything could have been boiled down to numbers and charts. The sixth game was all about optimizing yields to outclass the opponent. Don’t get me wrong; having a more gameplay-focused system worked well for the series. But if you’re looking for a mix between an RPG and a strategy game, you’re better off somewhere else.

Civilization VII changes this by adding narrative events peppered throughout the experience. There’s a new and refreshing air of randomness. Though the rewards for participating in an event are quantifiable, the flavor text makes it worthwhile. You’re actually writing your Civ’s story while helping them get a leg up on their goals.

And these events are also steeped in the leader you chose. It’s not just a single set of random occurrences. An event can sometimes reflect your leader’s characteristics.

Bringing back the charm of the series

Civilization III remains one of my favorite games because of the nostalgia it brings from the countless hours I played it as a kid. Over time, the game matured, albeit still keeping its addictive nature. Today, Civilization VII feels like returning to an old toy where I can get lost for hours and hours roleplaying as an iconic figure or civilization from history.

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

Published

November 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.

After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.

To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.

Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins

The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.

The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.

The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.

The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.

The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.

Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds

Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.

One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.

Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.

The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.

Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.

Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.

Jungle changes reward efficient farming

Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.

The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.

Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.

These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.

Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.

Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.

Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.

Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster

Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.

Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.

Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.

Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.

These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.

Ranked play and game modes get updates

Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.

The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.

Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.

Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.

Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift

With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.

K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.

Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.

Gaming

Petit Planet launches December 4

HoYoverse’s cozy life sim arrives soon

Published

November 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

HoYoverse will launch Petit Planet, its first cozy galactic life simulation game, on December 4, 2026. The game will be available on PC, iOS, and Android, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for 2027.

The announcement was made during the Petit Planet Pre-Launch Special Program on November 1. HoYoverse also revealed more details about the game’s characters, gameplay features, and launch events.

Build a planet and meet new Neighbors

In Petit Planet, players take on the role of Planet Tenders who travel across the Starsea with Oumuamua, a Starsea Spirit said to listen to people’s wishes.

Each player starts with their own planet, where they plant a Luca Seed that grows into a Luca Arbor. This tree gradually shapes the planet’s landscape, seasons, and ecosystem.

Players will also meet various Neighbors, including Planet Coordinator Mobai and Starsea Racer Elsasani. Getting to know these characters allows players to develop friendships and discover their individual stories.

Beyond their home planets, players can explore scattered Islets across the Starsea. They can also visit the Galactic Bazaar to play games, participate in auctions, and share their creations with others.

Launch events offer free rewards

HoYoverse has prepared several events to celebrate the game’s launch.

Players can enter a pre-registration lucky draw through the official website for a chance to win prizes. Regular gameplay will also offer more than 1,000 clothing and furniture items for free.

The Besties, Made to Match! event rewards players who invite two friends to pre-register. Each participant will receive an exclusive clothing item.

Starting November 1, the Launch a Planet event will let players design their own planets through the official event website. Participants will also have a chance to win surprise grand prizes.

The first Petit Planet Seasonal Creation Event will begin alongside the game’s launch. Selected fan creations can win cash prizes, in-game rewards, and official merchandise.

Players can also visit the game’s official X account after the special program to receive a Moving Guide and join a giveaway featuring a suitcase, gift cards, and an exclusive luggage tag.

Pre-register for Petit Planet

Petit Planet is now available for pre-registration on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Epic Games Store. Players can search for the game on these platforms to pre-register and receive a notification when it launches.

The game arrives globally on December 4, 2026, for PC, iOS, and Android. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.