Gaming

Civilization VII review: Reinventing the wheel to make it better

Play how you want

Published

February 3, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Civilization VII is the latest entry in a strategy game series that has existed for decades. As with every entry, the new game reinvents the wheel by introducing new systems and streamlining old ones from the past. If you’re a fan of the series or are curious about all the commotion surrounding this game (especially after the announcement of Jose Rizal as playable leader), Civilization VII is an absolute must-play, and this is why.

What’s new in Civilization VII?

The Civilization franchise is all about building a chosen civilization from the ancient times all the way to the modern period. It’s all about rewriting history to favor yours. However, unlike previous games, Civilization VII is not a straight shot to the finish.

Traditionally, the end of each era flows seamlessly into the next, creating a flowing tapestry across one game. Civilization VII breaks the game into three distinct eras: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modernity. These ages do not flow into one another, though they build each other up. The end of each age comes with its own report. You can take each era as its own game, ending only with victory conditions during the Modern Age.

At the start of a game, you pick a leader, which won’t change after every age. However, you also pick a Civ separately, which does change after an age. This allows for a lot of mixing and matching, depending on your playstyle.

Of course, you can always keep it historical. For example, you can pick three historical dynasties from China through a whole game. You can, however, go in different directions. One of my Jose Rizal runs, for instance, had the Filipino hero lead Native Americans for the first two ages before transitioning into the French Empire for the final one.

Are the Ages a good system?

A common reaction to the new Ages is comparing the system to Humankind, a strategy game that also got inspiration from the Civilization franchise. Personally, it’s hardly a comparison. The new system parses down an absurdly long game into bite-sized chunks I can take one at a time.

Each age also feels like its own game. They all focus on different things. Longtime fans of the franchise will likely find the most familiarity with the Antiquity Age. The goal is to build your Civ in all the traditional ways: founding starting settlements, researching the most tech, and building the biggest army.

Everything changes starting the Exploration Age, though. The game really wants you to engage as a colonial power.

For context, the game has four Legacy Paths: Cultural, Economic, Military, and Scientific. Fulfilling a Path in the first two ages grant significant boons for the next age. On the other hand, fulfilling a Path during the last age unlocks the respective victory condition. Conversely, failing to do anything significant for a Path at the end will result in a corresponding dark age and a boon that comes with a drawback.

Because each Path has a success condition, it follows that there are ways to win. Unfortunately, this can turn into a limiting factor for some playstyles. For example, two out of four Paths in the Exploration Age rely on colonizing distant lands. If you prefer playing an isolationist, you’re forced to succumb into a dark age for the Modern Age.

It pays to explore and fight

That said, it is a lot of fun to engage in the different systems of Civilization VII. Capturing settlements in distant lands is fun. Managing resources in colonies is fun. Evangelizing your religion to other continents is fun.

Though it feels limiting that turtling playstyles aren’t as incentivized as confrontational ones, it doesn’t feel like a chore to become a warlord or a colonial power. It also helps that the combat has been reworked.

While you can still throw as many units as you can towards a desired settlement, the key to achieving military greatness in Civilization VII is by using trainable army commanders. A replacement for Civilization VI’s Great Generals, the army commander is a unit that can grant bonuses to surrounding units. It is also the only type of unit that can earn experience. Therefore, a seasoned commander provides better bonuses.

Unit and commander placement become necessary strategic options. It’s not enough to completely surround a city. You need to have the right commanders surrounding the right units.

Additionally, war weariness is no longer an afterthought. A poorly supported war results in crippling unhappiness penalties which can (and will) turn your cities against you. Entering a war is now takes more involvement.

Traditionally, I prefer peaceful playstyles. But the complexity of warfare in Civilization VII makes it worthwhile to engage in wars if the time is right.

It also pays to stay and build

Now, city management also takes more involvement. In the past game, it was all about district placement. In Civilization VII, building placement is still important but you can maximize your yields more by managing how your citizens grow.

For me, this is a much better system, as it forces you to actually look at how your city is growing. Is it maximizing its land area? Should you sacrifice rural growth for urban specialists. Does your city look aesthetically pleasing? It does feel like growing more with your cities, rather than just placing districts for maximized outputs.

A race to the finish

On to the Modern Age. Contrary to the more confrontational Exploration Age, the Modern Age balances it all out with more peaceful ways to win. Except for the Military Legacy Path, all of the Paths don’t need wars to finish.

However, the pace does become frenetic. The game turns into an all-out race to finish a single victory condition. The other players will spam explorers to accumulate enough artifacts for a cultural victory. You’ll need to counter their efforts with your own explorers or rush to get a scientific victory by launching the first manned spaceflight. Alternatively, an economic victory needs a lot of city management, so you’ll need to focus on only that if you’re going for a win in that way.

Regardless, warfare becomes a foregone conclusion. Differing ideologies are the primary causes of war in the Modern Age. A warmongering AI with a different ideology from yours will easily paint you as a military target.

Excited for the future

On its own, Civilization VII is a well-made game. Each age lets different playstyles breathe and have their time in the sun. However, I do wonder if this is the end.

It feels odd that the victory conditions in the Modern Age are chronologically distant. In previous entries to the series, winning a science victory means launching the first mission to an exoplanet. Late game wars also ended with deadly nukes and even death robots.

Civilization VII, on the other hand, does not have nukes. A science victory also stops at sending a manned spaceflight.

All these oddities feel like a foreshadowing for more content and more ages. Currently, the studio has not announced plans for such, but it does make me excited for future updates.

Is Civilization VII your GameMatch?

As a long-time Civilization fan, it’s a no-brainer to suggest this game to other fans of the franchise. However, is it appealing to newcomers?

My answer is yes! Because of the new Legacy Paths, it’s never been easier to get into the franchise. It points players towards the right direction to make the most out of the game’s intricate systems.

Swipe left if you don’t particularly like strategy games. The genre requires a lot of commitment and learning, so those who are more used to plug-and-play mechanics, a Civilization game might not be for you.

Swipe right if you’re looking to sink your teeth into your very first strategy game. Learning labyrinthine systems is rewarding in its own right. Pair it with the feeling of ruling your own kingdom throughout history, and you have a match made in heaven.

Super swipe if you’re a fan of the Civilization franchise and 4X games. Civilization VII is the latest refining of a formula tried and tested for decades. There’s so much familiar with this new game, but there’s also a lot of new mechanics to understand and love.

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.

Gaming

Silksong is getting its first major expansion next year

The expansion is called Sea of Sorrow.

Published

December 16, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

I still can’t believe that Hollow Knight: Silksong came out this year. After years of just waiting for the mythical title, it’s surreal to have it in my library. Now, barely waiting to catch their breath, Team Cherry is already working hard towards the next content drop, starting with Silksong DLC.

Just like the original Hollow Knight, Silksong is getting free DLCs to expand its story. The upcoming Sea of Sorrow DLC will be the game’s “first big expansion.”

The expansion’s trailer barely shows anything about the new content, besides vague allusions to what’s coming. At the very least, Team Cherry has confirmed, both via the announcement and the accompanying poster, that Sea of Sorrow will be nautical-themed.

It will feature new locations, new tools, and new enemies. By itself, Silksong is already a huge game. Adding more content then is a massive undertaking. Plus, Team Cherry says that this is just the first expansion, hinting at more coming in the future.

Sea of Sorrow will launch in 2026.

Besides the new expansion, the studio is also working on a Nintendo Switch 2 update for the original Hollow Knight. It will add higher framerates, resolutions, and more graphical effects. PC players will also get some upgrades to support larger screens.

The Switch 2 update, which will be free for those who already own the original game, will also launch next year.