Gaming

I played Mario Kart World and it was a full-throttle race to the finish

It’s the most intense Mario Kart yet!

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Mario Kart World is everything you love about Mario Kart, but crazier. From new characters to fresh game modes, it takes what we know and pushes it further. And let me tell you, I had no idea what I was in for.

First things first, character selection. The roster is massive, featuring all the familiar faces plus some unexpected new ones — including, believe it or not, a literal cow from Moo Moo Meadows.

Yes, I actually raced as the cow on my first go. The new vehicles look super glossy, and picking one is much simpler now. No more choosing a glider.

If you are in the air, you automatically get wings. If you hit water, your kart just turns into a boat. No fuss, no overthinking.

Knockout Tour

The real difference is the number of players. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe had 12 racers. In Mario Kart World, there are 24.

Imagine the amount of bumping into each other, the amount of objects flying around, the constant shifting of your position. It is crazy.

One second, I was in fourth place, feeling good about myself. The next thing I knew, I had dropped to 16 or 17. If you are not careful, you can go from leading the pack to fighting for your life in an instant.

After some test runs in handheld and docked mode (shoutout to my friend, Enebong, for the friendly competition), it was time for the real deal.

We were all ushered into a big room with 24 players standing side by side, ready to test out the new mode called the Knockout Tour.

This is how it works. There are six races back-to-back. No breaks. At each checkpoint, there is a cut.

First, you have to finish in the top 16. Then the top 8. Then the top 4. Once you get to the final four, it is a battle for first place.

I would love to say I dominated, but that would not be true. Every round, I just barely made the cut.

I was never at the top, always just scraping by. When I made it to the final four, I was in fourth place. But somehow, when it mattered the most, I got to first and held my lead till the end. I still do not know how that happened, but I am not complaining.

Beyond the racing, there is something completely unexpected. Mario Kart World introduces an open-world concept. Think Forza Horizon, but with Mario.

Instead of being stuck on a track, you can roam around, interact with NPCs, and explore. I did not get enough time to figure everything out, but there are tasks, coins to collect, and maybe even some hidden surprises. I am curious to see what you can actually do with those coins.

Bonus adventure

Just when I thought I was done, I also got to play Donkey Kong Bananza. It is best described as Super Mario Odyssey, but with Donkey Kong as the lead.

He is fully dressed this time, and the whole game is centered around mining for gemstones. You smash things, hurl obstacles, and collect ores, all leading to the ultimate prize — a banana-shaped diamond.

I played through both levels of the demo, and I already know I want more. It has that platformer style I enjoy, but with more brute force. There is something so satisfying about just smashing your way through a game.

Shaking things up

Mario Kart World is going to be a very exciting game to play, whether you are just messing around with friends or taking on the Knockout Tour.

The 24-player madness, the way you can lose your lead in a blink, and the open-world exploration all make this something I can see myself coming back to again and again.

And if Donkey Kong Bananza is any indication, Nintendo is cooking up some really good stuff this year.

Now if you will excuse me, I need to schedule my next Mario Kart night. See you on the track.

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Gaming

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance’s SEGA Villains Stage out on April 3

Face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises

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March 21, 2026

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The SEGA Villains Stage DLC for SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will release on April 3 for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, XBox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.

The DLC lets players face off against legendary SEGA bosses from different franchises: Like a Dragon and Yakuza, Golden Axe, and Sonic.

An animated trailer has been unveiled as part of the announcement. It features those franchises’ characters, Goro Majima, Death Adder, and Dr. Eggman.

There will be a total of five crossover stages, three bosses, and two Boss Rush modes featuring the bosses for the DLC.

In addition, there will be three more Ninpo, three new outfits, and six new music tracks. The SEGA Villains Stage DLC is a free update for all players.

Aside from the crossover, players can also try out a new Hardcore Mode which features changes in enemy placement and stronger boss attacks.

Additional combat settings also lets players adjust recovery frames, the flash effect, and camera shake. Various quality-of-life improvements are also planned for the 2D action-platformer.

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Gaming

The hunt begins: The Witcher in Concert hits Manila with surprises in tow

The Continent comes alive

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March 19, 2026

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If you’ve ever heard a haunting chant echo through a battlefield or felt the weight of a choice that isn’t as simple as good or evil, then you already know—the Path has a way of calling you back.

And if you haven’t stepped into that world just yet, consider this your invitation.

With less than two weeks to go, The Witcher in Concert is set to take over Manila for a one-night-only performance. It’s happening on March 28, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire—bringing with it not just the music of a beloved RPG, but a full-on return to the Continent.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the concert transforms one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks into a live experience. Expect performances from selected musicians of the Filharmonika Orchestra alongside Percival Schuttenbach—the Polish folk-metal band whose distinct sound helped define the game’s identity. Paired with in-game visuals, it’s a show designed to feel both nostalgic and entirely new.

As the night draws closer, here are three things fans can look forward to:

Relics from the Continent: official merchandise

For those who want to take a piece of the experience home, exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities.

This includes the following:

  • Event Tee (PhP2,200)
  • Geralt Long Sleeve (PhP3,400)
  • Event Hoodie (PhP4,200)
  • Beanie (PhP1,800)
  • Tote bag (PhP1,800)
  • Key chain (PhP1,400)
  • Enamel pin set (PhP1,400)
  • Event magnet (PhP800)
  • Geralt gaming mouse pad (PhP2,000)

It’s the kind of loot drop fans won’t want to miss.

The path to Solaire: getting there made easier

Getting to the venue is part of the journey—and this time, it’s a little easier. Attendees can use the Grab code FCPH2026 to get 20% off rides (up to PhP75). With the condition of a minimum fare of PhP250. The promo is valid for two rides per user and applies to trips to and from Solaire Entertainment City.

A rare encounter: meet Percival Schuttenbach

For a handful of lucky fans, the experience goes beyond the stage. Ten winners will get the chance to meet Percival Schuttenbach and receive an autographed CD.

To join, ticket holders need to share any official The Witcher in Concert post on their Instagram Story. They need to write what they’re most excited to hear live and tag @filmconcerts.ph. They need to submit their entry before March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Winners will be announced on March 25.

Answer the call

As the Continent arrives in Manila, fans are encouraged to lean all the way in—whether that means coming in cosplay as a monster hunter, mage, bard, or something far more dangerous.

Tickets are available via TicketWorld and participating outlets nationwide.

The Path is open. The question is—will you answer the call?

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Gaming

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains launching on June 11

Introducing a team-based, cinematic twist to the classic board game

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March 19, 2026

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Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains will launch on June 11, Ubisoft has announced. It will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, GeForce Now, and PC through Steam, Epic Games, and the Ubisoft Store.

The Behavior Interactive title introduces a team-based combat twist to the traditional real estate board game. It includes competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and through couch co-op.

This transforms the classic Monopoly gameplay into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations matter.

Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant. Dynamic GO events also introduce game-altering twists.

The full reveal will be on April 29.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board, packed with iconic locations from across the saga.

The gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements. These make up for a refreshed experience from start to finish.

Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains. There’s plenty of options, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul.

Each character brings unique abilities to shape the team’s strategy and affect the match’s complexion with every roll of the dice.

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