Gaming

Elden Ring Nightreign is extremely difficult

But every run is more fun than the last

Published

May 28, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

FromSoftware is often infamous for creating incredibly difficult games. Despite the inherent difficulty, there is often an easier way to tackle the games’ seemingly insurmountable challenges. For example, in Dark Soul, Bloodborne and Elden Ring, players can grind easier areas to level up their characters and weapons. That same loophole doesn’t exist in the new Elden Ring Nightreign, which makes it one of the hardest games ever spawned from FromSoftware’s studios.

Elden Ring Nightreign is naturally inspired by the critically acclaimed game of the same name. It’s not a direct sequel to the events of Elden Ring, though. Gameplay wise, it’s something completely different, too.

It’s FromSoftware’s first attempt at a roguelike. Players begin every round at level one and a base kit of weapons. In teams of three or on their own, players must fight enemies and minibosses across a smaller map called Limveld. After a period of time, the map contracts and turns into an arena for a much bigger boss. If the team gets through this, the map refreshes, and the grind begins again. After two rounds, all players are transported to a final battle with an incredibly powerful Nightlord.

Is this FromSoftware’s hardest game?

Though expeditions will grant players a few Relics afterwards regardless of success, starting off at square one is a huge hurdle. It will take more than a few unsuccessful runs to get the hang of the game’s mechanics and enemies. Plus, since the two cycles are a huge slog, getting to the Nightlord just to practice is another challenge in itself.

The game relies a lot on luck: getting a favorable map, powerful drops, and even agreeable teammates. Chances are that your first few hours in this game are all about finding a good rhythm and figuring out which combinations of elements are most agreeable to your playstyle.

If you want to go at it solo, Elden Ring Nightreign is not a game well suited for singleplayer, except for the most skilled of players. A good number of bosses are built for team dynamics. For example, an early game boss involves two demihumans with the additional ability to summon more minions to the battlefield.

Mechanically speaking, Sekiro is still the hardest FromSoftware game because of how much it relies on pure player skill. However, because of the added roguelike elements and sheer luck, Nightreign might be the hardest one overall.

Appropriately paced for its difficulty

Extreme difficulty is often a factor that prevents players from falling in love with a game. Even now, my own runs can sometimes end in frustration. A saving grace, however, is how long a run usually lasts. A single day is around 15 minutes long. With two days (and three boss fights which can take a good length of time to finish), a completed expedition is around 45 minutes long.

Traversal is also much easier with a new climbing mechanic and new spirit springs. It doesn’t take long before figuring out a route and getting the action going.

The length is designed perfectly to capture my attention without sinking me into a pit of despair. Regardless of whether my run ends in 15 or 45 minutes, I always feel a pull to enter back into the fray. I don’t foresee that the game will regularly tempt me to play for hours on end, but I do see myself picking it up every day for a few runs. It’s the perfect game for both casual fans who don’t have a lot of time and for hardcore fans who can dedicate hours into playing the game well into the night.

Supports a variety of playstyles

In the original Elden Ring, starting classes are usually just templates for the very early game. The game allows players to level up any attributes they choose. Even a faith-based priest can turn into a strength-based warrior by the end of the game. Nightreign does not offer this flexibility. Classes are strictly limited to the skills and attributes they’re built with.

However, the lack of flexibility actually makes Nightreign much easier to understand than the original game. Everything feels more streamlined. You don’t need to think about which attributes work best with your character. Leveling up the Recluse, for example, will always prioritize intelligence, rather than strength.

Every playable class is perfectly attuned to what it’s good at. It has the jack-of-all-trades Wylder, the hardy tank Guardian, the archer Ironeye, the glass cannon Executor, the dexterity-based Duchess, the DPS tank Raider, the magic-wielding Recluse, and the summoner Revenant.

And it doesn’t shoehorn you into archetypes, either. Usually, I prefer strength-based characters, but the intelligence-based magic wielders are also fun and easy to play. Some, like the Revenant, do need more skill, but the game doesn’t bar you from trying them out for yourself.

Is Elden Ring Nightreign your GameMatch?

Elden Ring Nightreign is remarkably tough. Even as a fan of FromSoftware games, I constantly find myself on the edge of frustration.

However, Nightreign’s more streamlined approach actually makes for a fun ride. Instead of wallowing in anger, it has me looking forward to every succeeding run, either to try a new character or just to get another crack at beating the Nightlord. Though it’s not the usual FromSoftware formula, the studio hit another goldmine.

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

Published

August 6, 2026

Leez

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

Published

August 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

Published

August 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

Philippines: Manila Brigade
Indonesia: War Kanda
Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone: