Gaming

Detroit: Become Human review: Create-your-own-adventures are back

This is your story

Published

May 30, 2018

Luigi Leonardo

Throughout video game history, the element of choice has never factored prominently towards a game’s progress. Even with an abundance of gameplay elements, video games always corral you to its own desired ending.

With Detroit: Become Human, developer Quantic Dream completely leaves that option to you. Besides a unique cinematic experience, Detroit brings a complete create-your-own-adventure set inside a near-future sci-fi world.

Welcome to Detroit

Like its predecessors Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls, Detroit: Become Human mixes its plot seamlessly with its gameplay. Because both are so intertwined, it becomes impossible to talk about one without the other.

Detroit brings us to its eponymous city in 2038. Despite being set two decades into the future, the Motor City doesn’t differ greatly from how it is now. Cars, houses, and clothing styles strangely look the same. However, for all its similarities, the Detroit (and everywhere else) of the future differs in one crucial aspect: artificially intelligent androids exist.

As predicted, humanity has invented compliant and intelligent robots that can do our bidding as servants, companions, and even occasional lovers. Unfortunately, things aren’t as smooth as they seem. Everywhere, androids have started to rebel against their masters. Humanity would call them “deviants.”

In Detroit, you control three androids portrayed through their own respective points of view. Connor is a prototype police android tasked with investigating why androids are turning deviant. Kara is a housewife managing an abusive father’s house and his daughter. Markus is a companion robot caring for an aging artist.

Three-in-one

With three characters, Quantic Dream created three distinct perspectives to separate each story from the other. Besides three collaborative ones, each chapter takes on a different tone and theme.

From gameplay elements to the soundtrack, each perspective is its own story. Even if you isolate them as separate stories, they can still exist individually as an adequately drawn game.

For the most part, every character is isolated in its own world. Detroit successfully created different moods for each story. Connor’s story and gameplay takes on a CSI vibe. Kara’s story has a more familial vibe. Finally, Markus’ story has a more revolutionary tone.

Sigh-filled sci-fi

A well-written science fiction story is always an excellent medium to depict a cautionary tale of the future a la Black Mirror. Like that show, Detroit starts off with an optimistic, well-rounded vision of the almost-near future. In that vision, androids have elevated humanity into new technological levels.

Unfortunately, this breath of fresh air eventually degrades to an on-the-nose civil rights story. From the onset, Detroit already hints that android rights lack the same modicum of respect that human rights do.

While civil rights stories shine in the spotlight today, Detroit hammers it down a little too much. Case in point, the story’s android rights movement uses too much historic taglines like “we have a dream” and “we think therefore we are.” Despite its create-your-own nature, Detroit really wants you to care about its androids.

For what it’s worth, its background worldbuilding excels. Through in-game magazines and TV screens, the game explores other facets of 2038’s world — politics, sports, interpersonal relationships, and transportation.

Do choices really matter?

Thankfully, yes. As with Quantic Dream’s other games, Detroit features a vast river of branching paths. Every decision — whether major or trivial — affects future chapters. Even missing a single slip of paper in one scene blocks you from significant decisions in future scenes.

Despite the allure of unlocking every option possible, the game naturally blocks you from achieving — or at least, unlocking — every option. Some scenes even lock users into time limits, both explicitly shown and hidden.

Further, developers have also highlighted the game’s permadeath options. A persistent worry, however, is if Detroit will have copouts when it deals with death. Thankfully, death is a real option in the game. In my first playthrough, a key character didn’t make it to the end credits. While there are some copout moments, permadeaths for both side and main characters remain a possibility throughout.

Fortunately, Detroit shows you which branches and options you’ve unlocked during your playthrough. The developers adamantly encourage gamers to finish a playthrough first before backtracking into new branches. However, the temptation to replay a chapter is always there.

Press X to pay respects

Unlike most games, Detroit does not have a standard verb set. Besides the traditional movement stick and some interfaces, there are no dedicated run, use, and shoot buttons. Random prompts often appear to perform certain actions.

Usually, this isn’t a problem. In a laidback investigation portion, prompts are easy enough to decipher. However, as is the norm with Quantic Dream, the game also includes nerve-wracking quick-time events (QTEs) to get through action and chase scenes. While this is the best use of the janky controls, it’s not the best way to tell a story. The harried pressure to press the right button in time often takes away from the game’s cinematic element.

Realistic dolls in an empty dollhouse

The video game industry has come a long way from the polygonal character designs of yesteryear. Detroit pushes that boundary even further with its motion-captured performances. From cinematic cutscenes to trivial fidgets, Quantic Dream created extraordinarily realistic characters. The three main characters even share an uncanny likeness with the actual actors who play them.

Unfortunately, Detroit’s background visuals are less desirable. With interactable elements scattered throughout a scene, the game often plays out like an old-school point-and-click adventure game. However, they lack the random charm of those lovable games. Besides the actual objectives, Detroit’s backgrounds feel blank and empty. Even if they’re filled with details and background actors, neither Connor, Kara, nor Markus can interact with them other than just walking past. For a game that puts the premium on character design, Detroit falls short on delivering a thriving physical world.

Regardless, with its choice-driven narrative and superb character design, Detroit: Become Human marks a turning point for video games. It opens the industry as a medium for cinematic but interactive storytelling.

Despite its flaws, Detroit: Become Human is still a loving homage to the choose-your-own-adventures and point-and-click games of before.

Related Topics:Detroit: Become Human Quantic Dream

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.