Gaming

Days Gone is the open-world survival game that feels just right

A hands-on look into post-apocalyptic America

Published

March 6, 2019

Gab Orlina

There have been a ton of open-world games for the PlayStation 4. The appeal of exploring an entire game world, all while progressing through a storyline, has not gone away since the days of Grand Theft Auto. For 2019, Bend Studio has its own open-world game to offer, and has been in the works for almost four years.

Days Gone is an open-world game mixed with the elements of a zombie apocalypse due to a great pandemic. When you read that first sentence, you stop and think, “Doesn’t the PlayStation already have a game like this in The Last of Us?” This was my first thought when I got the chance to try Bend Studio’s four-year project. I came in with the expectation that this game, at the very least, should feel and be different.

This is America, after the pandemic

As soon as gameplay starts after the opening scene, my immediate question was, “Is this supposed to be post-apocalyptic America?” The scenery looked beautiful and breathtaking, for a portion of the country ravaged by flesh-eating creatures. Of course, that’s looking past all the decaying bodies, broken vehicles, and abandoned establishments.

There’s actually so much to explore, I’m glad they require you to use the main character’s motorcycle for the whole game. It actually serves as the only usable vehicle for the duration — at least based on my gameplay, and it’s fully customizable. Of course, vehicles are subject to natural wear and tear and loss of fuel, all of which can be fixed by pressing Circle on the engine or fuel tank. On another note, two years into the pandemic and they still have gasoline in gasoline stations?

You either fight or take flight

You play Deacon St. John, a bounty hunter who, at the start of the pandemic, left his wife Sarah in the hands of NERO. NERO is a scientific research lab dedicated to solve the Freaker pandemic. Two years later, Deacon becomes an outlaw with Boozer by his side, confronting a world ravaged by Freakers left and right.

The main premise of Days Gone is survival; you are placed in a world ravaged by creatures known as Freakers that come in many forms. As the main character, you will encounter these creatures (whether as former humans or animals) at any point of the day, along with human enemies from rival gangs/groups. For the most part, I had to scavenge abandoned houses and gas stations for spare parts and guns. That’s how scarce things were.

If there’s one aspect Bend Studio did nail down properly, it’s the horde of Freakers. Usually, when games introduce a horde of infected creatures, they do so in the 10s or 20s. In Days Gone, I experienced a full wave of fifty Freakers coming at me. And, given how scarce resources and ammunition were, it was basically fight or flight. I, unfortunately, chose to fight with just a knife (attack with R2) and fought through ten Freakers before losing all health.

Improving on your survival skills

As Deacon moves around and accomplishes certain tasks, he earns experience points from it. These points turn into skill points to be used on his Skill Tree (swiping down on the Touch Pad). Such skills include the ability to face Freaker hordes better, the ability to craft certain weapons and ammunition, and heightened Survival Vision (R3).

I really felt the need to upgrade some of his skills throughout the two hours of gameplay, such as better aim (L2) when targeting opponents. For the most part, aiming with scoped weapons was pretty hard to control even with the focus assist setting on — especially if you like going for headshots (which I was).

Did it meet expectations?

My challenge for Days Gone was to feel and be different; however, what I got was a game that only felt different. It’s pretty much the same kind of survival, open-world game as more popular titles like The Last of Us. But, you really feel the gravity of the situation you’re in, the realness of a world ravaged by a pandemic, and the need to survive in it.

Bend Studio did promise that Days Gone was going to be different, and I’d like to believe that. Will it be different enough to sell? For now, it’s a game worth trying. Days Gone will be available on the PlayStation 4 on April 26, 2019, at PhP 2,999 in the Philippines, SG$ 79.90 in Singapore, MYR 239 in Malaysia, and IDR 829,000 in Indonesia.

Gaming

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.

The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.

But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.

Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.

The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.

At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.

Gaming

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 launches on Switch 2

Demon Slayer arrives on Switch 2

Published

October 30, 2026

GadgetMatch

SEGA has released Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 for the Nintendo Switch 2. The new edition delivers enhanced graphics, smoother 60 FPS gameplay, and additional playable characters through the Infinity Castle Character Pass.

Developed as the latest entry in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba action game series, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 lets players follow Tanjiro Kamado’s journey in Story Mode. Players can also take their favorite characters into online and offline battles.

The game series has sold more than six million copies worldwide across physical and digital releases, including deluxe editions.

Switch 2 version runs at 60 FPS

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition takes advantage of the newer console’s hardware to improve visual quality and performance over the original Nintendo Switch version.

The game runs at 60 FPS, with enhanced graphics that bring character expressions and special attack animations into sharper detail. SEGA also promises more responsive controls for its fast-paced battles.

The Switch 2 Edition includes 54 playable characters, with seven fighters from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Character Pass. These are Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Giyu Tomioka, Shinobu Kocho, Doma, Akaza, and Kaigaku, all featuring their respective Infinity Castle-related versions where applicable.

Players can fight locally with up to two players or compete online. The game also supports battles between Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch players. However, cross-generation online matches run at 30 FPS.

Those who already own the Nintendo Switch version can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for free by downloading the Upgrade Pass from the Nintendo eShop. The free upgrade does not include the Infinity Castle Character Pass, which requires a separate purchase.

Ultimate Edition also available

Alongside the Switch 2 launch, SEGA has released The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Steam.

The new bundle offers another option for players looking to jump into the series or expand their existing collection.

About Demon Slayer

Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons. After his younger sister Nezuko becomes a demon herself, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps in search of a way to restore her humanity.

The manga ran for 23 volumes in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump and has sold more than 220 million copies worldwide. Its anime adaptation, produced by ufotable, premiered in April 2019 and has since expanded across multiple television arcs and theatrical releases.

The latest major installment, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, began its three-part theatrical finale in Japan on July 18, 2025.

With its expanded roster and improved performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition gives players another way to experience Tanjiro’s demon-slaying adventures.

Gaming

PlayStation unveils Prism Collection

Transparent PS5 accessories return

Published

October 29, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

PlayStation is bringing back the see-through aesthetic with the Prism Collection, a new lineup of transparent DualSense controllers and PlayStation 5 console covers.

Announced on October 28, the collection features three colorways: Flare Orange, Emerald Green, and Graphite Gray. Each combines translucent materials with a glossy finish, offering a glimpse of the hardware beneath the exterior.

The collection takes inspiration from the transparent electronics trend of the late 1990s, giving the PS5 and its accessories a retro-inspired look with a more contemporary design.

Three colors, one transparent design

The Prism Collection applies the transparent treatment to both the DualSense wireless controller and matching PS5 console covers.

The three color options are:

Flare Orange: A vibrant orange finish with subtle rosy tones where the transparent materials overlap.
Emerald Green: A deep green finish that gains visual depth through its translucent exterior.
Graphite Gray: A cool-toned gray design with a more understated appearance.

The DualSense controllers feature a high-gloss transparent finish across the back, revealing parts of their internal components. A metallic finish on the center cover adds contrast to the design.

The collection revisits an aesthetic popularized by consumer electronics in the late 1990s, when transparent plastic casings let users see the technology inside their devices.

According to PlayStation designer Leo Cardoso, the goal was to revive that look while keeping it consistent with the PS5’s design.

PlayStation Prism Collection price and availability

The Prism Collection will launch starting February 4, 2027, with preorders opening on November 10, 2026, at 10 AM local time in supported markets.

The DualSense controllers will be available globally, while the matching console covers will be sold directly through PlayStation in supported regions and in limited quantities through select retailers elsewhere.

Here’s how much the accessories will cost in select markets: