Gaming

Anno 117: Pax Romana helps you get into strategy games

However, the campaign lacks a conclusive ending.

Published

December 1, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

People often ask me why I like playing strategy games. The answer lies in the beauty of creating a well-oiled machine. Though the genre hardly fulfills the quick shots of adrenaline from playing competitive shooters or sports games, there’s still a palpable satisfaction in creating something that works. If you’re still on the fence, Anno 117: Pax Romana serves up an easily digestible experience even for those who are new to the genre.

What’s in a strategy game?

Have you ever built a Lego Technic set, tried knitting, or did a home improvement project on your own? A proper strategy game scratches the same itch: the desire to cobble together smaller into a beautiful product.

In Anno 117, you find yourself beginning a new life as a fledgling governor of a Roman province during a time of relative peace. The game begins, as they all do, with a blank slate. You land on your chosen island, build a few houses to start a small town, and send your villagers off chopping wood and gathering food. When you’ve gathered enough materials, you unlock a new tier of buildings and requirements. Grow big enough again, and you expand to more islands. Then, it’s all rinse and repeat.

The goal, of course, is to build a thriving Roman city that will make neighboring governors jealous. And jealous, they will be. When you butt heads enough, rival leaders can send sorties against you, necessitating you to build an army of your own.

In this way, Anno 117 is all about balancing resources and managing problems across your territories.

The interface is your friend

When you begin your first game, you might get overwhelmed with how little Anno 117 holds your hand. Besides a small introductory pop-up, you’re mostly left to fend for yourself. At first, I thought that this system was oppressive. I just wanted to play the game, not pore over menus.

But that was before I figured out the other element of the game’s magic. Besides managing resources, it’s all about discovering what’s next. The game cleverly hides your next goal by keeping it hidden from view, as opposed to just locking everything with gray locks. When you first start a game, you will have access to buildings corresponding to the first tier of citizens. To even see what the next tier of citizen is, you need to make the preceding tier happy enough with their respective set of needs and luxuries.

This is such an impressive system. While all the different problems keep me busy short-term, the desire to see what else I can unlock keeps me engaged for the long haul.

And it’s not just the different tiers of citizens and buildings, either. Anno 117 also has one of the most extensive tech trees I’ve seen in a game. Calling it a tree or a web is an understatement. There are dozens of technologies you can unlock, and it will take dozens of hours to complete.

Likewise, there’s a religion system that unlocks new benefits based on how many patrons your chosen god has.

In Anno 117, there’s always something new to unlock. Don’t let the starting interface fool you; the game is surprisingly robust and expansive.

Two regions push the boundaries of difficulty

As with other Anno games, Anno 117 features more than one region to develop. To begin with, players have a choice between Latium and Albion. Latium is the Roman-centric region of abundance where most of the neighboring governors are friendly. Albion, on the other hand, is harsher and filled with Celts who don’t always agree with the encroachment of Romans.

Each region has its own challenges, even if Latium is generally a relaxing experience. Personally, I prefer how laidback Latium is, but Albion’s challenges are still just as tantalizing.

The challenge, however, is balancing the two regions together. You can build both regions at the same time. Naturally, the goal is to create a self-running engine that you don’t need to supervise the entire time. The journey is excruciating, though. Often, while you’re in the zone building on Latium, an emergency in Albion ruins your concentration and demands your attention. It doesn’t help that there’s a lengthy loading screen when switching regions.

Thankfully, maintaining colonies in both regions isn’t a requirement. You can easily stay in Latium exclusively without disappointing your citizens.

Also, this won’t be the final lineup. Like the previous Anno 1800, Ubisoft already has a roadmap in place for more content and, presumably, more regions.

An incomplete campaign ruins the story

To be transparent, this is my first Anno game. My natural inclination is to start the campaign. It starts off with a fairly compelling premise. First, you can pick between two characters: Marcus and Marcia. While the broad strokes of their respective campaigns remain the same, there’s just enough difference to differentiate between the two.

For example, Marcus is tasked with proving his worth as a governor to his politician father. He helps build the city of Julianus and ingratiates himself with Emperor Lucius and his family. However, a tragedy forces him to the hostile lands of Albion.

On the other hand, as if in a different universe, Marcia’s campaign started off with herself betrothed to the actual governor of Julianus. However, before she can meet with her new husband, Emperor Lucius warns her that her husband is ill and whisks her away to govern on her own. Regardless, the same tragedy strikes and forces her to Albion.

These stories are compelling enough to see the story to its completion. Unfortunately, it’s a disappointing conclusion.

When Marcus and Marcia are shipped to Albion, a potential usurper, Calidus, ascends and claims himself as Emperor. Regardless of whether you follow or oppose Calidus’s instructions for Albion, the new Emperor will celebrate your success either way. He then leaves you in charge of Latium once again before leaving for parts unknown.

And unknown, they will remain. After settling on Albion, the campaign transitions into a sandbox mode with no limits. There is no conclusion to the story; there is no grand confrontation. It’s a sore disappointment if you’ve invested quite a lot of time in the campaign. Hopefully, future DLC patches this up.

Is Anno 117 your GameMatch?

Lackluster campaign endings aside, Anno 117 is one of the most approachable strategy games today. It doesn’t hold your hand, so you can learn the ropes and get acclimated on your own. There’s a wealth of content to discover, so you can easily spend hours just figuring out what comes next.

In a gaming climate where the Roman empire is often associated with warfare, Anno 117 is a peaceful exploration of Roman culture that leaves a more lasting memory for fans of the genre. What’s more, this is just the beginning; the upcoming roadmap looks exciting enough to keep fans playing for a long time.

With all that said, it gets a Super Swipe from me.

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.