Gaming

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a step in the right direction for the series

Despite some strange gameplay loops

Published

March 19, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Despite how similar each game in the series plays, the Assassin’s Creed franchise always tries to do something different with every iteration. For example, the past three mainline games focused on the RPG elements of the franchise. Meanwhile, the more recent Mirage successfully reemphasized the game’s stealth roots. Now, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the first mainline game since Valhalla, finds itself with a complex balancing act between an RPG and a stealth game.

Two assassins in one

Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes place in 16^th-century Japan during the military campaigns of daimyo Oda Nobunaga. Naoe, a vital member of a resistance movement, fights against the incursions of the daimyo. On the other hand, Yasuke, a respected samurai under the Nobunaga regime, tries to find his place in a foreign society. Both suddenly find themselves on a collision course with one another after a political conspiracy threatens to upheave the country. It’s one of the most anime stories I’ve seen in a game.

For the first time since Syndicate, Shadows will feature two playable protagonists: Naoe, the female shinobi, and Yasuke, the male samurai. However, unlike the older game, there are significant reasons to choose one over the other.

Naoe, a much nimbler shinobi, favors stealthier approaches to an objective and avoids fights. She represents the classic Assassin’s Creed experience, albeit with a weaker constitution, so direct fights can get deadly. Meanwhile, Yasuke, a stronger samurai, prefers fights and mostly fails at masking his movements. In fact, he doesn’t have access to Eagle Vision and can destroy haystacks when falling into them from too high up.

Over time, you’ll likely prefer one character over the other. Personally, I prefer balancing the two: Naoe for when I want a more surgical assassination, and Yasuke for when I want to fight everyone. I appreciate how the choice between the two isn’t just cosmetic.

However, do take note that the game is absurdly long. It took me 15 hours of Naoe time before I could finally play as Yasuke freely.

Webs of intrigue

In past games, the Assassin’s Creed franchise faced a problem with side quests. The series tended to bloat its gameplay with endless fetch quests and lackluster side stories. Shadows tries to fix this problem by turning most of the side quests into small webs of assassination targets.

Throughout the game, characters will share the ills of their respective communities. Often, these problems stem from a group of evildoers scattered around the map. It’s your job to find and assassinate these targets, while uncovering their motivations and who their leader is.

For me, this system works so much better than a downpour of fetch quests and stories which I’ll forget immediately after completing them. For one, the quests have more involvement. You have to find the targets yourself using a few clues. Though you can always use Eagle Vision or Scouts to narrow your search down, allowing players to find the targets themselves harkens back to how the original game wanted you to uncover who the target is by yourself.

It feels meaningful to complete a full web. In some cases, it’s even personal for the characters. For example, one web consists of traitorous samurai who went against Yasuke’s daimyo, Lord Nobunaga.

In the center of these smaller webs is a larger board called the Shinbakufu, the main group behind the events of Shadows. For a main story, the bigger web feels like a well-balanced approach between allowing players to accomplish targets in chunks at their own leisure and compelling them to go through the plot.

A gameplay loop that can test your patience

As with all open-world games, part of Shadows’ gameplay loop involves exploring the entire map to check off points of interest. In the quest to address criticisms of the past, the game no longer turns the map into a checklist of chores to do. Rather, the game now wants you to explore everything organically.

As intended, I don’t feel obsessed to collect every single point of interest anymore. However, I still think that there is a lot of room for improvement. The map still has some vestiges of the past lying around: Viewpoints and enemy-heavy bases called castles.

Let’s talk about Viewpoints first. Introduced in the very first game, Viewpoints are climbable points which can reveal more of the map once climbed. The feature has been an important part of the series since its inception. These points are back in Shadows, but they just don’t have the same gravitas as they did.

They don’t reveal the map as much anymore, for one. Instead, they just give users a bird’s eye view of objectives around the area. Players can still use them as fast travel points, but this feature is mostly obsolete because of assassin hideouts. These are unlockable fast travel points — 800 mon to unlock — that allow players easy access within urban centers. Because these hideouts already spawn you in the ground, it’s a lot better than Viewpoints which spawn you way high up and often cause you to land in inconveniently placed haystacks.

Castles are tedious

The other returning mechanic is the enemy base. Like other games, enemies will pool around concentrated areas ripe for infiltration. These castles can be “conquered” by eliminating a number of samurai daisho, or heavily armed minibosses lurking inside the premises. Eliminating all of them unlocks a huge chest with a legendary item inside.

I’m not a fan of this system. The daisho aren’t marked, so you have to find them yourselves but without any clues. Like other targets, you can use Eagle Vision to find them. However, if the castle is too big for Eagle Vision to cover the entire area, you still have to run around aimlessly, and this can take a long time.

Additionally, most of the daisho aren’t killable in a single assassination, especially in lower levels. Even if you play in the stealthiest way, you’re forced to engage in combat. Plus, they’re usually surrounded by minions, so you’ll end up outnumbered in a fight.

Completing a castle also does not make it non-hostile. To make matters worse, main and optional objectives can show up inside castles even if you’ve completed them previously. Since the area remains hostile, it’s as if you have to approach them from scratch again. It disincentivizes early exploration.

Should you play Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Though I’m not a fan of the gameplay loop, Assassin’s Creed Shadows still manages to shine with an interesting story and fairly gripping side quests. It’s also the most graphically beautiful games I’ve played in the entire series.

There is room for improvement, but Ubisoft has discovered a true path to rekindle the spark and excitement from way back in the Ezio Auditore era. If you’re a fan of the franchise, Shadows is a worthy play, especially if you have the time to explore its vast map.

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.