I have been low-key anticipating playing Astro Bot ever since it was first announced. At the time, I had this feeling that I’ve been exposed to too many dark and brooding pieces of media. I wanted something light and after spending some time with the game I can say for certain that I got exactly what I was hoping for.
Astro Bot is a full-fledged game that’s a follow-up to Astro’s Playroom. The latter is the free game that comes with every purchase of the PlayStation 5 (PS5). And while it was short, it was, and arguably still is, the best showcase of the many features introduced on the PS5 at launch.
Those features included the incredible haptic feedback of the DualSense controller. The level, kind, and intensity of vibration varies depending on the surface Astro is traversing. It also showcased the many possibilities of the adaptive triggers. Half presses would perform a different action than long presses. You get the gist.
Astro Bot is a lot more of the same PS5 showcase but with a more relatively cohesive plot line. And what is certainly a longer experience than its predecessor.
Saving your fellow robots
The game starts with Astro Bot and an entire crew of other robots aboard a ship shaped like a PS5 console. They suddenly encounter a huge green space creature and get attacked. This particular part reminded me of the end of Thor: Ragnarok where the Asgardians who escaped the explosion of Asgard were met in space by Thanos’ ship.
Anyway, so there starts your journey. With 100 bots scattered across different galaxies. It’s your mission to save them by visiting different planets within these galaxies and ultimately repairing your PS5 ship.
Modern classic platformer
Astro Bot starts off relatively easy. The first galaxy plays like a masterful tutorial that doesn’t spoon feed you but it does a good job of introducing you to the mechanics of the game. Each planet becomes progressively more difficult, incorporating all the gameplay things you learned every step of the way.
The vibes feel like a classic platformer. Though definitely not as difficult, I’m reminded of my much, much younger days playing Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon on the first PlayStation. The cartoony art style and lively bright music contribute to this feeling. It’s extremely nostalgic for me.
As much as it has that vibe, it also certainly plays like a current gen title. Perhaps even moreso than a lot of the PS5 exclusives that have come before it. Like Astro’s Playroom, it takes full advantage of the DualSense features.
DualSense Showcase

The haptic feedback vibrates differently when Astro is walking on sand, shallow waters, clay/mud, and much, much more. The gyroscope is also utilized very well in different sections of the game. And it’s not to an annoying extent. Lastly, the adaptive triggers come into play too.
All the different features mentioned above are properly spaced and implemented. In certain planets, Astro will come equipped with “special backpacks”. Each one introduced a different platforming mechanic that takes advantage of the aforementioned features.
Some of the early ones you’ll encounter are one that gives Astro the ability dash on ground and in mid-air. The other that I personally had a lot of fun with is one that lets you do a lot of climbing as well as grab and throw projectiles.
A lot of the planets also start to feel less linear as you go along. Each planet has a list of objectives. It’s done so in a way that you’ll know exactly if you potentially missed one and encourages more exploration on that particular planet.
Oddly therapeutic
I struggle to call this article a review (I still will for SEO purposes) because as of writing, I’ve only completed up to the second galaxy. But that’s both intentional and a force of circumstance.
At the risk of sounding apologetic, I didn’t immediately see the email when PlayStation representatives reached out for this review. And by the time I got the code, I was already in the thick of completing a few backlogs as well as preparing for our IFA 2024 coverage. It was pretty hectic.
But playing Astro Bot to end my incredibly hectic last couple of days proved to be exactly what I needed. The art style and general bright disposition of the game helped me relax and wind down. That’s not something I can say about all the game reviews I take on.
That’s why the night before I wrote this, I decided to take my time with the game. Because I know for sure I’m gonna need the sense of calm I get whenever I play it, especially in the always busy last quarter of the year.
Don’t get me wrong, there are sections of the game that can be challenging. I’ve found myself falling and failing more than a handful of times. But it’s just so damn fun that I don’t mind it at all.
Is Astro Bot your GameMatch?
Astro Bot is a charming platformer that showcases the best things about the PS5. It’s Astro’s Playroom but expanded and made even more fun and engaging.
The game is easily recommendable to anyone who owns a PS5. It’s light, bright, fun, and an absolute good time.
Gaming setups don’t have to look like dedicated gaming rooms. IKEA and Xbox are making that easier with their new YXSTABY collection.
The nine-piece collection combines IKEA’s furniture design expertise with Xbox’s understanding of gaming. It brings together functional furniture and playful accessories inspired by Xbox controllers.
IKEA launched the collection in the Philippines on November 4 at its Pasay showroom. The event featured interactive room setups that demonstrated how the furniture fits into everyday homes.
The launch also included a cosplay runway inspired by IKEA’s iconic blue and yellow FRAKTA bag. Guests explored immersive gaming stations and experienced the collection firsthand.
Gaming furniture designed for everyday homes
YXSTABY addresses the challenges of fitting gaming setups into shared living spaces. Its furniture supports different gaming positions while keeping accessories organized.
The gaming lounge chair accommodates both forward-leaning gameplay and relaxed reclining positions. A rolling side table keeps gaming accessories within reach.
The collection also includes flexible storage for cables and accessories. Its felt inserts protect stored items, while its foldable design doubles as a laptop stand.
Families can also move their gaming setups between rooms. A TV stand with castors makes it easier to relocate equipment without dedicating an entire room to gaming.
Xbox controller-inspired accessories
Xbox’s influence extends beyond the collection’s gaming furniture. Several accessories take inspiration from familiar controller elements.
The Gaming D-pad cushion recreates the controller’s distinctive directional button. A stainless steel platter also borrows its design from the D-pad.
Another standout is the tilting thumbstick stool, which takes inspiration from an Xbox controller’s analog stick. A mirrored display box gives collectors a dedicated space for controllers and other gaming memorabilia.
Bringing gaming into Filipino homes
IKEA Philippines Sales Leader May Castillo highlighted the collection’s relevance to local households.
She pointed to the Philippines’ strong gaming culture and the country’s high engagement with video games across different devices.
IKEA Philippines Selling Manager Sarah Cox said the collection draws inspiration from Xbox controllers and how gamers actually play. It also incorporates IKEA’s playful approach to furniture design.
The collaboration brings together two brands with different strengths. IKEA understands how people use their living spaces, while Xbox understands what players need from their gaming setups.
The result is furniture that makes gaming more convenient without making the rest of the home feel like a gaming room.
Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.
Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.
The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.
Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.
Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.
SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now
Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.
After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.
To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.
Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins
The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.
The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.
The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.
The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.
The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.
Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds
Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.
One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.
Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.
The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.
Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.
Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.
Jungle changes reward efficient farming
Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.
The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.
Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.
These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.
Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.
Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.
Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.
Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster
Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.
Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.
Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.
Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.
These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.
Ranked play and game modes get updates
Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.
The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.
Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.
Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.
Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift
With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.
K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.
Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.
K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.
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