Gaming

Civilization VII preview: Immersion takes center stage

Improving on a classic formula

Published

January 16, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

When I was seven years old, I got my very first video game: Civilization III. Because I was so young, I didn’t understand how to play most effectively. Still, my lack of game sense didn’t stop me from immersing myself in an alternate history where I could pit Greek hoplites against Aztec jaguar warriors. Immersion was key.

It wasn’t until Civilization VI that I fully understood the inner workings of a Civ game. The world turned into a set of manipulable numbers to secure victory. Immersion melted away. I was, however, still hooked. Even if I couldn’t imagine myself as the leader of a nation anymore, Civilization VI remains my most played game according to Steam.

Now, Civilization VII is reinventing the wheel once again. In recreating the iconic game’s systems, Firaxis has crafted something that expertly maneuvers between immersing the player in alternate history and allowing them to master the game’s mechanics.

Three games in one

In the trailers and previews leading up to today, Civilization VII looked less like itself and more like a copy of other 4X games (which were, in turn, copying from Sid Meier’s series). Instead of the seamless transitions between eras that were characteristic of the series in the past, the new title pares everything down into three Ages. Plus, at the end of each Age, Civs can reinvent themselves into one more apt to the incoming Age. Humankind, anyone?

However, after playing the game for a day, I can safely say that calling Civilization VII a Humankind copy is terribly unfair. Each Age stands up for itself but still lets one build up from another. It’s a feat that Humankind was never able to do.

Plus, in making each Age stand out, it rekindles the epic transitions that were in Civilization III. Back then, the end of each era came with a transition screen that transformed old cities into new. Civilization VI did away with this entirely. The seventh game, on the other hand, has its own setup screen, making it an extremely big deal that the times are changing.

All their own Ages

I’ve only played through the Age of Antiquity and the Age of Exploration. However, just from those two, I can see how different each Age is.

In the Age of Antiquity, the game is about expanding throughout your entire starting continent. It’s a game that seasoned Civilization players will find familiarity with.

However, things change drastically in the Age of Exploration. In most of my games in the previous title, I almost never dabble in colonialism and exploration. I was perfectly content with turtling in my home continent. In most cases, I still won my game. In this game, however, the system forces you to engage in exploration. It is, after all, how you “win” that Age.

As such, the Age of Exploration feels like an entirely different game. However, it’s still based on the previous Age. Though it seems like a fresh start, it doesn’t make me feel that everything I did in the Age of Antiquity was for naught.

Making them feel different

Beside the systems themselves, one of the biggest reasons why each Age has its own identity is a better focus on visual and audio design. In Civilization VI, changes between the different eras were there but not pronounced. You might not have even noticed them.

In Civilization VII, it’s more apparent. Your Civ’s buildings change in a much more blatant way to follow the time period. Additionally, buildings can change depending on the tile they’re settled on. For example, tundra-settled cities are more obviously covered in snow.

Another huge win is a much more identifiable soundtrack. Never mind the epic pieces composed by Christopher Tin, the franchise’s soundtrack since the fourth game has always felt like an afterthought. Sometimes I still listen to the third game’s soundtrack on loop. I don’t do that with the fourth through the sixth’s soundtracks. I think this changes with the seventh game. The new game’s soundtrack sounds more alive, more willing to immerse you in your chosen Civ’s culture.

Randomness in immersion

Another way that immersion slowly left the series is through an air of predictability. Everything could have been boiled down to numbers and charts. The sixth game was all about optimizing yields to outclass the opponent. Don’t get me wrong; having a more gameplay-focused system worked well for the series. But if you’re looking for a mix between an RPG and a strategy game, you’re better off somewhere else.

Civilization VII changes this by adding narrative events peppered throughout the experience. There’s a new and refreshing air of randomness. Though the rewards for participating in an event are quantifiable, the flavor text makes it worthwhile. You’re actually writing your Civ’s story while helping them get a leg up on their goals.

And these events are also steeped in the leader you chose. It’s not just a single set of random occurrences. An event can sometimes reflect your leader’s characteristics.

Bringing back the charm of the series

Civilization III remains one of my favorite games because of the nostalgia it brings from the countless hours I played it as a kid. Over time, the game matured, albeit still keeping its addictive nature. Today, Civilization VII feels like returning to an old toy where I can get lost for hours and hours roleplaying as an iconic figure or civilization from history.

Gaming

007 First Light reveals title sequence, Lana Del Rey leads theme song

New Bond game sets the tone ahead of its May 2026 launch

Published

April 20, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

IO Interactive and Amazon MGM Studios have unveiled the official title sequence for 007 First Light, giving players their first look—and listen—at the game’s cinematic direction ahead of launch.

The reveal took place during the BAFTA Game Awards in London, where the studios confirmed that Lana Del Rey performs the game’s title track. She co-wrote and composed the song with David Arnold, marking Arnold’s return to the Bond franchise.

007 First Light launches on May 27, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version arriving later in Summer 2026.

A modern take on a classic Bond tradition

The title sequence follows the long-standing James Bond tradition of stylized opening credits that establish tone and identity. Here, IO Interactive leans into a mix of modern visuals and classic Bond motifs, reflecting the game’s reimagined origin story.

This version of Bond is younger, less experienced, and at times reckless, as he begins his journey into espionage. The sequence ties those themes together through cinematic imagery, anchored by Del Rey’s signature vocals and Arnold’s orchestral influence.

It also marks a notable moment for the franchise, signaling Bond’s return to gaming after more than a decade.

A deeper dive into the game’s music

Alongside the reveal, IO Interactive released a new episode of its “Beyond the Light” series, focusing on the game’s soundtrack.

The episode features insights from Dominic Vega, Missions and Audio Director on 007 First Light, as well as The Flight, the duo behind the game’s score. They discuss the creative process behind shaping the sound of this new Bond era and the challenges of working within such an iconic franchise.

Pre-orders now live with early access perks

Pre-orders for 007 First Light are now open across supported platforms. Players who pre-order will receive a free deluxe upgrade, which includes 24-hour early access for digital editions.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders, however, are limited to physical editions only.

More details are available on the game’s official website and IO Interactive’s press channels.

Gaming

PRAGMATA launches with dual-character sci-fi action

Capcom’s long-awaited lunar adventure blends hacking and combat

Published

April 17, 2026

GadgetMatch

CAPCOM has officially released PRAGMATA, a new sci-fi action-adventure title now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Set on the moon in the near future, PRAGMATA follows an unlikely duo navigating a lunar station overrun by hostile robots. Players take control of spacefarer Hugh and android Diana. Each one is equipped with distinct abilities that must be used in tandem to progress.

The single-player experience leans on a mix of action and strategy. Combat pairs with hacking mechanics. It requires players to switch between characters and coordinate their skills. These are necessary to overcome enemies and environmental challenges.

A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled to arrive in Southeast Asia on April 24, 2026, with pre-orders now open.

Southeast Asia availability

PRAGMATA is rolling out across platforms with the following release schedule:

PlayStation 5 — April 17, 2026 (Physical & Digital)
Xbox Series X|S — April 17, 2026 (Digital)
Steam (PC) — April 17, 2026 (Digital)
Nintendo Switch 2 — April 24, 2026 (Physical & Digital)

Physical edition and early bonuses

Physical Standard Editions are available for PlayStation 5 starting April 17, followed by Nintendo Switch 2 on April 24.

Players who purchase from participating retailers in Southeast Asia may receive limited bonuses, including a Chibi Diana memo pad and an A4 clear folder with exclusive artwork. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Digital editions and extras

Digital Standard and Deluxe Editions are available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives on April 24.

The Standard Edition includes the base game, while the Deluxe Edition adds the Shelter Variety Pack. This bundle includes additional outfits for Diana and Hugh, extra background music tracks, gestures, a weapon skin, and a collection of in-game artwork.

Soundtrack rollout

Six tracks from the PRAGMATA original soundtrack, including the main theme “Memories Are You,” are now available on major streaming platforms ahead of the full release.

PRAGMATA is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version launching next week in Southeast Asia.

Gaming

Bloodborne is getting an R-rated animated film adaptation

And it’s going to be produced by Sony and Jacksepticeye.

Published

April 14, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

FromSoftware fans are eating well these days. Though gamers are still anticipating the arrival of The Duskbloods on the Switch 2, the studio’s other franchises are getting well-deserved nods for adaptations: Sekiro, Elden Ring, and now, Bloodborne.

Sekiro has already been slated for an anime adaptation for a while now. Meanwhile, Alex Garland recently confirmed that he is adapting Elden Ring for A24. Today, Sony Pictures has confirmed that the studio is working on an R-rated animated film based on Bloodborne.

Via Variety, Sony Pictures president Sanford Panitch says that the upcoming adaptation will keep the game’s essence of horror and gore. With a name like “Bloodborne,” you can’t have an adaptation without a heaping of blood.

Besides Sony, the animated project has another big name attached to its production: YouTuber Jacksepticeye. Throughout his career, the creator has been vocal about considering Bloodborne as his favorite game of all time. He even has a tattoo of the Hunter’s Mark on his forearm. For this project, Jack will be a co-producer.

Though the creator’s skill in filmmaking is still a relative unknown, Jack’s love for the game should give the project a gamer’s voice. If anything, Markiplier’s recent Iron Lung adaptation offers optimism that YouTubers can also create decent films.