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

Nintendo officially announces Ocarina of Time remake

Coming in 2026.

Published

June 10, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

There are a few titles that an overwheling majority of gamers consider as an absolute must-play for other gamers. One of those titles is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Originally launched for the Nintendo 64, it’s not easy to play the iconic game today. But, later this year, the game is about to get much more accessible. Nintendo has officially announced a remake of Ocarina of Time.

Modern gamers might not realize the effect of the original Ocarina of Time on the RPG genre. Besides adding a third dimension to the then-fledgling Legend of Zelda series, the 1998 game also revolutionized the gaming world by popularizing targeting systems. That, and the refining of the formula in Majora’s Mask, makes Ocarina an essential in gaming history.

During today’s Nintendo Direct, the company capped off the hour-long presentations by announcing a remake of the game. Though the short, short trailer didn’t reveal any gameplay, it did confirm that the remake will retain the original’s more whimsical art style, as opposed to the realism put forth by the Breath of the Wild duology.

It’s not the first re-release for the game, though. In the past, Nintendo released remastered versions of the game for the GameCube and the 3DS. This is, however, the first official remake of the title for a much more modern system.

We didn’t know when the remake will officially launch, but it’s coming out within this year.

Gaming

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE launches October 2

New aircraft revealed

Published

June 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

Bandai Namco has confirmed that ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will launch on October 2, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

The publisher also announced that early access will be available ahead of launch, although specific dates have yet to be revealed.

Alongside the release date announcement, Bandai Namco shared new details on the game’s aircraft roster, gameplay systems, and key characters that players will encounter throughout its campaign.

The latest entry in the long-running flight combat franchise puts players in the role of an ace pilot fighting for the survival of their homeland. The story centers on themes of identity and duty while featuring large-scale aerial battles across a war-torn world.

More than 30 aircraft at launch

ACE COMBAT 8 will feature over 30 aircraft spanning real-world military jets and original fictional designs created specifically for the game.

Aircraft are divided into four categories: fighters, attack aircraft, multi-role aircraft, and electronic warfare aircraft.

Some of the aircraft confirmed so far include the F-14D Super Tomcat fighter jet, the heavily armed A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, the versatile Mirage 2000-5, and the electronic warfare-focused EA-6B Prowler.

All aircraft come equipped with guided missiles and machine guns as standard weapons. Players can also equip special weapons ranging from multi-target missiles and heavy bombs to advanced laser systems.

A new gameplay feature allows players to bring two types of special weapons into missions, offering more flexibility during combat. However, ammunition remains limited, requiring careful resource management throughout each operation.

Bandai Namco also highlighted a new destruction system where falling wreckage from destroyed enemies can occasionally collide with other targets, triggering chain reactions on the battlefield.

Meet Joker Flight

Players take control of Joker Flight captain Jan Cope, known by the legendary callsign “Wings of Theve.” The campaign follows Joker Flight as its members deepen their bonds amid an escalating conflict.

Key squadron members include Ellington Baxter, Tasha Severskaya, and William “Noise” Coster. Players will also encounter Queen Flight leader Kate Evans, carrier XO Jessica Pike, doctor Adelina Santos, and chief mechanic David Jenkins.

Character designs come from Yusuke Kozaki.

During missions, players can choose squadron compositions and issue commands to wingmen. They can also respond to radio communications using a simple yes-or-no system.

ACE COMBAT Online returns

Bandai Namco also shared new details about ACE COMBAT Online, the game’s multiplayer mode. Players create a mercenary pilot avatar before joining online lobbies. There, they can take part in both cooperative and competitive battles with players worldwide.

More information about ACE COMBAT Online will be revealed at a later date.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE launches on October 2, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Bandai Namco has also confirmed early access ahead of release.

Gaming

Persona 4 Revival arrives Feb 2027, Persona 6 gets first teaser

Two Persona games revealed

Published

June 8, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Persona fans have plenty to look forward to. ATLUS has confirmed that Persona 4 Revival will launch on February 18, 2027, while also officially unveiling Persona 6, the next mainline entry in the long-running RPG series.

Both announcements were made during the Xbox Games Showcase. Persona 4 Revival is headed to Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Pre-orders are now available through the Microsoft Store.

Persona 4 Revival is a full remake of Persona 4 Golden. ATLUS says the game features upgraded visuals, a revamped user interface, improved combat systems, enhanced cutscenes, and additional content. The remake aims to serve both returning fans and newcomers experiencing the mystery-filled adventure for the first time.

The story once again takes players to the rural town of Inaba, where a string of murders and disappearances become linked to the mysterious Midnight Channel and a hidden world inside television screens. Players will reunite with familiar characters including the protagonist, Yosuke Hanamura, Chie Satonaka, Yukiko Amagi, and Marie.

ATLUS also revealed several launch DLC packs. This includes Persona-themed costumes, Persona fusion sets based on Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal, support items, and additional background music packs.

Limited physical editions will also be available. The Persona 4 Revival Limited Box includes a Shigenori Soejima-designed collector’s box, artbook, T-shirt, phone pouch, costume set, and a physical copy of the game. An Izanagi Edition adds a protagonist and Izanagi figure.

Persona 6 officially revealed

Alongside the remake announcement, ATLUS unveiled Persona 6 with a teaser trailer.

While the company stopped short of announcing a release date, it confirmed that the next mainline Persona title will launch on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation 5, and Steam.

According to ATLUS, Persona 6 will feature an all-new story set in a previously unseen location. The publisher promises new characters, fresh encounters, and the signature blend of social simulation and RPG gameplay that helped define the franchise.

Few additional details were shared, suggesting the game remains early in its marketing cycle.

Persona series reaches 30 million sales

The announcements come as ATLUS celebrates a major milestone for the franchise.

SEGA and ATLUS revealed that the Persona series has now surpassed 30 million units sold worldwide. To mark the occasion, character designer Shigenori Soejima released a commemorative illustration celebrating the series’ 30th anniversary.

With Persona 4 Revival arriving in early 2027 and Persona 6 now officially on the horizon, ATLUS is setting up what could be one of the biggest periods in the franchise’s history.