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

Kirby and the World Beyond is Kirby’s first open-world game

Kirby and the World Beyond launches in the spring of 2027.

Published

September 9, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Apple isn’t the only company doing a “One More Thing” today. In today’s Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled its next major project, Kirby and the World Beyond. To celebrate Kirby’s 35^th anniversary next year, the lovable pink blob is getting an open-world game.

In the latest effort to make all of its franchises into open-world games, Nintendo is plopping Kirby into a much larger map. Now, if you’ve seen the trailer, you might have had a pesky thought: “Wow, for an open world game, this one seems… sparse.” After all, Kirby looks like he’s trapped in one small map with King Dedede as the sole boss.

Well, that’s because he is trapped. After an attack sends Kirby cannonballing into the clouds, his squishy exterior busts a literal hole in the sky itself.

Yes, Kirby is in The Truman Show. (Not really, but you get the idea.)

A mystical being appears and gives Kirby a magical sword, which he uses to completely dismantle the fake sky and discover the world beyond. The trailer conveniently cuts off as Kirby begins to explore this whole new world, but we’re beyond excited.

After the hero entered the 3D space in Forgotten Land, Kirby and the World Beyond takes the next step and gives the protagonist a much more massive playground to eat and fight. If Breath of the Wild, Mario Odyssey, and Donkey Kong Bananza are any indication, this should be a worthy addition to your Switch collection.

Kirby and the World Beyond drops on the Switch 2 sometime in the spring of 2027.

Gaming

Metroid finally returns to its 2D roots in new Metroid Ravenous

The new 2D side-scroller comes out next year.

Published

September 9, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Metroid, the iconic franchise that lent its name to the Metroidvania genre, is finally coming back to its 2D roots. In the latest Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the series’ latest 2D outing, Metroid Ravenous.

Sapped from her energy, Samus finds herself trapped underground by a group of mysterious kasa-touting beings. She must struggle against treacherous enemies and puzzles in a quest to emerge once again on the surface and face her foes.

But she won’t be powerless. She will have energy-sapping abilities of her own. The trailer even has her pick several creatures and seemingly drain them of their energy. Since this is a classic Metroidvania, this might be how Samus gets abilities to get her across the map.

It’s a unique take on the formula that will surely provide its fair share of epic moments, if the trailer can be believed.

Beyond that, the trailer reveals little more. Thankfully, the wait won’t be long. Metroid Ravenous will be available on the Switch 2 starting January 28.

In the meantime, Metroid Dread is still available on the original Switch and the Switch 2. The Switch 2 version even maximizes the console’s mouse mode.

Gaming

Here’s a list of big games coming to the Switch 2

Prepare for Monster Hunter Wilds, Resident Evil, and Final Fantasy.

Published

September 9, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Though yesterday’s Nintendo Direct presented the most interesting announcement in the current duology of Directs, there are a lot more to be excited about from today’s event. Though you might not see much of the usual array of hotly anticipated games, you’ll see several unexpected titles coming to the Switch 2.

Here’s a quick list:

Monster Hunter Wilds

Teased earlier this year, Monster Hunter Wilds finally has a release date: December 4. The upcoming port will feature local play, all title updates, and compatibility for the upcoming paid expansion, Ascendance, coming next year.

Final Fantasy VII Revelation

Announced via PlayStation recently, Final Fantasy VII Revelation is also coming to the Switch 2 on April 8. The final entry in the remake trilogy will conclude the refreshed story started from Rebirth years past. In addition, the prequel, Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is already available on the platform today.

Meccha Chameleon

This year’s most popular “friend slop” game is now available. The multiplayer game pits two teams against each other: one team hides by painting themselves into the background, while the other team hunts for them.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Royal Edition

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the story of Henry of Skalitz as he seeks vengeance for a vicious attack on his hometown and the death of his parents. Tagged as one of the most realistic RPG series, it’s coming to the Switch 2 via a Royal Edition which comes with all the game’s DLCs.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

The popular puzzle-solving professor is coming back to Nintendo systems in a new game, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. Touting more puzzles than ever, the professor will solve what it’s calling the most compelling mystery to date. It’s coming to Switch 2 on December 10.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Combining two franchises in one, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is coming to the Switch 2 on September 18.

Resident Evil 2 Deluxe + Resident Evil 3 + Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition

The Switch 2 is getting a trio of the classic Resident Evil games. All three titles will get their definitive editions, combining the base games with their DLCs. The trio is coming out on October 16.