Gaming

Days Gone is the open-world survival game that feels just right

A hands-on look into post-apocalyptic America

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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.

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FINAL FANTASY X | X-2 HD Remaster launches on Nintendo Switch 2

Classic RPGs returng

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July 24, 2026

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Final Fantasy X | Nintendo Switch 2

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia and Square Enix have announced that FINAL FANTASY X | X-2 HD Remaster is now available on Nintendo Switch 2. Physical copies are also on sale across Southeast Asia.

The collection brings together FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY X-2, two of the most celebrated entries in the long-running RPG franchise. Both games feature enhanced HD visuals while preserving their original stories and gameplay.

Two classic adventures in one package

In FINAL FANTASY X, players follow Tidus, a star blitzball athlete whose journey becomes intertwined with the summoner Yuna as they travel across the world of Spira to confront a devastating threat.

Its direct sequel, FINAL FANTASY X-2, takes place two years later. Players take control of Yuna alongside Rikku and Paine as they uncover ancient mysteries and face new enemies.

The release also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original launch of the game in Japan, giving longtime fans and newcomers another opportunity to experience the pair of RPG classics at home or on the go.

Bandai Namco notes that physical edition availability may vary by country across Southeast Asia.

Watch the launch trailer below:

About the FINAL FANTASY series

The FINAL FANTASY franchise has entertained players for more than 35 years. Known for its cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, imaginative worlds, and technical innovation, the series has sold more than 212 million copies worldwide.

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NBA 2K27 cover athletes unveiled: Wemby, Clark, DRose

Pre-orders now open for the 3 editions

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July 23, 2026

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The NBA 2K27 cover athletes have been revealed as pre-orders have become available.

San Antonio Spurs all-star Victor Wembanyama has been unveiled as the cover athlete for the NBA 2K27 Standard Edition.

Meanwhile, WNBA star Caitlin Clark is gracing the Deluxe Edition cover.

Rounding out the trio is 2011 NBA MVP and Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose for the Ultra Edition.

The game will launch worldwide on September 4 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam. Early access is available by August 28.

First-look images of the game showcases some of NBA’s younger stars, like Cooper Flagg and Cade Cunningham.

Also shown for the first time is Jaylen Brown in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey, ahead of his debut with his new team after being traded from the Boston Celtics for Paul George.

Pre-orders are now open, and availing of any edition early entitles customers to a 10,000 VC bonus.

The Standard Edition is priced at US$ 69.99.

Pre-ordering the Deluxe Edition (US$ 99.99) enables players to unlock these perks:

  • 100,000 VC
  • Up to 7 days early access
  • MyTeam content: Full ’27: Series Team 1 Selection, Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack, 5x ’27: Series 1 Packs, 2-Hour 2XP Coin
  • MyCareer content: 25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts, 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts, 2-ahour 2XP Coin, Victor Wembanyama Jersey, Caitlin Clark Jersey

Meanwhile, in addition to the perks under the Deluxe Edition, those who pre-order the Ultra Edition (US$ 149.99) shall also get:

  • 135,000 VC (instead of 100,000)
  • Season 1 Pro Pass + Summer Pass
  • NBA 2K27 Ultra Edition MyTEAM Player Cards (via The Exchange): Guaranteed 98 OVR by Dec 2026, guaranteed Invincible by May 2027
  • Roses Oversize Hoodie
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Call of Duty, Aston Martin unveil Dreadnought for Modern Warfare 4

A mobile fortress available to locate in key areas

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July 20, 2026

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Call of Duty and Aston Martin revealed the Aston Martin Dreadnought, a bespoke, in-game SUV concept specially created for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

Developed by Aston Martin’s design team in collaboration with the game’s developers and publishers, the Dreadnought pairs supercar-level performance and a full-blooded V12 engine with a military-grade armored exterior.

This configuration makes it the most aggressive all-wheel drive vehicle in the title.

Built as a mobile fortress rather than a joyride, it is designed to push objectives, save teammates under fire, and drive straight through contested ground while its armor plating absorbs heavy incoming damage.

Ground in the physics of the Modern Warfare universe, the unapologetic, uncompromising tactical SUV delivers a stunning exploration of extreme visual language. At the same time, it brings an engaging and dynamic player experience.

Its striking form has been imaged for elite tactical performance, with optimized aerodynamics and fully integrated digital command interfaces.

The exquisite design details emphasize the Dreadnought’s high luxury heritage. There’s the herringbone weave of the exterior carbon fiber, as well as the Oxford Tan leather dashboard, door panel details, and metallic gold gear lever.

Players will be able to locate the Dreadnought in key points of interest within both DMZ and Call of Duty: Warzone modes.

Fans got to see a full-size physical interpretation of the Dreadnought at Fanatics Fest NYC, ahead of its in-game debut on 23 October.

In other news, Call of Duty movie director and co-writer Peter Berg revealed that the film will be set in the Modern Warfare universe.

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