Gaming

Days Gone Review: Finding the truth through survival

To know the truth, you must survive against all odds!

Published

April 25, 2019

Gab Orlina

Bend Studio wanted to bring something new to the table for its latest release. They needed a familiar concept, a dramatic story line, a pinch of survival instincts, and a complete rethinking of the term “zombie.” The result, simply, became Days Gone.

I came into the early preview event for the game two months ago with the expectation of something different. Initially, what I got was something that just felt different in concept — but I wanted to believe that it could be different. Now that I finally got to play the game in full, here’s my complete analysis of Days Gone.

Redefining the plot for zombie games

My initial reaction to Days Gone went something like, “It’s just another game with zombies and guns in it.” Most zombie games often end up focusing on survival and combat, without really putting too much attention on the narratives behind the characters. Days Gone, in my opinion, went for the bold approach.

The entire game takes place two years into a global pandemic that shook Oregon to the core. Deacon St. John, an outlaw turned Drifter, must deal with his ever-changing world filled with zombies called Freakers while attending to the people he holds near and dear — all while he’s trying to find out the root cause of the pandemic, and ultimately what happened to his wife, Sarah.

If anything, I feel this is what differentiates Days Gone from most titles leaning towards survival in a zombie-laden world. It gives off a whole new dimension to the approach on developing quality games with an equally good story to supplement the experience. The plot drives a lot of the activities that take place within the game, and provides ample time for you to accomplish them.

Survival through scarcity and stealth

At the heart of Days Gone is survival, which is heavily understated by the number of things you have to deal with. It’s you against the massive horde of Freakers that are out to devour you. If that’s not enough, you also have to deal with all sorts of Freakers — yes, even animals can become zombies!

If you’re still unfazed, you have to deal with the rest of humanity that’s fighting for survival, as well. From enemy Marauders to cultist Rippers, the enemies just didn’t stop coming for me from all sides. And, to make matters extremely difficult, you have to face all of them with relatively limited supplies and a maximum of four weapons.

Obviously if you can’t fight them, you could just run or get on your motorcycle and flee. The motorcycle does stay with you all throughout, especially for traveling across the vast environment of northwestern Oregon! You can recover your motorcycle if you get into trouble, which I found helpful when it got stuck in the river.

But, if you want to be smart, the stealth mechanic works wonders! If you’re someone who just loves to go on the offensive all the time, you’re at an obvious disadvantage in this game. I felt that this game heavily maximized this feature all the way. This was more evident with the NERO missions to discover what really happened to Sarah.

Never running out of things to do

This game, for the life of me, just keeps you busy every time. Along the way, you’ll discover survival camps, each with their own set of main and side missions to accomplish. Accomplishing them gives you credits that unlock upgrades for your motorcycle or weapons. Evidently, a lot of the missions contribute to the main story line, as well.

I loved that there were so many missions to complete, and you’re not kept idle. Missions keep coming in left and right, allowing you to get things going right off the bat. When one mission ends, one to three more open up for you to do, and you can take your sweet time navigating which one you would want to do first.

Some side missions do get in the way of your progression of a main story mission, though. They’re optional in that they hardly contribute to the main plot, but they show up on the map as if they’re that important for you to check out. Also, there are certain missions that you can only do at certain times of the day, and the game just immediately forwards the time into that. I feel that time moves relatively fast in this game, but I could give it a pass.

I didn’t like the lack of free roam in this game. With so many things happening all at once, it feels like you’re not really given the option to freely roam the entire map. Of course, blocked paths are a given — especially if it’s a part that you will only touch on at a later time. Still, you have to deal with Freakers left and right, Marauders/Rippers with snipers and traps in hand, scarce resources, and the rigorous day-night cycle when trying to explore northwest Oregon.

An overall verdict

Days Gone presents a similar concept with a bold twist. At best, it showcases the very same zombie-game mechanic and survival mentality players must possess. At its core, it hinges on survival instincts and resourcefulness, especially in an environment ravaged by overwhelming threats.

However, what really drives Days Gone home is its bold approach to the plot and character development of Deacon. I felt that if anything was going to differentiate this game from all the others, it boiled down to its plot. Most of your actions and missions all throughout make sense in the grander scheme of the game’s storyline. Couple that with almost realistic gameplay, and I honestly believe that the game has delivered on its promise.

Days Gone will be available exclusively on the PlayStation 4 on April 26.

Related Topics:Bend Studio Days Gone PS4

Gaming

Dune: Awakening gets new PS5 gameplay, movie DLC

PS5 gameplay and cross-play confirmed

Published

August 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

Dune: Awakening is getting ready for its September 22 launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox. At Gamescom, Funcom showed seven minutes of new PS5 gameplay and announced new DLC inspired by the Dune films.

The studio also confirmed that PC and console cross-play is coming after launch. It has not announced a release date for the feature yet.

PS5 gameplay revealed

Funcom premiered seven minutes of Dune: Awakening gameplay captured on a PlayStation 5 Pro.

The footage gives players a look at how the open-world survival game runs on Sony’s consoles. Gamescom attendees can also get hands-on with the PS5 version at the show.

On the base PS5, Performance Mode targets 60fps with dynamic resolution. The PS5 Pro also runs Performance Mode at 60fps.

Quality Mode runs at 30fps on both consoles. Both PS5 models use upscaled 4K resolution in Performance and Quality Mode.

The PS5 and Xbox versions will launch on September 22. The console release will also bring several major additions to the game.

These include a full single-player mode, the conclusion to its story, more customization options, and adjustable difficulty levels.

Funcom says console players will also get a year’s worth of PC additions and enhancements on day one.

Watch the trailer.

Dune movie-inspired DLC arrives

Funcom also announced Filmic Archive, a new DLC featuring outfits and building pieces inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films.

The DLC launches September 22 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. It will cost ₱615.92 ($9.99).

Among its additions are the Aegis of the Unwalked Path armor. It is inspired by Paul Atreides’ visions of Fremen holy warriors in Dune: Part One.

The DLC also includes the Caladan Stormcoat worn by Paul and Duke Leto in the film.

Other movie-inspired outfits are included as well. Players can also build with a 73-piece set styled after the Sardaukar.

Funcom will reveal more of Filmic Archive during the Xbox Broadcast on August 28.

Cross-play is coming after launch

PC and console cross-play was one of the community’s most requested features after Funcom announced the console versions.

The studio has now confirmed that the feature is in development.

However, Funcom has not committed to a release date. It will share more details once they are available.

Dune: Awakening originally launched on PC in June 2025. The PS5 and Xbox versions arrive on September 22, bringing the game’s latest additions and improvements to consoles.

The game will also launch on Xbox Game Pass on the same day.

Players who purchase the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition can start playing five days early. Early access begins September 17.

Funcom will also release a physical PS5 edition through its distribution partners. Pre-orders are already available at select retailers.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe will distribute the physical edition across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Solutions 2 GO will handle North and South America.

In Japan, Spike Chunsoft will publish the game digitally and at retail. Its Japanese release is scheduled for October 29.

Gaming

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is out now

Super Action Soccer returns

Published

August 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is out now on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S. The game is also available on PC via Steam.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia brings back the popular series with its signature Super Action Soccer gameplay. Players can take control of more than 110 characters and compete across 22 national teams.

Tsubasa Ozora once again represents Japan as they take on national teams from around the world. The goal is to overcome their rivals and win the highly contested World Youth Championship.

The game is available in Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions on consoles and PC.

Super Action Soccer returns

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS brings back the series’ over-the-top soccer action with enhanced visuals and new supercharged moves.

Players can pass, dribble, tackle, and unleash powerful strikes. Each character also brings signature techniques inspired by their abilities from the anime and manga.

The sequel adds a new system that pits goalkeepers directly against shooters. Players can attack and counter signature shots and blocks in dramatic sequences.

The game also features more than 150 new cutscenes that highlight some of these special skills and moves.

Composer Tadayoshi Makino also returns for the sequel. He created more than 80 new tracks for the game.

A bigger World Youth Championship

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS features more content than any previous game in the series.

Its Story Mode features a new original story written by series creator Yoichi Takahashi. The story draws from the World Youth Championships arc of the original manga.

Beyond the main story, players can compete in a variety of game modes. These include battles against rivals both online and offline.

With its mix of traditional soccer tactics and exaggerated special moves, the game aims to deliver the unpredictable “neo-soccer” action that defines Captain Tsubasa.

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is out now on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Gaming

Samsung Display’s QD-OLED panels help demos at gamescom 2026

Hundreds of gaming monitors feature company’s QD-OLED panels

Published

August 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Samsung Display is showcasing the gaming performance advantages of QD-OLED at gamescom 2026 through hundreds of monitors helping with playable demos.

Samsung Display partnered with CAPCOM, KRAFTON, and CD PROJEKT RED, with their highly anticipated titles being showcased at gamescom 2026 (August 26 to 30, Cologne, Germany) on several gaming monitors featuring Samsung Display’s QD-OLED panels.

This demonstrates the outstanding picture quality of QD-OLED to gamers from around the world.

In addition, the company has announced that it will begin the mass production of 24.5-inch QD-OLED panels optimized for eSports and FPS games by the end of the year.

At CAPCOM’s booth, visitors can get a hands-on experience with the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword and Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen.

Other playable titles include PRAGMATA, Street Fighter 6, and Mega Man: Dual Override.

Samsung Display is supplying a total of 90 QD-OLED gaming monitors, including the EVNIA 32MN8900, GIGABYTE MO32U24 and MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED X24, for the hands-on gameplay.

Meanwhile, KRAFTON will showcase three of its five upcoming titles on 85 Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitors.

Visitors will have the opportunity to preview the multi-team tactical arena game Project ZETA, two-player coop AG Twisters, and the action RPG TARAE: The Unbound.

Lastly, at the CD PROJEKT RED booth, a trailer for Songs of the Past, the third expansion pack for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be shown on eight QD-OLED TVs.

Visitors can also watch gameplay demonstrations on monitors equipped with similar displays. This gives Samsung Display the chance to highlight the QD-OLED Penta Tandem technology.