Gaming
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred review: Returning to hell is fun
The new Spiritborn makes it worth playing
I’ve played Diablo III for hundreds of hours, and I can safely say that Monk was my favorite class in that bunch. There’s just an indescribable satisfaction when the Monk’s ultra-fast DPS causes bodies to ragdoll out of the screen. When Diablo IV launched, no one really matched up to the Monk. Now, the new Vessel of Hatred expansion is spicing things up with the new Spiritborn class.
Enter the Spiritborn
The new expansion includes a new region and a new campaign. However, the biggest spotlight is rightfully on the new class. Tagged as a blend between the Monk and the Witch Doctor, the Spiritborn touts a speedy DPS build with the ability to call on different spirit animals for additional burst damage.
From the outset, the Spiritborn is absurdly fun to play. The class balances damage output with durability. It manages to replicate the intense close-combat adrenaline of the Monk. Plus, the four Spirit Guardians available — Gorilla, Jaguar, Eagle, and Centipede — allows players a wide variety of playstyles to choose from and mix-and-match with.
For example, the Centipede, which happens to be my personal favorite, builds on poison and fear abilities for maximum crowd control. Meanwhile, the Gorilla, Jaguar, and Eagle focus on defense, attack speed, and ranged attacks, respectively. Each Guardian also has its own ultimate, which spawns the Guardian itself and shreds enemies.
I’m having a lot of fun playing the new class. If you grew tired of the original game’s roster, the Spiritborn easily rekindles the freshness with a consistent feeling of power and the flexibility of experimentation.
Making the game more rewarding
Besides the new class, the Vessel of Hatred expansion also brings a ton of new features and overhauled systems. They’re all welcome changes, too.
As much as I love the franchise, the initial launch of Diablo IV quickly devolved into a grinding nightmare that lacked the feeling of making players more powerful with every battle won. The new patch that comes with Vessel of Hatred overhauls this system and makes levelling much easier, while also raising the level cap to 60 and the paragon level cap to 300.
When I got the expansion, I started a new character. To my surprise, my new Spiritborn reached maximum level in practically no time. More than that, I feel like legendary items drop more frequently with this update. The overhauled system streamlines most of the grinding to favor what really matters most: becoming powerful and showing off new loot against more difficult hordes.
The update also introduces more difficulties. While I haven’t dabbled in the more nightmarish ones, the more streamlined progression lets me access more difficulties and, hence, stronger rewards.
Mercenaries to keep you company
The new mercenary system is also gratifying. While the initial launch introduced an open world where you can meet and fight with other players, Diablo IV was still a largely solo experience. Unless you have friends playing with you, no one is really helping you with the game’s dungeons.
Taken from previous games, the new mercenary system ensures that you’re never fighting the hordes of hell alone. Currently, the game has four available mercenaries to choose from. Each have their own abilities, specialties, and personalities.
For me, the new mercenaries are literal lifesavers. They do help in conquering the more difficult dungeons. At the very least, they provide some much-needed companionship for long gameplay sessions.
A Nahantu vacation
It’s impossible to talk about Vessel of Hatred without talking about the new story and the region. As I mentioned in my previous review, the different regions of Diablo IV are varied enough to offer different flavors, despite being open world.
Nahantu is no different. The new region takes players to a jungle locale, offering up new enemies and dungeons to get through. It’s a refreshing change from the frosty wastelands of Fractured Peaks and the deserts of Kehjistan.
As for the expansion’s story, Vessel of Hatred puts the focus back on one of the more underrated Prime Evils, Mephisto. After prevailing against Lilith, the Prime Evil is on a quest to return and terrorize the world again.
To be clear, the expansion does not conclude Mephisto’s story just yet. Blizzard still has more updates planned for the Prime Evil. Regardless, the story’s pivot to a new antagonist is much welcomed.
Should you play Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred?
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is more than just a story expansion. It’s also a spirited effort to rebalance the game, making it a lot more fun for new and returning players. If you loved the Diablo franchise, especially the fourth one, Vessel of Hatred is a must-play.
SEE ALSO: Diablo IV review: Hell isn’t so bad
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is set to launch on October 6, 2026, bringing a new high-speed twist to the Star Wars universe. The game is published by Secret Mode and developed by Fuse Games. It arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC with support for up to 12 players.
Pre-orders are now open across Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions. Pricing starts at $59.99 for the Standard Edition, with both digital and physical versions available depending on platform.
A different kind of Star Wars story
Set in the lawless Outer Rim, the game introduces the Galactic League—an unsanctioned racing circuit where skill matters more than destiny. You play as a mysterious pilot named Shade, navigating a single-player campaign built on rivalries, alliances, and unfinished business.
There’s no Force or prophecy here. Instead, the focus is on build strategy and racing mastery. Players can customize three types of repulsorcraft and even take on classic podracers, blending familiar Star Wars elements with a more competitive, arcade-style edge.
Multiplayer supports online races where players can test their builds and driving skills against others.
Pre-order bonuses and editions
All pre-orders include a bonus livery usable across vehicles, with platform-specific colors, plus a Player Banner background for multiplayer.
The Deluxe Edition adds three extra vehicles, exclusive Arcade events, a livery pack, and cosmetic upgrades like new player banners and insignias. It also includes a digital art book featuring early designs of characters, locations, and vehicles.
Collector’s Edition for dedicated pilots
For collectors, the physical Collector’s Edition bundles a model of the Kor Sarun: Darc X landspeeder, themed patches, a printed art book, and a steel case housed in premium packaging. It also includes all Deluxe Edition digital content.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer launches on October 6, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with pre-orders now available.
Gaming
PRAGMATA is not for the faint of heart
Already a Game of the Year contender for all the feels
Six years and a few notable launch delays. That’s what it took for Capcom to finally introduce a new franchise in 2026. They already have legacy franchises getting new releases. However, the biggest question looming over their head was whether or not they dare to explore something new. What makes it more challenging is an entirely new team is working on its development. That comes with its own sets of risks and rewards.
This was the story of PRAGMATA, another exciting title finally getting its time in the spotlight on all modern platforms. Looking at trailers, screenshots, and even demo highlights, I already got the sense that this game may just be at par with a ton of sci-fi-inspired RPGs. The expectation on my end was clear: all action, all exploration, with a storyline that will tie everything together seamlessly.
I was not prepared for the storm of emotions and action that came my way.
Maximizing your brain power
PRAGMATA operates like most action-packed RPGs with how combat works: you point, you shoot. To set that up, you play as Hugh. He is an engineer sent to a moonbase called the Cradle to investigate comms being down. As you enter the Cradle, something already feels off. Before you even get a chance to blink, you’re already plunging into danger as the AI that keeps it safe has gone rogue. By the time you come to, you’re attacked by one of the bots that helped you out. From there, must fight your way throughout the game to survive.
Luckily for you, a support android named D-I-0336-7 fixes you up. The android willingly helps you fight the rogue AI by hacking through them. Not only will the hacking deal additional damage, but it will help you identify enemy weak spots to exploit. However, to achieve the perfect hack, you are required to solve a puzzle-like board with nodes mid-fight. Essentially, you’ll be doing two things at once to survive and fight your way through the Cradle.
It’s the kind of mechanic that feels unique as the level of difficulty escalates with every encounter. Oftentimes, the hacking and the shooting are separate mechanics that are done to calmly set you up for the fights. Now, it’s do-or-die with the hacking increasing your odds of success immensely. Enemies are hard to defeat simply on the gunplay alone. And you will need to keep that in mind as you progress through the game.
Expansive world to complete and unlock
Speaking of progression, as you get out of that initial skirmish alive with D-I-0336-7, who Hugh cutely gives the nickname “Diana” to, you end up in a tram to the Shelter. Effectively, the Shelter serves as both your base of operations and a rest spot to retool before combat. As you go through every area of the game, you unlock newer features. These are REM Replicators, upgrades to your health, firepower and hacking skills, and access to more weapon schematics and nodes. Also, you can even set up matching suits for Hugh and Diana before heading out into the world again!
Once you have everything you need, you will venture out into areas in the Cradle that need to be restored. A lot of the areas are incredibly expansive. This allows you to explore and grab as many freebies lying around as you can. From the Lunafilament used for upgrades to newer weapons at your disposal, the game scatters these for you to find and harvest from the overworld. Of course, you’ll run into the occasional swarm of enemies but you have Diana, and Diana has you!
Diana’s hacking even extends into these as you progressively acquire new skills. As you progress, you’ll be able to remove map hazards, clear traps, and scale structures effortlessly. This fully allows exploration to be less of a drag. There are newer pathways to areas you previously couldn’t explore or made it easier to backtrack. Plus, there are stations that can be activated as save points and hangars to return to the Shelter that Diana can activate.
It’s a large hub to explore. You’re encouraged to get and know everything because this next part will have you strapped.
Building bridges back to Earth
Without completely spoiling too much, PRAGMATA‘s storyline is one you gradually feel and resonate with. Earlier, I mentioned that the whole reason Hugh and his team were in the Cradle was to investigate its unresponsiveness. In an unfortunate turn of events, Hugh gets separated from his team and has to go through the entire Cradle looking for a way to get back to Earth. Along the way, Diana resurrects Hugh from certain death and accompanies him throughout the excursion mostly to be a guide and helping hand.
Throughout the game, Hugh and Diana develop a strong bond that already borders a father-daughter dynamic. Originally, Hugh didn’t really consider himself as a parental figure since he doesn’t have kids of his own. However, he goes out of his way to ensure Diana’s safety and overall wellbeing – effectively giving human compassion and love to an android. Oddly enough, Diana almost certainly feels more human and would even want to join him back to Earth.
As you explore throughout the game, you also pick up schematics of real Earth objects that are processed in the Shelter’s REM Replicators. These are neat trinkets that Diana actually gets to play with, even to a point of bonding with Hugh through them. It’s the kind of heartwarming moments in between the chaos that reflects the dynamic that many people will truly appreciate.
Struggles picked, sacrifices made
Remember how the game encourages you to explore to know everything? All of that was intentional for Hugh and Diana to get down to the bottom of what really happened at the Cradle. As it turns out, the AI mainframe of the Cradle, IDUS went into disarray after the moonquake that separated Hugh from his crew. Along the excursion through the Cradle, the pair discovers and meets up with another android called Eight who has the answers to effectively contain IDUS through Diana.
Only for them to realize that there are far graver dangers ahead. So now, the objective is to survive till the end, get back to Earth and stop anything that gets in the way. All throughout, you as Hugh will be tested on not only keeping Diana safe, but also ensuring that she gets to experience Earth with or without him. For the parents and parental figures out there, you know this feeling all too well.
A GamingMatch Made in Heaven?
No matter how you slice it, PRAGMATA nailed everything in my list of expectations: the right mix of exploration, easy-to-master combat mechanics, and an emotional story that transcends culture and hits right in the feels. It feels like Capcom continuously revitalizes the RPG experience with newer concepts and mechanics that truly test players at the core. Matching it with characters that allow you to have an emotional investment in, and the game hits right in the feels in more ways than one.
It’s a game that gradually keeps you engrossed in the experience from start to finish. From approaching tougher and larger enemies to traversing the overworld to collect resources, every instance feels wholly unique. Furthermore, the game incentivizes rest and reset without fully losing progress in your adventure.
More than anything, it offers a fresh take on character dynamics that will leave you in an emotional mess. Whether you like it or not. Admittedly, the bond between Hugh and Diana is one that a lot of people simply resonate and potentially aspire to have. It’s a reminder of how deep the human connection can truly transcend. And even be the ultimate key to survival against all olds.
Not only does PRAGMATA get a Swipe Right, but this game truly deserves to be up there for Game of the Year contention.
Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco Entertainment have revealed a fresh wave of details for The Blood of Dawnwalker, confirming its release on September 3, 2026.
The upcoming dark fantasy open-world action RPG is headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, with pre-orders now live across digital storefronts and retail. The announcement came alongside the game’s “Road to Launch” event, which packed in new gameplay footage, story reveals, and system requirements.
Story, gameplay, and a deeper look at Vale Sangora
A new story trailer introduces key characters surrounding protagonist Coen, a Dawnwalker caught between humanity and vampirism. Set in the fictional Vale Sangora in the Carpathian Mountains, the game leans heavily into choice-driven storytelling, where allies, enemies, and outcomes shift depending on player decisions.
Rebel Wolves also showcased over 10 minutes of gameplay captured from a recent PC build. The footage highlights narrative-driven exploration, where uncovering secrets and completing activities can unlock abilities or alter how events unfold. The core idea is simple: every action carries consequences, shaping both the story and the state of the world.
Developers including Piotr Kucharski, Daria Bury-Zawada, Maciej Wiśniewski, and Dorota Rutkowska also broke down key systems and design philosophies in a new dev diary.
Motion capture, editions, and system requirements revealed
A behind-the-scenes segment featured former UFC champion Jan Błachowicz, who contributed motion capture work for Bakir, one of the game’s antagonists. His involvement adds a layer of realism to combat, with a focus on weight and impact in every strike.
Rebel Wolves also detailed multiple editions of the game. Alongside the standard digital version and retail Day One Edition, players can opt for the Eclipse Edition, which includes bonuses like a world compendium, soundtrack, and comic book. A Collector’s Edition will also be available in limited quantities.
Official PC system requirements were likewise shared during the event, giving players a clearer idea of what hardware they’ll need to run the game.
A dark fantasy journey shaped by choice
Set in 14th-century Europe during a time of war and plague, The Blood of Dawnwalker follows Coen’s struggle against Brencis, a powerful vampire lord ruling over Vale Sangora. As a Dawnwalker, Coen walks a fine line between two worlds, gaining unique abilities while dealing with the cost that comes with them.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game emphasizes player agency, blending open-world exploration with branching narrative paths. Whether forming alliances or facing off against enemies, every decision feeds back into how the story unfolds.
The Blood of Dawnwalker launches September 3 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
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