Gaming

So, I played 3 hours of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

Fun, side-scrolling action

Published

April 4, 2022

Over the past few weeks, I have been getting my ass handed to me by Sifu and Ghostrunner. I needed a break from all the frustration so when 505 Games offered a preview of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, I happily obliged.

What is Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

It’s a side-scrolling action RPG with an art style that’s reminiscent of JRPGs from another lifetime. The game is set in the same world as Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. If that’s unfamiliar to you, then… same. I came into this completely blind.

505 Games says while this is a companion game, it still offers a rich and exciting glimpse into the world of Eiyuden. I certainly didn’t feel like I was jumping into something where I need a whole lot of context. The opening section teaches you a lot both in the game’s world and the game mechanics.

Here’s a brief synopsis:

The story of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising takes place on the continent of Allraan in a small mining town called New Neveah. From there you begin the journey of the Eiyuden Chronicle to overturn and combat the evil Galdean Empire that casts a pall over the entire world. Rally companions to your side, equip and upgrade them, take a stand and defeat evil.

How it plays

Although it’s only a preview, I feel like I already got a good grasp of the game. It’s a classic RPG in the sense that you get into a town and cross off a few tasks. They play like side quests but are tied into the story and help introduce you to several mechanics of the game.

The movements are mostly left to right and vice versa. Certain parts of the screen lead to other areas but the movement remains mostly 2D and sideways.

Characters

This extends to combat. Initially, you only control CJ. She is quick, uses a sickle, and is the primary protagonist. Within the first few hours, you will be joined by Garoo. A talking Kangaroo who wields a big sword. He offers more powerful melee attacks. The third playable character is Isha. While you interact with her in the beginning, she doesn’t join your party right away.

Combat

There are buttons that trigger each character’s attack. To perform multiple attacks with the same character, simply hit that character’s assigned button multiple times. But as soon as Garoo joins the party, you’ll be introduced to party combos that offer more damage. It works by simply properly timing the attacks between characters.

The characters also have special moves. There’s only one button for the special move. Whoever character is active will perform the special move.

Enemies are mostly easy to deal with. They come in different shapes and sizes to give enough variety. There are both ground and flying types. There are also big sword wielders as well as those that throw projectiles.

The bosses, there are two in the preview, are also fun to play against. It was refreshing to see what you can do in a side-scrolling action RPG.

Charming and for everyone

My first thought after playing for a few hours is that Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is the type of game every gamer should tangle with at least once in their lifetime. It feels like a modern throwback, if that makes sense.

It has the look and charm of 90s RPGs while trimming the unnecessary stuff and making the experience flow more smoothly. If you’re a gamer parent and want to introduce your child to the wonderful world of gaming, I think this is a great place to start.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is charming. It’s easy to pick-up and play and is a nice break from more challenging and frustrating games. I’m looking forward to playing more of it.

Update as of April 13

Full game is coming out on May 11. It will be available on PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, Epic and GOG for US$ 14.99/€ 14.99/ £ 12.99

Gaming

Bloodborne is getting an R-rated animated film adaptation

And it’s going to be produced by Sony and Jacksepticeye.

Published

April 14, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

FromSoftware fans are eating well these days. Though gamers are still anticipating the arrival of The Duskbloods on the Switch 2, the studio’s other franchises are getting well-deserved nods for adaptations: Sekiro, Elden Ring, and now, Bloodborne.

Sekiro has already been slated for an anime adaptation for a while now. Meanwhile, Alex Garland recently confirmed that he is adapting Elden Ring for A24. Today, Sony Pictures has confirmed that the studio is working on an R-rated animated film based on Bloodborne.

Via Variety, Sony Pictures president Sanford Panitch says that the upcoming adaptation will keep the game’s essence of horror and gore. With a name like “Bloodborne,” you can’t have an adaptation without a heaping of blood.

Besides Sony, the animated project has another big name attached to its production: YouTuber Jacksepticeye. Throughout his career, the creator has been vocal about considering Bloodborne as his favorite game of all time. He even has a tattoo of the Hunter’s Mark on his forearm. For this project, Jack will be a co-producer.

Though the creator’s skill in filmmaking is still a relative unknown, Jack’s love for the game should give the project a gamer’s voice. If anything, Markiplier’s recent Iron Lung adaptation offers optimism that YouTubers can also create decent films.

Gaming

Honkai: Star Rail 4.2 launching next week

New characters, 3rd anniversary rewards, more

Published

April 14, 2026

GadgetMatch

It hasn’t even been that long since Version 4.1 of Honkai: Star Rail dropped, and now, the space fantasy RPG will launch its Version 4.2 update on April 22.

Called “So Laughed the Masses,” this update continues the Trailblazers’ adventure in Planarcadia. The state of the Phantasmoon Games has grown increasingly complex, following the announcement that the victor will permanently become the Aeon of Elation.

Even more plots and schemes are bound to surface as Research Society of Happy Smiles leader Fulwish invites all Supplicants to a public debate. Trailblazers must successfully navigate every hurdle, obtain more Wishpower, and resolve the hidden crisis.

In Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.2, all-new limited 5-star characters Silver Wolf LV.999 and Evanescia will become playable companions.

Furthermore, limited 5-star characters The Dahlia, Castorice, and Firefly, as well as Tribbie, Sunday, and Feixiao, will all appear respectively in the first and second-phase Warp events.

Trailblazers will also be able to unlock the brand-new Path of Elation.

The Version 4.2 update coincides with the third anniversary of the space fantasy RPG, and the title has prepared a series of special events and generous rewards for players.

Players can get 20 free pulls, Stellar Jade giveaways, and free character redemptions. And for a chance to win a Silver Wolf LV.999-themed car and other surprise gifts, simply participate in the “Aha’s Chosen: Spreading Elation Everywhere” online event.

For more on the update, here’s the latest trailer from HoYoverse:

Gaming

Honor of Kings: World opens sign-ups for PC Alpha Test

Be among the first to explore Primaera

Published

April 14, 2026

GadgetMatch

TiMi Studio Group has announced the first-ever overseas closed PC Alpha Test for Honor of Kings: World.

Players can register now via this link for a chance to experience the Eastern Fantasy multiplayer action RPG.

The anticipated title is rooted in the globally renowned MOBA game, Honor of Kings, which has 260 million monthly active users.

The RPG counterpart expands the series’ vast lore, turning it into an open world filled with adventure, mystery, and legendary heroes for players to explore.

It is set against the backdrop of Eastern Fantasy and infused with futuristic elements. It introduces players to “the Flow,” a powerful and mysterious force shaping the fate of the world.

In Honor of Kings: World, players begin their journey as students at the prestigious Jixia Academy before venturing across the continent of Primaera.

Along the way, they will encounter iconic heroes, forge alliances, and ultimately challenge the “Chain of Fate” to create their own legend.

Alpha Test details

Participants in the Alpha Test will gain early hands-on access to the game whilst development continues.

This early test will provide valuable insight into core gameplay systems and offer players a first look at the world and features of Honor of Kings: World.

Features include:

Free exploration of the Primaera continent
Dynamic combat system with dual hero Flow Styles
Rich blend of PvE adventure and competitive PvP experiences
Skill-based combat with precise parries, perfect dodges, and highly responsive action gameplay
Cooperative multiplayer boss encounters with evolving mechanics
Social features such as shared world hubs and co-op activities
Home building, farming, and crafting systems

The test will be open to select countries in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia. The title will be available only in English for now, but more languages are expected to be added.