Gaming

Far Cry 6 review: Take down Giancarlo Esposito with a roided rooster

Should you play it?

Published

October 6, 2021

Luigi Leonardo

What do you get when you cross an evil dictator, a crate filled with guns, and a fighting rooster pumped with steroids? Far Cry 6 continues the long-running first-person RPG franchise from Ubisoft. Much like its predecessors, the sixth major entry in the series brings players to an isolated, almost-dystopic country in a quest for survival and (eventually) dominance.

In Far Cry 6, players choose between a male or a female Dani Rojas. The newly minted guerilla then fights against Yara’s cruel dictatorship ruled by Anton Castillo and his son Diego. Dani will have the help of a dynamic cast of characters from the Libertad revolution and a quirky set of pets including a gator, a handicapped dog, and the aforementioned rooster.

Graphics: Vacation in paradise

Before gameplay even starts, one of the most notable aspects of Far Cry 6 is its picturesque graphics. The game fully makes use of current-gen technology to deliver the best-looking island the series has ever seen. Even without the optional HD textures pack, details are crystal clear, colors pop, and characters are rendered perfectly without going into uncanny valley territory.

Further, the game comes with AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution which can produce high-resolution frames even with low-resolution inputs. It gives you an option to prioritize framerate or performance without murdering your entire rig.

Gameplay: Best of all worlds

Six entries into the series, Far Cry 6 already knows which gameplay elements to focus on. The game takes the best features from the third through the fifth entries: the survivalist jungle setting of Far Cry 3, the vertical traversal of Far Cry 4, and the micro-territorial format of Far Cry 5.

Years ago, Far Cry 3 skyrocketed the franchise as one of Ubisoft’s flagship series. The game was a difficult but manageable jungle survival simulator with ferocious animals and enemies. The sixth entry somewhat brings this back by sticking players into a harsh tropical island.

However, though enemies can still be difficult, the new game does lose a bit of its survival aspect. Animals aren’t as roaming, and hunting isn’t an absolute necessity anymore. That said, the reduced focus on survival can make the game more enjoyable and allows users to focus on other gameplay elements. And, considering that Dani already has a military background, it makes sense that it isn’t a survival game anymore.

Secondly, Far Cry 6 takes the vertical movement of Far Cry 4 and makes fun traversal and parkour puzzles for exploration. Getting around the game isn’t just through vehicles or running around the map. A lot of times, the best way to get from point A to point B (without fast travelling) is going through a large mountain. It involves grappling, finely timed jumps, and swings. Unlike a lot of games with that form of travel, air travel in Far Cry 6 — parachute, wingsuit, and vehicles — is easy to control.

Finally, the game takes the territorial gameplay of Far Cry 5. Like the previous game, Far Cry 6’s map is divided into different sections: a tutorial island, a main hub, three different regions controlled by minor bosses, and a major boss region. However, unlike the previous games, the map isn’t a color-by-number collect-a-thon. Though the map is still littered with objectives, the goal isn’t necessarily to claim every region for the revolution. Enemies still spawn regularly even if you’ve captured an entire region.

Amid the game’s similarities to its predecessors, Far Cry 6 still has a lot of exclusive tricks up its sleeve. For one, the RPG-style levelling system is gone. Though there’s still a way to rank up through the revolution, most of the perks are now obtained through the crafting system. The decision may or may not hold everyone’s attention, especially those looking for a more traditional RPG experience, but it’s quite an adventure crafting the best gear for your guerilla.

Plus, the game offers a way to manage the revolution from camp. There’s a choose-your-own-adventure style map wherein you send teams on raids with sometimes-humorous prompts. There’s a co-op area wherein you (and an optional partner) can raid smaller maps not found in the main game.

All in all, Far Cry 6 offers a familiar experience for long-time fans while keeping things fresh for both new and old players.

Writing: When’s the Netflix series?

From the outset, Far Cry 6 exudes a caliber of writing ahead of those in Ubisoft’s standard fare. The cinematic intro, which plays every time you launch the game, looks like it came from a Netflix show, and it hints at what you’re in for.

Yara’s story doesn’t pull a lot of punches. Giancarlo Esposito, who plays Anton Castillo, carries the entire game on his back. Reminiscent of Far Cry 3’s charismatic Vaas Montenegro, Castillo is a terrifying villain to go up against. He’s ruthless, unyielding, and would mess up even his allies just to maintain his grip over Yara.

Meanwhile, opposite Castillo is a cast of dynamic, funny, and strong side characters helping you throughout the revolution. In fact, each region tells its own story. While one region might focus on Viviro (Yara’s alleged cure for cancer), another will center around Yara’s navy. Each region also has its own smaller guerilla movement. And rather than being subservient to the greater Libertad revolution, they have their own missions, wants, and needs. It plays off like three short stories connected only loosely by a grander narrative.

Unfortunately, while a lot can be said about Yara as a whole, it’s hard to see Dani Rojas as anything other than a playable character. Far Cry 6 brings back a named protagonist, unlike the bland and silent one from Far Cry 5. However, it doesn’t dwell much on Dani’s story. Dani does get a moment of pathos at the beginning of the game, but they hinge on this one moment for the entire adventure. They never quite grow into their own character after the fact, unlike 3’s Jason Brody or 4’s Ajay Ghale. Though Dani’s voiced lines were a treat to hear, Far Cry 6’s story was more about Clara Garcia’s Libertad versus Anton Castillo’s Yara. Though it’s not exactly a fault on its own, it might put off those looking for a purely protagonist-driven story.

Should you play it?

Issues with Dani aside, Far Cry 6 remains an enjoyable romp through the jungles and streets of Yara. Gamers might balk at the game’s more unconventional decisions, but one thing’s for sure: taking down a government led by Giancarlo Esposito makes for a fun time.

Gaming

IKEA, Xbox launch nine-piece YXSTABY gaming collection

Gaming inspired furniture

Published

November 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Gaming setups don’t have to look like dedicated gaming rooms. IKEA and Xbox are making that easier with their new YXSTABY collection.

The nine-piece collection combines IKEA’s furniture design expertise with Xbox’s understanding of gaming. It brings together functional furniture and playful accessories inspired by Xbox controllers.

IKEA launched the collection in the Philippines on November 4 at its Pasay showroom. The event featured interactive room setups that demonstrated how the furniture fits into everyday homes.

The launch also included a cosplay runway inspired by IKEA’s iconic blue and yellow FRAKTA bag. Guests explored immersive gaming stations and experienced the collection firsthand.

Gaming furniture designed for everyday homes

YXSTABY addresses the challenges of fitting gaming setups into shared living spaces. Its furniture supports different gaming positions while keeping accessories organized.

The gaming lounge chair accommodates both forward-leaning gameplay and relaxed reclining positions. A rolling side table keeps gaming accessories within reach.

The collection also includes flexible storage for cables and accessories. Its felt inserts protect stored items, while its foldable design doubles as a laptop stand.

Families can also move their gaming setups between rooms. A TV stand with castors makes it easier to relocate equipment without dedicating an entire room to gaming.

Xbox controller-inspired accessories

Xbox’s influence extends beyond the collection’s gaming furniture. Several accessories take inspiration from familiar controller elements.

The Gaming D-pad cushion recreates the controller’s distinctive directional button. A stainless steel platter also borrows its design from the D-pad.

Another standout is the tilting thumbstick stool, which takes inspiration from an Xbox controller’s analog stick. A mirrored display box gives collectors a dedicated space for controllers and other gaming memorabilia.

Bringing gaming into Filipino homes

IKEA Philippines Sales Leader May Castillo highlighted the collection’s relevance to local households.

She pointed to the Philippines’ strong gaming culture and the country’s high engagement with video games across different devices.

IKEA Philippines Selling Manager Sarah Cox said the collection draws inspiration from Xbox controllers and how gamers actually play. It also incorporates IKEA’s playful approach to furniture design.

The collaboration brings together two brands with different strengths. IKEA understands how people use their living spaces, while Xbox understands what players need from their gaming setups.

The result is furniture that makes gaming more convenient without making the rest of the home feel like a gaming room.

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

Published

November 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.

After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.

To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.

Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins

The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.

The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.

The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.

The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.

The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.

Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds

Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.

One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.

Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.

The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.

Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.

Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.

Jungle changes reward efficient farming

Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.

The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.

Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.

These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.

Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.

Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.

Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.

Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster

Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.

Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.

Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.

Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.

These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.

Ranked play and game modes get updates

Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.

The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.

Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.

Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.

Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.

A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift

With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.

K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.

Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.