Gaming

Can FFVII Rebirth be your first Final Fantasy game?

The game’s director says yes

Published

October 22, 2023

It’s never easy to recommend which Final Fantasy game to start with to anyone interested in the franchise. Truth be told, there’s no easy answer. But Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Director Naoki Hamaguchi believes the upcoming game can be one of the top-of-mind options.

At face value, that seems like an odd suggestion. Especially since Rebirth is a sequel to Remake. But Hamaguchi, speaking to GadgetMatch at the Thailand Game Show 2023, said that’s even the primary reason why they decided to remake Final Fantasy VII (FFVII).

Hamaguchi said there’s for sure many players who have never played any Final Fantasy game before. But they might have heard the names “Cloud” and “Sephiroth” somewhere. If that piqued their interest, it wouldn’t make sense to direct them to the original game given the state of gaming today.

It’s this general thought that led them to pursue the Final Fantasy Vii Remake Project. It’s to bring these really popular characters to a gaming experience that makes sense for today’s standards.

“We understand that FF7 is a difficult title to get into today. But the game [FFVII Rebirth] is developed very meticulously so it won’t feel unnatural when you start playing. All the tutorials will be there,” said Hamaguchi.

“We have created everything carefully so that even a new player can enjoy the game,” he added.

And based on the latest trailer released as of writing, there does seem to be a lot going on in this game.

Side content and mini games

One of the biggest criticisms for FFVII Remake is that the side quests felt so detached from the story as a whole. So much so that it feels like these killed the pacing of the game.

Speaking still in relation to FFVII Rebirth’s approachability as a game, Hamaguchi said “everything has been improved.”

Talking specifically about the side content, the game director said the side content was made to fit the larger world map they built for the game. There’s so much to explore that he says playing through everything will take over 100 hours.

He estimates the main story will take 40 hours to complete, in case you’re curious.

Hamaguchi was also asked about the mini games in Gold Saucer. He said every mini game from that particular location was brought from the original game to Rebirth.

But it doesn’t end there. He said the reaction they hope to get is players enjoying not just the mini games in Gold Saucer but all of the mini games sprinkled in Rebirth.

What’s new and will there be a twist?

Barrett and Tufie Synergy Ability

We asked Hamaguchi which game mechanic he’s most excited for players to experience. He said it’s definitely the Synergy Abilities which is something that wasn’t present in the FFVII Remake. A version of it, however, is present in INTERGrade.

The Synergy Ability is a team-up move of one character with another. This varies widely depending on the characters you have in your party. He noted that you have to keep using the abilities to gain even better ones.

He said the mechanic also encourages playing with all the characters. The many combinations yield many different abilities that can help you in combat.

We played the game briefly and got to try the Synergy Abilities. Apart from helping deal massive damage, the abilities are also a visual spectacle.

We only had 30 minutes to play so we can’t speak on it that much. During our gameplay, it almost felt like it’s a secondary Limit Break attack that you can unleash on your opponent.

Unlike the Limit Break though, it doesn’t recharge by simply attacking and/or taking damage. You’re required to use ATB charges to trigger the Synergy Abilities. For instance, you have to build up and spend two (2) ATB charges for both Cloud and Tifa before you can use their Synergy Ability.

Look at it as another trump card you can use in battle. Whether that’s to give you some breathing room against an opponent that’s giving you a hard time or deal even more damage to a staggered enemy.

Aerith’s fate?

It’s been previously revealed that it will cover the story that happens until Southern Captial. That means the infamous Aerith scene that scarred gamers worldwide. Asked if there will be a twist for Rebirth, Hamaguchi only said, “There will be a surprise in this version as well.”

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.