Gaming

Ghostrunner 2 review

Be a cybernetic parkour ninja

Published

November 7, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

In the late 2000s, parkour got an odd nod from the gaming community because of the early Assassin Creed titles and cult classic Mirror’s Edge. However, today’s games are now more focused on easier traversal than puzzle platforming. Albeit a smaller series, the Ghostrunner franchise aims to recapture that magic with the new Ghostrunner 2.

Cyberpunk but for robot ninjas

Much like the first game, Ghostrunner 2 turns the player into a cybernetic, free-running ninja in a cyberpunk world. And like any cyberpunk ninja, there’s only one thing to do: find the quickest way to cross a gap, slash some bad guys, and make it home in time for the next motherboard upgrade.

If you’ve played Cyberpunk 2077 (especially after this year’s huge update), you’ll find plenty to love in Ghostrunner 2. It’s not the deepest story for a cyberpunk world, but it has a lot of atmosphere. Further, the sequel is still approachable even if you haven’t played the first one.

In terms of gameplay, it’s simple. Parkour your way through a level. Every enemy is killable in one hit. However, on the flipside, you also die in one hit. Everything is also managed by a meter. Stamina and tools are limited by a short but slowly recovering bar. While they offer huge benefits for playing, players have to manage their usage well.

Try, try, and try again

Naturally, the direct comparison for Ghostrunner 2 is the old Mirror’s Edge series. However, the title is much more than that. It relies a lot on skill mastery. The title’s learning curve is incredibly steep from the get-go.

The first level is already tough enough to net players dozens of deaths. Mistimed a jump? You die. Missed a parry? You die. Didn’t see that faraway enemy in the background? Believe it or not, you still die.

Thankfully, Ghostrunner 2’s difficulty isn’t as unforgiving as other difficulty-oriented games. Levels and segments are relatively bite-sized. Plus, the game sprinkles a generous helping of checkpoints throughout a level. Once you die, you respawn around the same place, rather than at the beginning of the level.

Further, the game telegraphs obstacles well. Once you’re introduced to the game’s mechanics, it’s not terribly difficult to spot a runnable wall or a grapple point in the background. That said, it’s still a matter of skill. The game requires you to think about where to go even before you hit the ground.

Smooth movement lends to replayability

Despite the seemingly cruel difficulty, the joy of successfully stringing together a smooth series of moves is unparalleled. Once you get past the early hours of flailing, falling, and dying, Ghostrunner 2 is immensely satisfying.

Plus, the game comes with a straightforward system of upgrades to help with combat and traversal. These upgrades, coupled with the natural progression of player skill, make it satisfying to return to past levels and just steamroll past everything.

It also helps that the game is relatively short. Obviously, the total playtime depends on your ability, but it shouldn’t take you too long to finish the campaign.

Short but lacking in sweetness

Though the game is remarkably smooth, there are some levels that lack the same polish of the first few levels. In these levels, Ghostrunner 2 just rehashes old ideas, instead of presenting something new.

In a few other levels, the terrain inadvertently turns into an unexpected enemy. For example, if you fall off a ledge, there’s a chance that a hanging beam catches you. While that might sound like a forgiving reprieve, there is no way to get back up, and you’re left with no choice but to restart.

Speaking of gripes, the game is also punishing for those who play with low joystick sensitivity. Because the game is available on PC, low sensitivity shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you’re on console, you might want to turn your sensitivity higher than you’re used to. There are some puzzles that require you to snap behind you.

Should you take the plunge?

If you’ve played and finished Cyberpunk 2077 this year, Ghostrunner 2 is the perfect way to keep feeding that cyberpunk hunger. It’s by no means the most polished game of 2023, but the fluid movement makes this an exciting time.

Gaming

Kingdom Hearts IV gets new trailer, confirms Switch 2 release

Collection [I~III] launches October 8

Published

June 11, 2026

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, offering another look at Sora’s next adventure and confirming the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Alongside the update, the company announced that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] will launch on October 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Pre-orders are now open, while a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available starting today.

Kingdom Hearts IV returns

The new trailer offers another look at Quadratum, the mysterious city first revealed when Kingdom Hearts IV was announced.

According to Square Enix, Sora will encounter new characters, visit new worlds, and awaken new powers as the next chapter of the long-running action RPG series unfolds.

The publisher did not announce a release date for the game, saying more details will be revealed in the future.

Kingdom Hearts IV will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Collection bundles the series’ major releases

Square Enix also confirmed that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] brings together Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind in a single package.

The collection includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts III, and the Re Mind DLC, alongside several movie and cutscene compilations.

The release marks the arrival of native versions of these titles on Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, the games were available on Nintendo’s platform through cloud versions.

Free demo available now

Players can download a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind starting today.

The demo includes the opening portion of the game through Olympus, with save data carrying over to the full release. It also features a separate section set in Toy Box, the Toy Story-inspired world, although progress from that segment will not transfer.

Players who purchase the collection or Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind will receive platform-exclusive Keyblades. Nintendo Switch 2 players get Long Night, PlayStation 5 players receive Midnight Blue, while Xbox Series X|S players receive Phantom Green.

Digital pre-orders on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also include 48-hour early access for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.

Gaming

Final Fantasy fans have two big reasons to look forward to 2026

HD remasters and HD-2D

Published

June 11, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Final Fantasy X-X2 | Final Fantasy Resonance

The latest Nintendo Direct delivered a pair of announcements for Final Fantasy fans, with Square Enix confirming the arrival of classic remasters on Nintendo Switch 2 and unveiling an all-new HD-2D adventure.

First, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy X HD Remaster and Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster are coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23. Both physical and digital versions will be available.

The release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original Final Fantasy X launch in Japan. It also gives longtime fans and newcomers another way to experience two of the series’ most beloved RPGs at home or on the go.

Square Enix also released a new trailer alongside the announcement.

Final Fantasy Resonance launches this October

The bigger surprise from the showcase was Final Fantasy Resonance. It is the first HD-2D title in the Final Fantasy series.

The game launches on October 22, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Steam version arrives a day later on October 23.

Square Enix will also offer a Digital Deluxe Edition with the base game and additional in-game items.

A Collector’s Edition is planned as well. It includes the game, an artbook, a soundtrack, and a promotional Final Fantasy Trading Card Game card.

A modern take on a classic Final Fantasy formula

Square Enix describes Final Fantasy Resonance as a celebration of both classic and modern Final Fantasy. The game combines retro-inspired HD-2D visuals with a strategic turn-based battle system that adds modern mechanics to the traditional formula.

Players can expect familiar series staples including chocobos, espers, and airships. The game will also feature appearances from iconic characters such as Cloud Strife, Tidus, and Warrior of Light.

While Resonance draws from the first story arc of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Square Enix says it is far more than a direct port. The title has been extensively rebuilt into a full-fledged console RPG experience.

More details about Final Fantasy Resonance will be revealed closer to launch.

Gaming

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen to launch on October 9

A massive expansion and a two-phase roadmap revealed

Published

June 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

Capcom has officially announced Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, a massive new expansion slated to launch on October 9.

Arriving as a complete bundle, the title will mark the franchise’s highly anticipated debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, while simultaneously launching as separate expansion DLC for players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

The Dark Arisen expansion aims to enrich the base game’s dynamic fantasy world with three goals in mind: enhanced gameplay, expanded adventures, and enticing value.

Update roadmap underway

To prepare the realm for the expansion, Capcom has laid out a comprehensive, two-phase update roadmap for the base game:

Title Update 3.1: Focuses heavily on immediate quality-of-life improvements, most notably more significantly accessible map traversal through highly requested Eternal Ferrystone.
Title Update 3.2: Shifts focus toward system and engine adjustments; patch will deliver crucial performance and frame rate improvements, introduce additional save slots, implement system-level save adjustments, alter Dragonsplague mechanics, and further refine pawn and enemy actions.

Three major additions coming

When the expansion officially drops in October, players will be able to dive into a wealth of brand-new content built to push the Arisen to their limits:

Forsaken Dominion: Players will travel to Norgan, a frozen, long-abandoned northern region of Vermund blanketed in heavy snow. Home to savage hordes and creatures of immense power, the Arisen must team up with an enigmatic figure named Eir to uncover the dark secrets of an undying Fallen Dragon.
The Relic System: Defeating monsters and exploring the icy wastes of Norgan will yield powerful, hidden spoils of war known as relics. Taking these back to the Norgandian Settlement for appraisal unlocks high-tier gear boasting enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities.
Lost Rites Dungeons: For those looking to truly test their mettle, the expansion introduces 12 unique dungeon challenges. Overseen by the Pathfinder, these trials task players with clearing deadly gauntlets to reclaim legendary, dormant treasures once wielded by past Arisens.

The robust character creator is also receiving an update with a fresh wave of hairstyles and tattoos via Meszeteres Cosmetics, giving players even more ways to personalize their Arisen and Main Pawn.

Pre-order bonuses and editions

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen will be available in both digital and physical formats. The standalone Switch 2 release will include both the base game and expansion content right out of the box, while existing owners on PS5, Xbox, and PC can simply purchase the separate expansion DLC.

Players who pre-order the digital version or secure an early physical copy will receive the Explorer’s Camping Kit, the Dragon’s Dogma Music & Sound Collection, and the exclusive Norgan Fashion Set: Northern Attire.