

I never thought I would have fun dying over and over again in a video game. Especially not after my rather horrid first go at Returnal. That changed when I got my hands on another roguelike dungeon crawler — Hades by Supergiant Games.
The game was initially released in September 2020 on PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switched and immediately gained acclaim both from critics and players alike. Gaming publications IGN and Polygon even named it their 2020 Game of the Year.
Fast forward to nearly a year later and Hades is set to coming to more consoles. Specifically the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The official release date is on Aug 13, 2021but we got a bit of early access and are here to share what you’re in for.
What is Hades?
The game has you controlling Zagreus, the son of Hades. Your main objective is to escape the Underworld and make your way to Mount Olympus. Seems simple, right? Except, it isn’t.
The areas of the Underworld are ever-changing and death is inevitable — such is the case with most roguelike games. Hope, however, isn’t all lost. Aiding you in your getaway are the gods of Mount Olympus. After every death, you’ll gain power-ups from the gods. Each with its own unique effect. Of course, you lose these boosts each time you die.
There are permanent skill boosts acquired as you playthrough. After your first few deaths, you’ll also be introduced to a renovating mechanic that lets you unlock various things including being able to recover previously unlocked items as you progress through the game.
PlayStation 5 improvements
I did play Hades on PC but just sparingly. Being mostly a console gamer, I thoroughly enjoyed playing a bigger screen and while using a DualSense controller.
The PlayStation 5 version of the game promises 4K at 60 frames per second and after a few hours of playing, and checking the numbers on the TV, I was indeed consistently getting 4K and 60fps. That’s been the case with most PS5 games I’ve played so far this year.
The DualSense controller is utilized although still not as much as I would have liked. Granted, this is pretty much a re-release and the changes added were enough to make you feel the game more.
Hitting certain things around each area is where you’ll mostly feel the effects of the DualSense. Perhaps more subtly, the DualSense also reacts to certain power boosts you gain throughout your playthrough.
Superb presentation
The gameplay may seem daunting, and it can be, but it’s all balanced by the wonderful overall presentation of the game. The art style is unique and lends plenty of identity to the game. It’s even highlighted by the conversations you have as the detailed art of each character is showcased during dialogue exchanges.
Speaking of dialogue, the voice acting in the game is superb and breathes life into the game that, at first glance, seems to have no right to come off this good. Rounding it up is the music. The score in this game is a hit every step of the way.
Why buy the Physical version?
The new boxed versions of Hades [Xbox, PS4, and PS5] all come with a complimentary download code for the Hades Original Soundtrack — that’s two and half hours of music composed by Darren Korb.
You also get a 32-page full-color character compendium booklet with artwork from the game by Jen Zee. Its first pressing appears on the box covers of the physical versions of the game.
Price and availability
As mentioned earlier, Hades is coming to the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on August 13. Pricing for the PS4/PS5 are as follows:
- Philippines — PhP 1,580
- Singapore — SG$ 43.90
- Malaysia — MYR 135
- Indonesia — IDR 399,000
- Thailand — THB 990

Accessories
SteelSeries adds world’s lightest gaming mice to Aerox series
The Aerox 5, Aerox 5 Wireless, and Aerox 9 Wireless
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SteelSeries continues to expanded its award-winning Aerox series, adding three new ultra-lightweight gaming mice to the collection.
The new Aerox 5, Aerox 5 Wireless, and Aerox 9 Wireless mice are now available, offering gamers even better precision, speed, and comfort.
Dubbed as the world’s lightest multi-genre and MMO/MOBA gaming mice, the latest peripherals come with customizable features.
These include programmable buttons for instant access to a gamer’s preferred shortcuts, as well as syncing RGB lighting for a more personalized gaming experience.
Pricing, availability
The three new Aerox mice are now available at SteelSeries’ official Lazada and Shopee stores, as well as Challenger, Courts, Endless passion, Tec Drome, Xtreme, and other major channels.
Refer to the table below for the prices and specs.
Model | Specs | Price |
Aerox 5 |
|
SG$ 149 |
Aerox 5 Wireless |
|
SG$ 229 |
Aerox 9 Wireless |
|
SG$ 249 |
In addition, any purchase of SteelSeries entitles customers to a free one-month GeForce NOW cloud gaming subscription.
Gaming
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II release date, official artwork revealed
There’s also a hint for a giveaway contest

The wait is finally over for gamers as new details for the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II have finally surfaced.
First, the release date of the much-anticipated sequel of the 2019 reboot, Modern Warfare II is on October 28, 2022.
As if that’s not enough to get people excited, Activision also had a massive cargo ship sailing at Port of Long Beach in California for the game’s official artwork reveal, teasing enthusiasts even more.
The ship contained an image of the Operative Ghost, as well as more characters on cargo containers. The entire reveal may be watched here.
New characters, giveaway
Aside from the release date and official artwork, new characters are also expected to join Task Force 141, which includes key members like Captain John Price, Sergeant “Soap” MacTavish, Sergeant Kyle “Gaz” Garrick, Simon “Ghost” Riley, and Colonel Alejandro.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II was announced earlier this year, with details for the storyline set to follow, that’s why fans are urged to stay tuned.
Developers have also hinted at a potential giveaway contest, mentioning that soon players will have “a chance to own a piece of this dock-spanning art and be a part of our history”.
Interesting, huh?
Gaming
Sony’s Days of Play sale for PlayStation peripherals, titles is on
Get up to 80 percent off on gaming titles

Just in time for mid-year sales, Sony announced the start off its sixth annual global Days of Play sale.
Happening until June 8, 2022, the sale offers special promotions for customers on various PlayStation peripherals like the PlayStation VR and DualSense Wireless Controllers.
Furthermore, selected PS5 and PS4 Blu-ray Disc version titles will sell for up to 80 percent off on the PS Store.
Offers will be available at all PlayStation authorized dealers and Sony stores.
Sales offers
For all Days of Play offers throughout the 15-day sale, refer to the table below.
Product/Title | Special Price |
PlayStation VR with PlayStation Camera | PhP 14,990 |
DualSense Wireless Controllers
Colors:
|
PhP 3,490 |
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Game of the Year Edition (PS4) | PhP 990 |
The Last of Us Part II (PS4) | PhP 990 |
God of War PlayStation Hits (PS4) | PhP 550 |
Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition
PlayStation Hits (PS4) |
PhP 550 |
Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS4, PS5) | PhP 1,490 |
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5) | PhP 1,990 |
UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection (PS5) | PhP 1,490 |
The Nioh Collection | PhP 1,990 |
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