Gaming

Little Nightmares III bends your mind in a lot of ways

And the jumpscares keep coming in

Published

October 10, 2025

Gab Orlina

Halloween could not come any sooner with all the ghouls and fears of people highlighted heavily during this month. You’ll see it come to life in some establishments, you’lill see parties thrown at the end of the year, and people will come in costumes. However, the true spirit of the celebration lies beyond just the costumes and the spooky music – the true source of all our fears.

Every fear starts from somewhere and is constantly repeated in your mind in many ways. BANDAI NAMCO saw this, and put together an entire series dedicated to navigating through one of those ways: nightmares. Since 2017, the Little Nightmares series sheds light on the horrors of the world, and how young protagonists have desperately tried to escape or navigate through them.

To further build the series, the next installment in Little Nightmares III supposedly goes down the rabbit hole further. New sets of characters, challenges, and ways to play are the name of the game now. Whether it’s just another riveting horror puzzle or something that explores a deeper plunge in the nightmare, that’s what we’re here for.

The same premise of terror in Nowhere

Much like the previous installments in the series, Little Nightmares III puts players in unique yet dastardly horrifying backdrops meant to instill fear. This time around, the whole game features an entirely different story from the first two games, with two new protagonists in Low and Alone to guide you through.

Gameplay mechanics didn’t stray away too far from the classics despite being handled by an entirely different team. The core of it still revolves around moving through open spaces, scaling through treacherous obstacles, and evading danger as much as possible. It still felt challenging on a lot of fronts, and I genuinely second-guessed a lot of my actions through each different stage.

What helps out immensely is that every stage is built for exploration given how wide every space is. Additionally, the game gives you just the right amount of playtime to just take in the whole environment as you progress through them, uncovering information and secrets about the nightmares you’re under. While there were areas that were pretty cramped, these mostly just served as pathways or transitions into the next part of the stages so you don’t miss out on much.

Continuously mind-bending

The hallmark of the Little Nightmares series is solving multiple puzzles to progress through every nightmare-inducing area, and Little Nightmares III has no shortage of it. Earlier on, getting through most of them was straightforward in terms of interactions and approach. As you progress through deeper and more dangerous obstacles, the game gives you some hints on what actions to take to find the answers for yourself. I’ll admit that some of them were headscratchers initially, but it really helps to just explore the environment with trial and error.

Stealth also plays an incredible role in getting through some of the stages, especially when faced with the larger than life dangers. As with the previous games, your main protagonists are children who could barely fight – as such, hiding is logical and crucial. The game doesn’t make it too difficult to find hiding spots, but maneuvering around the larger dangers can be nerve-wracking.

I am telling you right now that you will fail multiple times trying to get through all of these puzzles, especially when you’re doing this on your own. Luckily, there is a way for you to finally play this game with someone else if you don’t prefer to take on horror games by yourself.

Truly never alone

For the first time in the series, players can engage in the whole story progression through online co-op! This is a huge step-up directly from Little Nightmares II, in which you could actually play with someone else instead of just calling on an NPC whenever needed. Also, this was by design considering that both Low and Alone specialize in particular actions that will help you navigate through the stages better.

However, there are caveats to playing the whole game through online co-op. First is basically, you’re stuck playing in co-op mode for the whole duration of the playthrough and ONLY one friend at a time. If you want to play with a different friend, you’ll need a separate save file for it. The same applies if at any point you just wanted to deal with the game on your own.

Second is you could only play as the character you chose with no chance of swapping later on. This effectively means that if you want to try your hand on both Low and Alone, you’ll need separate save files for it with your friend. Honestly, this does feel like a ton of loops to jump through, but it would make the experience memorable in more ways than one!

Is this a match made in horror?

In essence, Little Nightmares III is the kind of puzzle-solving horror game that doesn’t stray too far from its franchise’s greatest hits. It blends together elements that made the first two games truly memorable, while expanding the world even further to maximize the mechanics better. Even with a different team working on it, BANDAI NAMCO pieced together the game quite nicely while giving it, ironically, new life.

Playing this game in co-op served more as a quality of life upgrade for the franchise coming from how the first two games played out. You can get through the game on your own, but nothing beats a good co-op horror game to test friendships the right way. The only thing though is that it’s a literal ride or die situation when you partner up with someone.

Overall, the game truly shines in its faithfulness to what made it great to play: the mind-bending puzzles and equally horrific backdrops. It’s simple, straight to the point, and best enjoyed at the wee hours of the day.

Gaming

PRAGMATA release date, Nintendo Switch 2 availability confirmed

Preorders now open, free demo available too

Published

December 19, 2025

GadgetMatch

Capcom has announced the official release date for upcoming sci-fi action game PRAGMATA. The title will be available on April 24, 2026 on multiple platforms.

Aside from launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, PRAGMATA will also be available on Nintendo Switch 2, as confirmed in a new trailer exploring the lunar cityscape.

Preorders are now available as well on all platforms. In addition, the Sketchbook Demo is now available on Steam and is coming to consoles soon.

The free public demo provides the opportunity to experience the title’s immersive setting and thrilling gameplay for the first time. It also includes fun extra surprises to challenge players.= and encourage repeat playthroughs.

As a preorder bonus, players will receive Hugh’s samurai-styled Neo bushido outfit and Diana’s ninja-inspired Neo Kunoichi costume.

Alongside the standard version, a Deluxe Edition will be available. This includes the Shelter Variety Pack, an assortment of alternate outfits for the two characters.

The Deluxe Edition also includes a weapon skin, emotes, extra background music, and an in-game library with 75 digital artwork pieces.

The new trailer expands what players know of the game’s environment so far, with the protagonists in what seemingly looks like a futuristic dystopian city. It shows Hugh and Diana both being chased by various opponents, as well as a bit of their dynamic together.

As for its gameplay, PRAGMATA will feature a dual-character control, enabling players to control both Hugh and Diana simultaneously.

Central to the action is a “hacking” mechanic but Capcom will enrich combat with a more strategic and exciting element unique to the title.

Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade free demo released

For Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox

Published

December 18, 2025

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a free demo for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade which is launching on January 22, 2026.

The demo is available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Players can carry their save data from the demo period over to the full game and claim the bonus items “Revival Earrings” and “Survival Set” in the process.

In addition, the game has Xbox Play Anywhere support. This means players can enjoy seamless progression across console and PC platforms.

Switch 2 users can enter the following codes to download the demo via the “Redeem Code” option on the Nintendo e-Shop:

United States: D3GM3304HKQBB2VB
Europe: D3GM3304HKPBB2VB
Japan: D3GM3304H3DBB2VB
Korea: D3GM3304H3CBB2VB
Hong Kong and Taiwan: D3GM3304H3BBB2VB
Southeast Asia: D3GM3304HY9BB2VB

Meanwhile, the free demo for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox for PC is available via this link.

Aside from the aforementioned platforms, the visually enhanced and expanded version of the original 2020 remake is already available on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Epic games.

What players can expect

In the demo, players can experience the game’s iconic opening chapter, in which the mercenary Cloud Strife and the underground resistance group Avalanche attempt to destroy a Mako Reactor powering the dystopian city of Midgar.

In their fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company, Cloud and his comrades are thrust into a larger conflict that will decide the fate of the planet.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade features improved graphics and performance. Aside from that, the game includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission.

This exciting additional story features fan-favorite ninja Yuffie Kisaragi as she embarks on a thrilling new adventure.

Players can expect expanded gameplay mechanics, refined combat systems, and immersive storytelling that deepens the lore of Midgar.

Square Enix has also released a new One-Winged Angel trailer:

Gaming

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro might be the comfiest headphones I’ve tried

The memory foam cushioning is divine.

Published

December 17, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Despite being a self-professed audiophile, I have always had a problem with wearing headphones the whole day. Sooner or later, the weight just becomes too much. So, when I saw the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro with its thick cushioning, it was love at first sight.

But will that love last?

Lookin’ like a succulent pork belly

Obviously, I’m exaggerating, but the head strap really does look like a pork belly because of how thick it is. And that’s not a complaint, either.

The BlackShark V3 Pro has one of the most comfortable cushioning I’ve ever experienced from a pair of headphones. Plus, both the head strap and the earcups use memory foam, so it feels like new every single time.

Over time, I can barely feel the headphones bearing down on the top of my head because of the thick cushioning. I lasted more than five hours before I felt anything. Even after taking it off for a spell, I was ready to get back into the game. For me, that’s an absurdly good record.

The earcups, on the other hand, fit perfectly. For reference, I have an average ear size. A lot of headphones I’ve tried often leave my ears in pain from all the flexing, but the BlackShark’s fit is just right.

A minimalist but elegant design

Besides the nice cushioning, the rest of the headphones exude that elegant look you might expect from more premium headphones. Except for incredibly subtle Razer branding and a thin ring of lime green around the mic button, there’s nothing to indicate that this is a pro gaming headset.

The earcups are connected to the strap via thin metal arms and a braided cable. The same arms offer 15-degree maneuverability to ensure the most comfortable fit.

Unfortunately, they don’t fold, so it’s harder to take these headphones outside. It’s a slight wrinkle in an otherwise stellar design.

Going back to analog

A lot of headphones today prefer using gesture controls over actual buttons and knobs. Getting rid of buttons does help make designs look sleeker. However, it comes with the added frustration of fiddling around with often-finicky gestures.

Thankfully, the BlackShark V3 Pro has a wealth of buttons and knobs for, in my opinion, easier control. This also lends to its credence as a gaming peripheral. When I’m in the zone, I don’t want to mess around with gestures that might not even work.

The left cup has a dedicated power button, a microphone button, a USB-C slot, and a 3.5mm port (for both input and output). It also has a nifty knob for volume control.

Meanwhile, the right cup has an equalizer button, a noise cancelling button, and a dial to adjust the ANC levels. There’s also audio feedback that lets you know exactly what you’ve pressed.

I love this layout. Though you can argue that all these buttons seem like overkill, there’s just something about manually pressing buttons and turning knobs, especially when you’re focused on gaming. It’s like a palpable feeling of turning it to 11 that you just don’t get with gesture controls.

Premium for gaming, a step less for everything else

The BlackShark V3 Pro is a bass-leaning headset. That’s pretty much what you’d expect from a gaming-focused device. A premium on bass helps you feel the immersive thump of gunshots, explosions, and even simple footsteps.

Personally, I don’t prefer bass-heavy devices. However, this pair refreshingly does not tear with high bass level. It offers a pretty rich output for the deeper end of the audio spectrum. An extensive listening session of metal created thrumming breakdowns and heavy drum solos.

However, there’s a clear step down when it comes to treble. It’s only one step down, though, because I can hear that these cans are capable of impressive treble. However, the focus on bass can drown out the other end. I’ve tried adjusting the equalizer, but it made too little difference to elevate the experience for audiophiles.

Additionally, the soundstage feels more centered than immersive. This pair isn’t what I’d pick for long listening sessions. Then again, this wasn’t made for that. This shines more brightly for gamers.

With THX Spatial Audio, these headphones feel more alive during FPS gaming sessions. Another audio enhancement can amplify footsteps, too. The audio adjustment feels weird at first, but it does give a competitive edge for shooters. It’s also compatible with a few other games, including Civilization VII, which gave a pleasant auditory experience.

A much better mic than I expected

The BlackShark V3 Pro comes with a detachable microphone you can snap on to the 3.55mm port. As a pro gaming peripheral, the attachment is expected but not even necessary for a headset of this caliber already.

It’s a fairly decent, well-thought-of accessory. The audio input was, according to people I played with, clear for in-game comms.

Even better, the Razer Synapse app comes with its own equalizer just for the mic. If you need more control over how you want your voice to be broadcast, these headphones give a surprising level of customization. Being easily accessible through the app is a huge plus, too.

In terms of quality, I might still default to a dedicated external mic. However, if you don’t have one, Razer’s premium pair is a great alternative.

Battery good enough for almost two weeks

Razer promises that the BlackShark V3 Pro can last around 70 hours on a single charge. This is a fairly accurate prediction which aligned with how I used the headphones.

As I mentioned, I can withstand around five hours straight of using the headphones. By the end of the first week, I still had a lot of juice. And if I didn’t push it to my absolute limit, I could make this last even longer than two weeks.

Ultimately, the battery’s life depends on how you use the headphones, which differ greatly from person to person. And, at the end of the day, I had no problems with keeping the headphones connected to the long and braided wire.

Is the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro your GadgetMatch?

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is one of the most comfortable pair of headphones I’ve ever tried. It’s also a premium gaming peripheral that reflects its price point well at US$ 249.99.

Sure, you won’t get a pair of headphones worthy for an audiophile, which makes this a Swipe Left if you are. But as a gamer, these are more than what you need, which makes it a hardy Swipe Right.

As someone who’s both, I’d still give this a Swipe Right. My audiophile side already has a more balanced alternatives, after all. But the BlackShark V3 Pro is excellent as a tough-as-nails daily driver.