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

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.