Gaming

I played Mario Kart World and it was a full-throttle race to the finish

It’s the most intense Mario Kart yet!

Published

April 4, 2025

Mario Kart World is everything you love about Mario Kart, but crazier. From new characters to fresh game modes, it takes what we know and pushes it further. And let me tell you, I had no idea what I was in for.

First things first, character selection. The roster is massive, featuring all the familiar faces plus some unexpected new ones — including, believe it or not, a literal cow from Moo Moo Meadows.

Yes, I actually raced as the cow on my first go. The new vehicles look super glossy, and picking one is much simpler now. No more choosing a glider.

If you are in the air, you automatically get wings. If you hit water, your kart just turns into a boat. No fuss, no overthinking.

Knockout Tour

The real difference is the number of players. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe had 12 racers. In Mario Kart World, there are 24.

Imagine the amount of bumping into each other, the amount of objects flying around, the constant shifting of your position. It is crazy.

One second, I was in fourth place, feeling good about myself. The next thing I knew, I had dropped to 16 or 17. If you are not careful, you can go from leading the pack to fighting for your life in an instant.

After some test runs in handheld and docked mode (shoutout to my friend, Enebong, for the friendly competition), it was time for the real deal.

We were all ushered into a big room with 24 players standing side by side, ready to test out the new mode called the Knockout Tour.

This is how it works. There are six races back-to-back. No breaks. At each checkpoint, there is a cut.

First, you have to finish in the top 16. Then the top 8. Then the top 4. Once you get to the final four, it is a battle for first place.

I would love to say I dominated, but that would not be true. Every round, I just barely made the cut.

I was never at the top, always just scraping by. When I made it to the final four, I was in fourth place. But somehow, when it mattered the most, I got to first and held my lead till the end. I still do not know how that happened, but I am not complaining.

Beyond the racing, there is something completely unexpected. Mario Kart World introduces an open-world concept. Think Forza Horizon, but with Mario.

Instead of being stuck on a track, you can roam around, interact with NPCs, and explore. I did not get enough time to figure everything out, but there are tasks, coins to collect, and maybe even some hidden surprises. I am curious to see what you can actually do with those coins.

Bonus adventure

Just when I thought I was done, I also got to play Donkey Kong Bananza. It is best described as Super Mario Odyssey, but with Donkey Kong as the lead.

He is fully dressed this time, and the whole game is centered around mining for gemstones. You smash things, hurl obstacles, and collect ores, all leading to the ultimate prize — a banana-shaped diamond.

I played through both levels of the demo, and I already know I want more. It has that platformer style I enjoy, but with more brute force. There is something so satisfying about just smashing your way through a game.

Shaking things up

Mario Kart World is going to be a very exciting game to play, whether you are just messing around with friends or taking on the Knockout Tour.

The 24-player madness, the way you can lose your lead in a blink, and the open-world exploration all make this something I can see myself coming back to again and again.

And if Donkey Kong Bananza is any indication, Nintendo is cooking up some really good stuff this year.

Now if you will excuse me, I need to schedule my next Mario Kart night. See you on the track.

Related Topics:Mario Kart Mario Kart World

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.