There’s a significant chunk of video games over the last 20 years that I missed. One of those is the Monster Hunter franchise. I love me some monster-slaying adventures so I tried to squeeze in some time to check out the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta Test and I had fun.
For the unfamiliar, the franchise is pretty straightforward. First launched in 2004, Monster Hunter is all about building your own character and teaming up with others to hunt down beasts twice, thrice, and even five times your size.
In the Beta Test, players are able to play the opening chapter of the game plus another mission. As I played towards the end of the time frame, I was only able to finish the opening chapter. Despite that, I still had a good time.
Character Creation
One of the reasons I took a while to get going is character creation. I wanted to fine-tune as much as I could and even posted a poll on my social accounts asking which hairstyle I should go with.
Like my approach with most games with character creation these days, I tried to model my character after my wife of delusion, Momo Hirai of TWICE. This dance goddess is currently sporting a blonde bob look so I went with that, also matching her garb with how she appeared in the “Identity” music video of their sub-unit group MISAMO.
It took me about an hour to get through all of that. I’m still not completely happy with the character model but I had already spent over an hour in character creation that I just decided to move on.
Visually striking
One of the first things I noticed is how visually striking the game is. When I first chanced upon one of its early trailers, I wasn’t particularly impressed with how it looked. But seeing it running on an LG C2 + PS5 combo, I was impressed.
It’s also mostly because many of the cutscenes had to run in-engine instead of being straight up video files. The character you created is rendered flawlessly along with the other characters that will play a role in your playthrough.
My hope is that the final build of the game looks just as good, if not better, when it officially launches.
Action-packed opening
Without spoiling anything, I can say that the opening chapter of the game offers a balanced serving of some lore, plenty helpings of action, and for newcomers like myself, a fair bit of tutorial.
I enjoyed that you get to choose the weapon that fits your play style. I went for an agile-type my first go round, but I’m also pretty curious about how the other weapons will handle. Depending on my mood, I like to switch-up play styles when I can and I love that this is game that lets me do that.
The controls don’t take a lot to get used to, especially for someone like myself who has had to jump from game-to-game for reviews.
Overall, I found my quick playthrough fun, exciting, and it has definitely left me wanting for more.
More Beta test schedules
PlayStation 5 version: Those who are not subscribed to PS Plus can also participate.
Xbox Series X|S version: Those who are not subscribed to Game Pass Core or Ultimate can join as well.
Event Date and Time (GMT+8):
November 15. 2024 (Friday) 11:00 AM to November 4, 2024 (Monday) 10:59 AM
Note: Pre-download is scheduled to start on 31st October 2024 (Thursday) at 11:00 AM.
Monster Hunter Wilds is set for a February 28, 2025 release. It will be available on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Special Edition DualSense and PS5 cover
The game will also feature a Special Edition DualSense control and PlayStation 5 cover. The DualSense looks like a non-shiny edition of Volcanic Red with markings related to the game. Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5 cover comes in black with minimal Monster Huntermarkings on the bottom if the PS5 is in standing position.
Starting on November 22, 2024, players from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam will be able to pre-order the controller from select retailers for SGD 119 / MYR 419 / IDR 1,549,000 / THB 2,890 / PHP 4,890 / VND 2,399,000.
The DualSense wireless controller — Monster Hunter Wilds Limited Edition will be available from February 28, 2025. It’ll release alongside the much-anticipated game. Availability may vary by country/region, so be sure to check your local retailers.
Monster Hunter Wilds is now available for Pre-order:
PS5 version:
- Singapore: https://store.playstation.com/en-sg/concept/10005176/
- Malaysia: https://store.playstation.com/en-my/concept/10005176/
- Thailand: https://store.playstation.com/en-th/concept/10005176/
- Indonesia: https://store.playstation.com/en-id/concept/10005176/
- India: https://store.playstation.com/en-in/concept/10005176
Steam version: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2246340/Monster_Hunter_Wilds/
Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-sg/games/store/monster-hunter-wilds/9NMT6XFN0LVD/0010
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.
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.
SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now
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.
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