NBA 2K26 NBA 2K26

Gaming

NBA 2K26 review: Pick and pop maestro

Notable improvements in shooting, aesthetics

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NBA 2K26 feels like a third-year NBA pro finally coming into his own. The game has slowed down for him, and he knows how to pick his spots.

In NBA 2K’s third year of ProPlay, players move more naturally, shooting is all skill, and everything looks sharper. The game itself is like a pick and pop maestro — set a solid screen, slide into open space, and let it fly with a smooth stroke. Nothing but net.

Out of Bounds

NBA 2K26

I spent most of my time in MyCareer. Spike Lee returns to direct the prelude, Out of Bounds, and it’s easily the best story mode in the last five years.

Quests are tighter this year. Side stories still branch off the court, but they finish with plays on it. None of that runway or selfie nonsense — just cleaner progression.

The prelude also has memorable characters that stay with you through your first months in the league, plus fun callbacks and cameos from players you faced early on.

I still wish we got more nicknames than just “MP.” I get the live player callouts make it tricky, but even two or three options would help. I miss the days of Freq and Prez.

NBA 2K26_20250901070603

Microtransactions are still part of the game. That won’t change anytime soon. But like in 2K25, you can build a player to around an 80–83 overall and stay competitive without dropping too much VC.

Pick and pop

Shooting is completely different from 2K25. With RNG gone, it’s all about timing. I rolled a shooting-focused build for the first time in years and had a blast.

It gets tricky with defenders closing in since your release window changes depending on their ratings. But that feels true to how basketball actually works.

NBA 2K26

Under the rim woes

Layup timing needs work. Too often, even light contests bother wide-open looks. It doesn’t match the balance shooting currently has.

Shifty operator

Movement feels looser and more reactive. If the defense reads your first move, you’re no longer locked in. Cancel out, pull up, or explode to the rim.

Certified stopper

Defense also strikes a good balance between ratings and stick skills. With decent stats, you can hold your ground and stay in front of most players.

The 2K23 to 2K24 jump felt jarring. But the progression from 2K24 to 2K25 to 2K26 is smooth, like ProPlay is maturing with the game.

Perfect form J

Presentation finally feels modern. Lighting is the biggest leap — players react to it naturally, arenas have depth, and crowds feel alive. It’s no longer just “more sweat” jokes.

Beyond the court

MyTeam now includes WNBA cards, letting you build rosters with both NBA and WNBA stars. MyNBA and MyGM don’t add much beyond small quality-of-life tweaks, like adjusting player positions.

The WNBA mode is still waiting for its breakthrough moment, but I’m keeping an eye on it. I’m thinking of doing another KPop girl group as WNBA players when I have more time on my hands. Perhaps featuring LE SSERAFIM and a couple more girl groups to complete a roster.

Replay value gets a boost from MyNBA Eras. You can revisit the 2000s and 2010s, but I wish 2K would let us jump into specific seasons. Imagine rewriting history — Kobe vs. LeBron in the 2010 Finals, Steve Nash’s Suns finally winning, or J-Kidd and Vinsanity grabbing a ring.

That means securing more rights to former players. I’ve given up on Reggie Miller and Charles Barkley, but there’s hope with recent returns like Blake Griffin.

NBA 2K26

Another wish: bring back a Hall of Fame/Legends Mode. Past years had the Jordan Challenge and Mamba Moments. Why not give Carmelo Anthony the spotlight this year, letting us relive his 62-point Garden night? Every year has legends worth celebrating.

Is NBA 2K26 your Game Match?

NBA 2K26

A quick note: we’re carrying over our playful way of saying what’s worth your time — a seal of approval of sorts — into game reviews.

  • Swipe Up means it’s highly recommended.
  • Swipe Right means recommended, but maybe not for everyone.
  • Swipe Left means not recommended.

NBA 2K has long been my form of therapy, and 2K26 is no different. For me, it’s a Swipe Right. The gameplay improvements over the last three years are real and noticeable.

Yes, it’s still an annual release. Yes, it can feel like the same game. But NBA 2K26 continues to adapt to the way basketball is actually played today.

If you’re a casual fan, wait for a sale — that’s when 2K offers the best value. But if you’re itching for hoops, this year’s game is more polished than it’s been in a while.

NBA 2K26 doesn’t drain every shot, but when it sets the screen, pops free, and gives you that open look, the release feels smoother than it has in years — and when it clicks, it’s nothing but net.

Gaming

The Blood of Dawnwalker launches September 3

With new gameplay, story details

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The Blood of Dawnwalker

Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco Entertainment have revealed a fresh wave of details for The Blood of Dawnwalker, confirming its release on September 3, 2026.

The upcoming dark fantasy open-world action RPG is headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, with pre-orders now live across digital storefronts and retail. The announcement came alongside the game’s “Road to Launch” event, which packed in new gameplay footage, story reveals, and system requirements.

Story, gameplay, and a deeper look at Vale Sangora

A new story trailer introduces key characters surrounding protagonist Coen, a Dawnwalker caught between humanity and vampirism. Set in the fictional Vale Sangora in the Carpathian Mountains, the game leans heavily into choice-driven storytelling, where allies, enemies, and outcomes shift depending on player decisions.

Rebel Wolves also showcased over 10 minutes of gameplay captured from a recent PC build. The footage highlights narrative-driven exploration, where uncovering secrets and completing activities can unlock abilities or alter how events unfold. The core idea is simple: every action carries consequences, shaping both the story and the state of the world.

Developers including Piotr Kucharski, Daria Bury-Zawada, Maciej Wiśniewski, and Dorota Rutkowska also broke down key systems and design philosophies in a new dev diary.

Motion capture, editions, and system requirements revealed

A behind-the-scenes segment featured former UFC champion Jan Błachowicz, who contributed motion capture work for Bakir, one of the game’s antagonists. His involvement adds a layer of realism to combat, with a focus on weight and impact in every strike.

Rebel Wolves also detailed multiple editions of the game. Alongside the standard digital version and retail Day One Edition, players can opt for the Eclipse Edition, which includes bonuses like a world compendium, soundtrack, and comic book. A Collector’s Edition will also be available in limited quantities.

Official PC system requirements were likewise shared during the event, giving players a clearer idea of what hardware they’ll need to run the game.

A dark fantasy journey shaped by choice

Set in 14th-century Europe during a time of war and plague, The Blood of Dawnwalker follows Coen’s struggle against Brencis, a powerful vampire lord ruling over Vale Sangora. As a Dawnwalker, Coen walks a fine line between two worlds, gaining unique abilities while dealing with the cost that comes with them.

Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game emphasizes player agency, blending open-world exploration with branching narrative paths. Whether forming alliances or facing off against enemies, every decision feeds back into how the story unfolds.

The Blood of Dawnwalker launches September 3 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

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Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demo out now on Switch 2 and Xbox

Free demo now live

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is making its way to more players, and you can jump in right now.

Square Enix has released a free playable demo for the acclaimed RPG on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Better yet, your progress carries over to the full game when it launches on June 3, 2026.

The demo includes Chapters 1 and 2, giving players a substantial slice of the experience right from the start.

A look at the opening chapters

Chapter 1 revisits one of the most pivotal moments in the story — the Nibelheim incident. You take control of a younger Cloud alongside Sephiroth as they investigate a mysterious outbreak of monsters. It’s a story beat longtime fans will recognize, but still hits hard with its modern presentation.

Chapter 2 opens things up. Cloud and the crew step into the Grasslands, where the game starts to flex its scale. Expect a mix of combat encounters, exploration, side activities, and even the in-game card battler Queen’s Blood.

Combat blends real-time action with command-based strategy, now enhanced with Synergy Abilities. The demo also introduces “Streamlined Progression” options like unlimited HP/MP and faster ability unlocks, letting players focus more on the story if they choose.

Pre-orders and physical bonuses

Pre-orders are now open across platforms, with a 20% discount available until June 10, 2026.

Digital editions come with in-game bonuses like Summoning Materia, armor sets, and accessories. Meanwhile, early buyers of the Nintendo Switch 2 physical edition get a little extra — a collectible Magic: The Gathering–Final Fantasy Zack Fair card featuring variant art by Tetsuya Nomura, available while supplies last.

Preparing for the final chapter

Set beyond Midgar, Rebirth follows Cloud and his allies — including Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII — as they pursue Sephiroth across a wider world. New companions like Yuffie and Cait Sith join the journey, adding more personality and dynamics to the party.

Already released on PlayStation 5 and PC, the game has racked up over 125 perfect review scores and more than 40 Game of the Year awards. With its arrival on Switch 2 and Xbox, the remake trilogy is now nearly fully playable across modern platforms.

That puts more players in position for what’s next: the third and final installment, which is currently in development.

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Gaming

Level Infinite launches Gangstar Mirage City exclusively in PH

A blend of high-speed street racing, exploration, more

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Level Infinite has launched a brand new mobile title exclusively available in the Philippines: Gangstar Mirage City.

Players can enjoy a blend of freedom, action, and dynamic gameplay in the free-to-play multiplayer open-world mobile game.

It is set in a near-future metropolis of Rooklyn, where thrilling action, player choice, and unpredictable moments collide.

Mirage City is the latest chapter in Gameloft’s renowned Gangstar franchise, with more than 250 million registered users.

It brings an expansive open-world gameplay to mobile, powered by high-fidelity graphics and detailed environments tailored for mobile play.

At its core, Mirage City is about freedom. As such, players can alternate between story-driven content and free-form exploration. They can navigate the city, build an empire, and define a personal journey.

There’s high-speed street racing, explosive encounters, and dynamic city events. Moreover, there is deep customization across vehicles, properties, and lifestyle, plus a wide range of activities in-game.

Being a Philippines-exclusive, title, the open-world RPG supports Tagalog text as well to bring the experience closer to its audience.

For now, the game is available for download via Google Play for Android devices.

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