Gaming

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl then and now: A work in progress

It could be the perfect competitor for what it’s worth

Published

February 8, 2022

Gab Orlina

Back in October 2021, our childhood came calling with the release of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl for current and next-gen consoles. Safe to say, our favorite Nickelodeon stars want to step into the realm of fighting games that resemble something very familiar to everyone at this point. Of course, I even went out of my way to claim that this game is “Super Smash Bros. but with Spongebob and Patrick.”

Even early on, I wouldn’t be wrong about making that statement. From the gameplay, stage design, to battle strategies, it’s a Smash clone through and through. Yet, it supposedly finds ways to be a bit different than the very game it’s imitating. So, for this review, we’re doing things a bit differently to see whether this game truly is worth giving a shot.

Smashing your way to victory

In every basic aspect of platform fighting games, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is clearly much like Smash Bros. and I honestly don’t blame it for being that way. In terms of overall combat mechanics, it nails every basic command that seasoned Smash players know and love/hate. Of course, in both games, the aim of the game remains the same: fight to the death, last fighter standing wins… you know the drill.

6 KOs, though!

Although, there are things that All-Star Brawl does differently that makes it rather beginner-friendly on the onset. For starters, I felt there was less RNG built into this game with the lack of objects you can throw at each other. Instead, this game opts to include the objects as individual character projectiles, which you can defend against rather easily.

Who is the true master of karate?

Secondly, the stages you play in also offer a variety of easy-to-move-around battlefields to areas where you will surely fall off if you’re not careful. Also, there are stages with elements that can affect you and your enemies, but don’t instantly kill you in the most random way possible. With all of these, it allows new players to try and learn the ins and outs of the game without being a total rage-fest from start to finish.

Familiar faces to the 90s Nick kids

This is, in my opinion, the biggest selling point of the game: the characters themselves. Honestly, this game brought back so many memories of my childhood that fighting as either SpongeBob SquarePants or Danny Phantom brought a smile to my face. During its launch, the game had 20 playable characters from across 13 different Nickelodeon-owned franchises, which is a good number to start.

Original 20 characters from the game’s launch back in October

Each character has its own unique set of moves that reference their attitudes and behaviors in their own respective franchises. From Sandy Cheeks’ high-powered karate chop to Nigel Thornberry’s “mmm smashing, yes” techniques, the game represents these characters quite well. I mean, they even have that SpongeBob meme as a taunt, so that’s a win in my book!

Granted, of course, there are some characters from newer franchises added in there for a more diverse cast. After all, this is a kids game with the same premise as Smash Bros.; if kids grew up watching Nickelodeon instead of playing Nintendo games, this is one way to get them to play this game with their friends and family members.

Initial outlook after the hype

Overall, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl provides a rather similar take on platform fighting games like Smash Bros., but it tries to be its own thing. When you look past all the glaring similarities in game mechanics and stage design, this game presents a different experience solely riding on the cast of characters you have at your disposal. Sure, it’s not Mario vs. Pikachu, but you can recreate that SpongeBob vs. Patrick fight over and over again.

You can mix Timed and Stock battle rules together for quicker matches

I’m not exactly as high on it with other games because of the other title it’s competing against. I know it has a long way to go if it wants to compete against something like Super Smash Bros. two weeks into release. However, I still think that this is a good start for a game that wants to rival arguably the most popular platform fighting game of this generation.

Although, this was two weeks since release. I decided to play this game again after a few months, not knowing if anything had changed since then.

Four months later, how does it stack up?

To this game’s credit, four months later, it maintained everything I noted on since its release. In essence, it’s still a platform fighting game with Nickelodeon characters at center stage. This time around, there are things I’d like to call out after this game gained numerous patch notes and underwent several changes along the way.

Improved gameplay with all the patches

This game only allows a maximum of four players for all battle modes

If I’m being honest, early on, I felt that the games finished rather too easily or too quickly thanks in part to the gameplay mechanics. I noted several characters with attacks that seemed completely broken in terms of damage and hit boxes, that a timer simply didn’t matter. Also, some stages were not exactly easy to compete in, especially when literally anything can hit you (ehem, Powdered Toast Trouble).

With four months worth of patches, I genuinely felt the match times got a bit longer, the characters dealt balanced damage, but the maps still felt like a chore to move around. Of course, I felt this had to be done especially if there are characters that genuinely felt overpowered to use (SpongeBob and Ren and Stimpy, in my opinion).

Also, I want to touch on online play as well, considering I didn’t really do this within the first two weeks of launch. Honestly, I’m glad I started playing online now rather than before because of the gameplay improvements, plus I could actually queue with people this time.

But why keep the character count scarce all this time?

Although, one of the biggest gripes I had in the four months since I last played was the lack of new characters introduced. As of the time of writing, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl added a grand total of TWO new characters for free via DLC: Garfield and Shredder from TMNT. I understand that they worked on everyone else in between, but there were so many opportunities to include other characters into the roster.

Shredder from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; added to the game from the February update

On the top of my head, you can put Squidward Tentacles and Arnold in there, since they’re also iconic and rather popular Nickelodeon characters. Also, there are other storied franchises that deserve inclusion, with characters from The Fairly OddParents, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius, The Angry Beavers, and Chalkzone, among others.

Initial selection of stages from the game’s launch; hope they could add more later on!

Sure, there will be future updates that might have these characters in the pipeline, but I honestly felt that they could have done so much in four months. If you want to rival Smash Bros., beef up the roster to add more madness to the brawl!

So, is it worth playing all this time?

I said it before, and I’ll say it again: Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is a rather unique take on a platform fighting game mostly because of the characters you play with. In terms of the gameplay formula, Super Smash Bros. really set the tone for every other publisher out there that wants to create something similar. In essence, All-Star Brawl became another one of its clones that I still think comes close compared to others.

After playing this game again after four months, I would still call it a work in progress — and that’s a good thing. In terms of what it lacks compared to its rival, I think there’s still so much room to grow and so much time to do so. Gameplay-wise, it’s still exciting and heart-pounding (and possibly controller-smashing, too).

I still urge you to give this game a try, especially if you don’t have a Nintendo Switch and something like Brawlhalla doesn’t suit you. Yes, it still has a lot of catching up to do, but this game still deserves some recognition for doing things a bit differently.

Related Topics:Nickelodeon Nickelodeon: All-Star Brawl

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.