Gaming

Now Playing: Death Stranding 2

Hideo Kojima comes back better than ever in this post-apocalyptic sequel

Published

June 23, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Death Stranding or, as I’ve seen it called, “the glorified Uber Eats simulator” still gets a bad rap today. When you add Hideo Kojima’s unconventional storytelling methods, you get a game that a good number of people will skip for more conventional games. However, falling into this way of thinking locks you out of the most cinematic experience you can get from the world of gaming today. If you missed out on the original game, then there’s absolutely no reason to miss out on the sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.

Back to work

The original game ends with Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) going off the grid to raise Lou, a Bridge Baby whom he freed from captivity in a pod. However, in a new America connected by a sweeping chiral network, disappearing for good is nigh impossible. Eventually, Fragile (Lea Seydoux), the head of a delivery company called Fragile Express, finds and recruits him for another task: connect Mexico to the chiral network, which he agrees to do.

When Sam finishes the entire connection, a new phenomenon called a Plate Gate shows up at the edge of the country. The Gate is a two-way portal connecting the North American continent with Australia. Drawbridge, the new organization created by Fragile, comes up with a new task: create the same chiral network in Australia, in the hopes of creating another Plate Gate to further connect more continents together.

A familiar task for fans of the original

Because it’s a fresh canvas, players are facing the same challenges as they did in the first game. Unconnected by a network, Sam must brave the harsh outdoors with a limited toolkit. Besides the terrain, he also has to face the perennial threat of timefall (a time-accelerating rainfall), BTs (ethereal ghosts from the other side), and hostile survivalists.

Most of the game’s runtime involves grueling climbs and long drives. The lack of action might turn off gamers who prefer more fast-paced games. In fact, the slower pace is the reason why the franchise’s detractors use “Uber Eats simulator” derogatorily.

Personally, the more methodical approach to traversal is part of the game’s charm. I spent nights hypnotically fulfilling deliveries across the entire continent. Before I knew it, it was way past my bedtime, and I barely made any progress in the main story.

Of course, that’s not to say that Death Stranding 2 lacks any sort of action. Heavily defended camps, scary BT-filled areas, and the threat of rainfall keeps players on their toes. Armed with a complete arsenal of weapons, the game features a variety of ways to tackle challenges. Plus, all of them feel well balanced. Regardless of whether you prefer to go guns blazing, silently, or to avoid hostiles altogether, the game satisfies with apt rewards for your chosen path.

Should we have connected?

Such is the tagline of Death Stranding 2. Connection is an integral part of the game. Though you won’t see other players in your own game, you can feel their presence in the world.

For example, at the start of the game, Australia does not have any paved roads. By pooling resources online, players can collectively contribute to paving parts of the continent’s road system. By themselves, roads can take a few thousand units of metal and ceramics. When pooled with others, finishing a road might take only a few hundred of each.

Additionally, structures built by other players might make their way to your world. While you’re in the middle of a long trek through the wilderness and are running out of battery for your vehicle, you might find a lone generator waiting down the road because it was put up by another player who went through the same journey. Similarly, any structures you put up will get the chance to help other players.

Despite not meeting other players directly, the world of Death Stranding 2, when connected online, feels like a world well lived in. This post-apocalyptic world doesn’t seem lonely at all whenever I get a notification that says someone used a shelter I built or someone upgraded a road I helped pave.

All that said, I believe that the best way to play Death Stranding 2 is online. Outside of the game’s actual difficulty settings, online play is the real easy mode. Regardless, it only complements the entire point of connecting people.

Choosing the lonely road

On the flipside, going offline is a more challenging way to play. Because you’re not getting structures built by other people, you’ll have to do everything yourself, which costs more materials and takes more time.

I’ve tried both offline and online play. Though I still prefer online, I can see the appeal of going offline. Doing so definitely changes the way you think about the game. Each delivery order I took necessarily came with the question of “do I have enough materials or weapons to survive a long trek?”

It’s a more difficult game mode that further emphasizes the game’s survival aspect, but it doesn’t make Death Stranding 2 any less accessible. The game is just as enjoyable without the constancy of connection.

The most cinematic game I’ve ever played

Anyone who follows Hideo Kojima will know that he’s a fan of more obtuse storytelling. In fact, it will take more than a few videos to completely recap the events of the first Death Stranding. The sequel is no different, but the story is much more explosive and heartfelt this time around. Each beat of the plot is rendered with so much impact and emotion that it’s hard not to feel anything by the time the credits roll.

Even moments that straddle the edge of whimsy are complementary to the story’s intensity. As is typical of Kojima, there are scenes where characters burst randomly into a dance number. Normally, serious creators would shy away from the ludicrous. However, Kojima is one of the very few creators who doesn’t mind getting silly and who can make silliness work in a more serious setting.

Everything just works. Admittedly, there are a few twists that almost broke the suspension of disbelief. There are also a few philosophizing moments too contrived for my mind. But it’s still a complete package for a thought-provoking story.

It also helps that the cast consists of incredibly talented actors such as Norman Reedus, Lea Seydoux, and, debuting for the series, Elle Fanning. While the performances of the first game were brilliant in their own right, the production is much more advanced for this sequel. You can sense every emotion and wow at every action-packed scene.

To top it all off, Kojima recruited Woodkid to do the game’s soundtrack. Unfortunately, the previous game’s lead, Low Roar, passed away during the sequel’s production. Thankfully, Woodkid is more than enough to cover the long sequel and amplify the game as an emotional masterpiece.

Is Death Stranding 2 your GameMatch?

Prior to playing Death Stranding 2, I held Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a clear Game of the Year winner with the potential to sweep a huge swath of the available awards. I don’t think that now.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the best games I’ve ever played. With its methodical gameplay and its cinematic story, the game is an experience. However, much like anything Kojima has ever come up with, it’s an experience that you have to try for yourself. And yes, I do recommend that you try it. It’s a masterpiece.

Related Topics:Death Stranding Death Stranding 2: On The Beach featured Hideo Kojima Kojima Productions PlayStation Studios

Gaming

realme 15 Pro named official M7 World Championship gaming phone

realme keeps foot on mobile gaming gas pedal

Published

October 4, 2025

GadgetMatch

realme continues to keep their foot on the gas pedal when it comes to mobile gaming.

The smartphone company’s realme 15 Pro 5G has been named official gaming phone of the M7 World Championship, which is the latest iteration of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang flagship global tournament.

Aside from its powerful cameras, the 15 Pro also features a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, GT Boost, and a 144Hz display.

Moreover, the phone has a 7000mm² Airflow Vapor Chamber to ensure it delivers on pro-level mobile gaming performance.

It also has a 7000mAh battery and supports Bypass Charging to for long sessions, including for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

On the local front, realme Philippines has already opened registrations for the realme Regional Wars 2025.

The nationwide tournament presented by Converge ICT Solutions Inc. pits the country’s top collegiate teams against one another across four regions: NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

After regional eliminations, the top two squads will advance to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and Grand Finals.

The champion team earns the right to represent at the Campus PlayFest 2025 Group Stages, where they will compete against the top universities in Manila.

The Regional Wars Competition is open to students aged 18-22 with teams required to come from the same university or school.

Prize pot for the regional tournament is at PhP 200,000 plus realme 15 Pro units for each member of the champion squad.

Gaming

Digimon Story Time Stranger: Back to the digital past

A (personally) nostalgic Digimon return

Published

October 2, 2025

Rodneil Quiteles

I came into Digimon Story Time Stranger already excited. Trailers and previews gave me flashes of a Digimon game I once played during a summer at my relatives’ house. I spent every waking moment of those two weeks trying to beat it — though I never did.

I don’t even remember which Digimon World title it was, but I was hooked. My aunt used to call me out for playing before I’d even had breakfast. That memory stayed with me, and this new entry in the franchise instantly felt like a chance to relive it.

I’ve had less time than I’d like with the game since getting the review code, so think of this more as a review-in-progress. But I’ve played enough to know it’s worth talking about.

Time travel and the inferno

The story sends your protagonist eight years into the past. Your role is to unravel the events that led to the “Shinjuku Inferno,” a catastrophe that left the world in ruins.

Not rolling credits yet actually helps here since it keeps things spoiler-free. What I can say is that there’s enough happening in the early hours to keep you intrigued. Things ramp up gradually. The mystery of what caused the Inferno pushes you along, and the more you progress, the more you want to connect the dots.

The characters I’ve encountered so far didn’t immediately latch on to me. I couldn’t fully identify with or feel invested in them. That does dampen how eager I am to move forward with their arcs, but it doesn’t take away from the pull of the central mystery. The looming Inferno itself is strong enough to keep you curious.

The joy of collecting

The monster-collecting gameplay loop is the real hook here — it’s addicting and built for completionists.

You begin by picking your first Digimon partner. From there, the system opens up. Every time you battle a Digimon, you add to your scan percentage of that species. At 100% you can convert it into a new companion, but waiting until you’ve scanned 200% guarantees you’ll get the Digimon at its max possible stats.

Digivolution is the next big mechanic. Each Digimon has multiple evolution paths that depend on its stats and level. For example, a Koromon can evolve into Agumon, Guilmon, Dracomon, and more. This branching evolution system encourages experimentation. You can also go backward through de-Digivolution, which not only helps with strategic flexibility but also lets you work toward completing your full Digimon compendium.

If your roster starts to get crowded, you can fuse duplicates to enhance another Digimon or break them down into digital currency. It’s another loop that feeds back into progression.

With over 450 Digimon available, there’s more than enough here for players who love collecting, refining, and tweaking their party until it’s perfect. The loop is layered and rewarding — not just about “catching them all,” but about shaping the collection into something uniquely yours.

Strategy meets nostalgia

Combat in Digimon Story Time Stranger doesn’t try to be revolutionary, but it’s polished and layered enough to feel engaging. If you’ve played JRPGs from the late ‘90s and early 2000s, this will feel instantly familiar.

Dungeons are where you’ll encounter hostile Digimon. By pressing R2 (on PS5), you can attack first to gain the upper hand. If your party completely overpowers the enemy, you’ll defeat them instantly. Otherwise, you’ll be pulled into the turn-based battle arena.

The backbone of combat is the type triangle: Data beats Vaccine, Vaccine beats Virus, Virus beats Data. On top of that, elemental affinities add another wrinkle to keep you on your toes.

Your bond level with your Digimon plays a big role too. The closer you are to them, the more likely they are to perform quick follow-up attacks. These little assists can swing momentum in your favor and give combat a more dynamic flow.

There are also quality-of-life touches that stand out. You can swap party members mid-battle without losing a turn, which makes tactical adjustments painless. And with a flick of the right analog stick, you can speed up combat animations — a small feature that makes grinding far more bearable.

The system feels like a culmination of mechanics you might have seen in Persona 5 and Shin Megami Tensei. It’s not redefining the genre, but it knows what works and sharpens it in smart ways.

A Saturday morning cartoon come to life

What struck me most about Time Stranger is that it feels like playing a Saturday morning cartoon. From the colors to the tone to the music, the whole package captures that vibe.

The anime-inspired visuals are sharp and bright, with Digimon designs that pop. I also had a personal chuckle at the protagonist customization options — the red-haired male and short-haired female were exactly how I might’ve designed them myself.

The soundtrack deserves mention too. It changes with each location, sometimes even from room to room in the same house. Every track is thoughtfully matched to the scene and the mood.

There’s also optional DLC music. The pricing feels a little steep, but seeing Butter-fly from Digimon Adventure included was almost enough to convince me. It’s one of my all-time favorite anime songs, and hearing it in the game would push the nostalgia factor even higher.

Is Digimon Story Time Stranger your GameMatch?

Playing Digimon Story Time Stranger has felt like reliving that summer memory — the excitement of discovery, the satisfaction of raising Digimon, and the pull of wanting to see what comes next.

It isn’t trying to reinvent anything, and that’s part of its charm. Instead, it offers a polished, nostalgia-driven JRPG that rewards the time you sink into it. The story pulls you in even without a standout cast. The monster-collecting systems are rich and addictive. The combat strikes a balance between old-school comfort and modern convenience.

For me, it became a welcome contrast. I had just come from another game’s bloody revenge quest, yet I felt just as thrilled hopping into this time-traveling, monster-collecting adventure. One scratched my itch for grit. The other gave me wonder and comfort.

If you ever spent a summer glued to a Digimon game, this will take you back instantly. And if you’re new to the franchise, there’s more than enough depth here to keep you invested.

Verdict: It’s a Swipe Right.

Gaming

Unboxing: Ghost of Yotei Collector’s Edition

The Collector’s Edition captures that spirit in every piece

Published

October 2, 2025

Rodneil Quiteles

@gadgetmatch Unboxing the Ghost of Yōtei Collector’s Edition. #MatchPlay @PlayStation @Sucker Punch productions ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Ghost of Yotei isn’t just a game you play, it’s a story you carry with you. The Collector’s Edition captures that spirit in every piece.

Front and center is a full-scale replica of Atsu’s Ghost mask — cast in resin, sized to match Jin’s mask from Ghost of Tsushima, and ready for display on its own stand. Place them side by side and you’ve got a legacy in the making.

You also get Atsu’s sash, stitched with the names of the Yotei Six. It stretches a full 71 inches and feels right at home draped across your wall or pulled into a cosplay.

Then there’s the replica Tsuba from Atsu’s katana — the twin wolves forged by her father, now forged for your shelf.

The set goes beyond display pieces, too. Inside the box you’ll find a pouch of coins with rules for Zeni Hajiki, letting you play the same game of skill Atsu does in her journey. There’s a papercraft ginkgo tree with a wolf at its base, and a set of four art cards that capture the game’s heart in frameable snapshots.

And of course, all of this comes with the Digital Deluxe content and a digital copy of the game itself.

The Ghost of Yotei Collector’s Edition will retail for $249.99 | €249.99 | 31,980 JPY. For Southeast Asia, pricing is SGD 318.90 / MYR 969 / IDR 3,349,000 / THB 7,449 / PHP 11,490 / VND 5,799,000.

This isn’t just a bundle of items — it’s a tangible extension of the story, crafted for fans who want to keep Yotei alive long after the credits roll.

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