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

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.