Gaming
Phantom Blade Zero looks incredible in Year of the Snake trailer
Flashy swordplay and more
After being showcased during a PlayStation State of Play, we’re now finally getting more details about Action RPG Phantom Blade Zero. In a Year of the Snake trailer, the game from Chinese publisher S-Game showcased a new boss fight, gameplay mechanics, and some snake-themed weapons.
Vs the Seven Judgments
A big chunk of the trailer focused on the main character, Soul, squaring off against the Seven Judgments who fight in a “sword formation”. Not too long after fighting in formation, you’ll notice that one of the seven differs from the rest. That one functions as the “heart” and coordinates the overall formation. When the Seven Judgments appear, they surround Soul in the positions of the Big Dipper constellation; the leader takes the key position.
Players must simultaneously handle multiple enemies while looking for opportunities to attack Decree, the heart of the formation.
The player must defeat Decree to complete this phase.
hen Decree takes damage, the other disciples will sacrifice their own health to heal him. If there are fewer than three disciples left, Decree will use his health to revive them. The collective health pool of all these enemies stays the same, meaning Soul must whittle them down one way or another.
The disciples are powered by a group AI. They coordinate attacks and launch multi-directional strikes.
Phase 2
After the first phase, three disciples ascend platforms and use red threads to manipulate a puppet, “Tyrannical Decree”, to attack Soul.
The enemies utilize a large range of motion, swinging across the arena with pendulum-like movements guided by the red threads. Their attack patterns are completely different from the previous ground battle. It requires precise timing for counterattacks. Chasing them recklessly may disrupt your rhythm and result in ineffective attacks.
Snake-Themed Weapons
White Python and Red Viper
A pair of swords of different lengths. The White Python is a long sword with wide, sweeping attacks. Meanwhile, the Red Viper is a short sword designed for precision strikes. The two swords can also be used in combination.
Gameplay:
- A dual-wield weapon with one long and one short sword.
- Emphasizes multi-hit combos with alternating attacks controlled by □ (short sword) and △ (long sword).
- Offers fluid combos and visually impressive moves, such as launching the short sword with the long sword.
- Excels in speed and quick transitions between offense and defense.
Venomous Softblade
A flexible sword that excels in countering and deflecting attacks. The soft blade’s flexibility allows it to wrap around joints, severing tendons and vessels.
Gameplay:
- Focuses on defensive maneuvers and counterattacks.
- Features unique blocking mechanics: hold L1 to block and press △ at the right moment to perform a perfect parry.
- Follow through with ripostes after a successful parry to massively cut down the target’s Sha-Chi gauge and shatter their defense.
New Phantom Edges
Savage Axe
- Charges for three powerful strikes, dealing heavy Sha-Chi damage to enemies.
- The charging process is slow and can be interrupted. That means timing is crucial.
- Three quick taps on R2 launches the same 3-combo attack without charging, but consumes more Sha-Chi.
Ink Cut
- Combo-oriented artifact. Its attacks can be chained together with Soul’s primary weapon hits to expand the overall combo.
- Serves as a key plot device and delivers unique effects in specific battles. (Don’t want to spoil the fun yet.)
Phantom Blade Zero will be playable on the PS5 and PC. The release date has yet to be announced.
Gaming
PRAGMATA release date, Nintendo Switch 2 availability confirmed
Preorders now open, free demo available too
Capcom has announced the official release date for upcoming sci-fi action game PRAGMATA. The title will be available on April 24, 2026 on multiple platforms.
Aside from launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, PRAGMATA will also be available on Nintendo Switch 2, as confirmed in a new trailer exploring the lunar cityscape.
Preorders are now available as well on all platforms. In addition, the Sketchbook Demo is now available on Steam and is coming to consoles soon.
The free public demo provides the opportunity to experience the title’s immersive setting and thrilling gameplay for the first time. It also includes fun extra surprises to challenge players.= and encourage repeat playthroughs.
As a preorder bonus, players will receive Hugh’s samurai-styled Neo bushido outfit and Diana’s ninja-inspired Neo Kunoichi costume.
Alongside the standard version, a Deluxe Edition will be available. This includes the Shelter Variety Pack, an assortment of alternate outfits for the two characters.
The Deluxe Edition also includes a weapon skin, emotes, extra background music, and an in-game library with 75 digital artwork pieces.
The new trailer expands what players know of the game’s environment so far, with the protagonists in what seemingly looks like a futuristic dystopian city. It shows Hugh and Diana both being chased by various opponents, as well as a bit of their dynamic together.
As for its gameplay, PRAGMATA will feature a dual-character control, enabling players to control both Hugh and Diana simultaneously.
Central to the action is a “hacking” mechanic but Capcom will enrich combat with a more strategic and exciting element unique to the title.
Square Enix has released a free demo for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade which is launching on January 22, 2026.
The demo is available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Players can carry their save data from the demo period over to the full game and claim the bonus items “Revival Earrings” and “Survival Set” in the process.
In addition, the game has Xbox Play Anywhere support. This means players can enjoy seamless progression across console and PC platforms.
Switch 2 users can enter the following codes to download the demo via the “Redeem Code” option on the Nintendo e-Shop:
- United States: D3GM3304HKQBB2VB
- Europe: D3GM3304HKPBB2VB
- Japan: D3GM3304H3DBB2VB
- Korea: D3GM3304H3CBB2VB
- Hong Kong and Taiwan: D3GM3304H3BBB2VB
- Southeast Asia: D3GM3304HY9BB2VB
Meanwhile, the free demo for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox for PC is available via this link.
Aside from the aforementioned platforms, the visually enhanced and expanded version of the original 2020 remake is already available on PlayStation 5, Steam, and Epic games.
What players can expect
In the demo, players can experience the game’s iconic opening chapter, in which the mercenary Cloud Strife and the underground resistance group Avalanche attempt to destroy a Mako Reactor powering the dystopian city of Midgar.
In their fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company, Cloud and his comrades are thrust into a larger conflict that will decide the fate of the planet.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade features improved graphics and performance. Aside from that, the game includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission.
This exciting additional story features fan-favorite ninja Yuffie Kisaragi as she embarks on a thrilling new adventure.
Players can expect expanded gameplay mechanics, refined combat systems, and immersive storytelling that deepens the lore of Midgar.
Square Enix has also released a new One-Winged Angel trailer:
Gaming
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro might be the comfiest headphones I’ve tried
The memory foam cushioning is divine.
Despite being a self-professed audiophile, I have always had a problem with wearing headphones the whole day. Sooner or later, the weight just becomes too much. So, when I saw the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro with its thick cushioning, it was love at first sight.
But will that love last?
Lookin’ like a succulent pork belly
Obviously, I’m exaggerating, but the head strap really does look like a pork belly because of how thick it is. And that’s not a complaint, either.
The BlackShark V3 Pro has one of the most comfortable cushioning I’ve ever experienced from a pair of headphones. Plus, both the head strap and the earcups use memory foam, so it feels like new every single time.
Over time, I can barely feel the headphones bearing down on the top of my head because of the thick cushioning. I lasted more than five hours before I felt anything. Even after taking it off for a spell, I was ready to get back into the game. For me, that’s an absurdly good record.
The earcups, on the other hand, fit perfectly. For reference, I have an average ear size. A lot of headphones I’ve tried often leave my ears in pain from all the flexing, but the BlackShark’s fit is just right.
A minimalist but elegant design
Besides the nice cushioning, the rest of the headphones exude that elegant look you might expect from more premium headphones. Except for incredibly subtle Razer branding and a thin ring of lime green around the mic button, there’s nothing to indicate that this is a pro gaming headset.
The earcups are connected to the strap via thin metal arms and a braided cable. The same arms offer 15-degree maneuverability to ensure the most comfortable fit.
Unfortunately, they don’t fold, so it’s harder to take these headphones outside. It’s a slight wrinkle in an otherwise stellar design.
Going back to analog
A lot of headphones today prefer using gesture controls over actual buttons and knobs. Getting rid of buttons does help make designs look sleeker. However, it comes with the added frustration of fiddling around with often-finicky gestures.
Thankfully, the BlackShark V3 Pro has a wealth of buttons and knobs for, in my opinion, easier control. This also lends to its credence as a gaming peripheral. When I’m in the zone, I don’t want to mess around with gestures that might not even work.
The left cup has a dedicated power button, a microphone button, a USB-C slot, and a 3.5mm port (for both input and output). It also has a nifty knob for volume control.
Meanwhile, the right cup has an equalizer button, a noise cancelling button, and a dial to adjust the ANC levels. There’s also audio feedback that lets you know exactly what you’ve pressed.
I love this layout. Though you can argue that all these buttons seem like overkill, there’s just something about manually pressing buttons and turning knobs, especially when you’re focused on gaming. It’s like a palpable feeling of turning it to 11 that you just don’t get with gesture controls.
Premium for gaming, a step less for everything else
The BlackShark V3 Pro is a bass-leaning headset. That’s pretty much what you’d expect from a gaming-focused device. A premium on bass helps you feel the immersive thump of gunshots, explosions, and even simple footsteps.
Personally, I don’t prefer bass-heavy devices. However, this pair refreshingly does not tear with high bass level. It offers a pretty rich output for the deeper end of the audio spectrum. An extensive listening session of metal created thrumming breakdowns and heavy drum solos.
However, there’s a clear step down when it comes to treble. It’s only one step down, though, because I can hear that these cans are capable of impressive treble. However, the focus on bass can drown out the other end. I’ve tried adjusting the equalizer, but it made too little difference to elevate the experience for audiophiles.
Additionally, the soundstage feels more centered than immersive. This pair isn’t what I’d pick for long listening sessions. Then again, this wasn’t made for that. This shines more brightly for gamers.
With THX Spatial Audio, these headphones feel more alive during FPS gaming sessions. Another audio enhancement can amplify footsteps, too. The audio adjustment feels weird at first, but it does give a competitive edge for shooters. It’s also compatible with a few other games, including Civilization VII, which gave a pleasant auditory experience.
A much better mic than I expected
The BlackShark V3 Pro comes with a detachable microphone you can snap on to the 3.55mm port. As a pro gaming peripheral, the attachment is expected but not even necessary for a headset of this caliber already.
It’s a fairly decent, well-thought-of accessory. The audio input was, according to people I played with, clear for in-game comms.
Even better, the Razer Synapse app comes with its own equalizer just for the mic. If you need more control over how you want your voice to be broadcast, these headphones give a surprising level of customization. Being easily accessible through the app is a huge plus, too.
In terms of quality, I might still default to a dedicated external mic. However, if you don’t have one, Razer’s premium pair is a great alternative.
Battery good enough for almost two weeks
Razer promises that the BlackShark V3 Pro can last around 70 hours on a single charge. This is a fairly accurate prediction which aligned with how I used the headphones.
As I mentioned, I can withstand around five hours straight of using the headphones. By the end of the first week, I still had a lot of juice. And if I didn’t push it to my absolute limit, I could make this last even longer than two weeks.
Ultimately, the battery’s life depends on how you use the headphones, which differ greatly from person to person. And, at the end of the day, I had no problems with keeping the headphones connected to the long and braided wire.
Is the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro your GadgetMatch?
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is one of the most comfortable pair of headphones I’ve ever tried. It’s also a premium gaming peripheral that reflects its price point well at US$ 249.99.
Sure, you won’t get a pair of headphones worthy for an audiophile, which makes this a Swipe Left if you are. But as a gamer, these are more than what you need, which makes it a hardy Swipe Right.
As someone who’s both, I’d still give this a Swipe Right. My audiophile side already has a more balanced alternatives, after all. But the BlackShark V3 Pro is excellent as a tough-as-nails daily driver.
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