Pokémon Legends: Arceus Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Gaming

Pokémon Legends: Arceus review: A must-try for newbies and oldies

An open world adventure that did not disappoint

Published

on

For a franchise that’s just as old as I am, Pokémon continues its streak of producing either entirely new games or remastering older ones for the Nintendo Switch. At the tailend of 2021, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl were released, bringing the Nintendo DS classics to older fans and new players alike. Little did we know that these releases set the stage for an exciting new game to kickstart 2022.

I was genuinely excited about Pokémon Legends: Arceus based on what the trailers showed us early on. For a game in this storied franchise to suddenly drop the linear playthrough and give you an open world experience in its totality is breaking tradition, if you will. In previous games, they gave us just a taste of what it would be like, but it’s only just a small portion in a rather formulaic game style.

Did this shift from tradition proved to be the game changer Nintendo wanted? Would this game finally convince some of you to buy a Switch? Let me put it this way:

Arguably the most unique game in the franchise

I don’t mean to repeat the headline, but this is the most unique game in terms of basically everything Pokémon-related. Honestly, the gameplay alone sold itself to be entirely different from how most people play every other game in the franchise’s history (with the exception of a few games). To its credit, the only thing it relatively maintains from the other games is that the storyline progresses in a linear fashion even without gyms and an Elite Four.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ overworld, beaming with color

Right off the bat, the game just throws you into the open world aspect of it that easily resembles the Wild Area from Pokémon Sword and Shield. There’s a rather long tutorial session that spans across the first few main objectives for the ins and outs of the game, which is pretty fine. Basically, you get to explore the world of Hisui or Sinnoh in the traditional times and meet all kinds of Pokémon right away — even strong ones.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Every Pokémon game requires that you battle wild Pokémon!

Also, the tall grass makes a triumphant reappearance in this game — even in the old times. Although, that’s not where you will find wild Pokémon unlike what every other game has conditioned you to think. In essence, this game will recondition your brain and make you question why the existing games operate the way they do, and the tall grass isn’t the only thing.

Beginner-friendly and also for the Pokémon-savvy

I believe that every Pokémon game ever released has beginner-friendly elements to it, suitable for total newbies to the franchise. With every game, it starts off quite easy to digest and the difficulty rises with higher level Pokémon (Alpha or not) spawning and tougher Frenzied Pokémon the further you progress. As mentioned earlier, there are no gyms or Elite Four members to get through to prove you’re the best Pokémon trainer in the region.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Choosing your starter Pokémon as a staple in every Pokémon game

If you’re a huge fan of the entire franchise, everything you’re looking for is also in Legends: Arceus. From catching all sorts of Pokémon to battling and evolving them, it’s classic Pokémon through and through with less trainer battles and more items to collect. During this period of Pokémon history, people and Pokémon didn’t necessarily get along the way they do in modern times.

Battling Frenzied Pokémon instead of gym battles

However, a lot of things are different to keep up with the times of the game. One of the more obvious changes is that you can craft Potions, Poké Balls and other nifty items through materials in the overworld. Also, other things they changed include some of the status conditions, like Drowsiness and Frostbite. Maybe in Hisui, it was normal for Pokémon to sleep, instead of being put to sleep. Oh, did I mention there’s fall damage in this game?

An open world game with meaningful side quests

Now, I’ve played a ton of open world-style games in the past, and one of the things I noticed in all of them was the side quests. These are rather optional tasks that you can just accomplish any time you want, and usually the rewards are not as exciting as you might think. I’m quite happy to report that Pokémon Legends: Arceus nails that rewarding aspect while also introducing some lore in there.

The Bothersome Bidoof side quest that grants you a Rare Candy to level up your Pokémon

Most side quests in other games give you materials for crafting items or in-game currency to upgrade tool power. As a standard in every Pokémon game, side quests give you either useful items or special Pokémon to use on your journey (in-game trades technically count). In this game, there are specific side quests that literally give you Shiny Pokémon for free and even access to other Legendary Pokémon if you play any of the previous releases.

These quests were honestly fulfilling to accomplish for the rewards you get. Plus, some side quests are essential when filling in information on the Pokédex for certain Pokémon, so there is an incentive to accomplish them. It’s a total package of main quests and side quests that contribute to the totality of Pokémon lore in the Hisui region, and I’m all for it!

Fan service for Generation 4 diehards

Again, this game came out almost two months after the release of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the remakes of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl that took place in the Sinnoh region. Legends: Arceus takes us back in time to the old days of Sinnoh, when people still deemed Pokémon as natural threats and they’re still trying to coexist “peacefully.”

The fight with Dialga/Palkia on Spear Pillar — reminiscent of Diamond and Pearl

So it doesn’t come as a surprise that most of the locations in Legends: Arceus are similar to the ones you find in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, but without modern advancements. Diehard fans of the Generation 4 games (including Pokémon Platinum) will get a kick of discovering the drastic changes to some of the locations in these games like Sandgem Town, Veilstone City, and Spear Pillar (Temple of Sinnoh).

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Cogita mentions the Red Chain, an item that Team Galactic’s Cyrus uses in the Gen 4 games to summon the Lake Trio

Also, this extends to most of the characters you will meet along the way when playing the game. Honestly, I’ve seen way too many videos on YouTube detailing the ancestry of several characters in the modern games that were featured in Legends: Arceus, and these were mind-boggling. Imagine creating an entire franchise for 25+ years, and still adding so much lore in the process for people to subscribe to!

Greatest origin story yet

In my opinion, Pokémon Legends: Arceus just feels like the perfect start to 2022 for the Pokémon franchise. Sure, it tackles the past of the Sinnoh region and features both old and new Pokémon in the mix, which is pretty standard for most “new” games. However, this was an entirely different experience than what a lot of fans are used to, and it’s a welcomed change.

The thing about this game, too, is that even after going through the main story, there’s so much to do in the post-game. Most open world games contain an epilogue that offers closure, but isn’t as long and expansive as how Pokémon games do it. With Legends: Arceus, the story and the journey doesn’t stop with (spoiler alert) beating Dialga or Palkia at the temple.

So far, this is the greatest Pokémon origin story the franchise has ever produced, and the gameplay offers an entirely fresh take on the Pokémon formula. This is something old and new fans will surely enjoy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to catch the God Pokémon — and yes, spoiler alert, too!

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Gaming

IKEA, Xbox launch nine-piece YXSTABY gaming collection

Gaming inspired furniture

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

on

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.

SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now

Continue Reading

Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending