Gaming

Red Dead Redemption (PC) review: A faithful port

Play the original in its best available version

Published

November 15, 2024

Luigi Leonardo

Like the prequel that came after it, Red Dead Redemption is a quintessential title that typifies its generation – which, in this case, is the PlayStation 3. Now, after more than a decade, the classic cowboy game has finally arrived on the PC. But, two generations removed from the original, how does the PC port fare on today’s hardware?

Port vs. remaster vs. remake

If you were to pick, which of these three is the best for today’s hardware? The answer, of course, depends on the game. While some titles can use an overall remake, most title can make do with a simple port or remaster.

Red Dead Redemption is clearly a port. It does not have updated graphics or newly introduced gameplay mechanics. It’s the original game playable on a PC.

That said, the classic doesn’t really need a new introduction. Now, it can do with a fresh coat of paint to match up against the prequel’s more realistic graphics. What we got is enough, though. It’s the PlayStation 3 version but with unlocked graphics options. You can now play the game at higher resolutions and smoother framerates.

There’s nothing quite like playing an older game at 60 frames per second. It’s an absurdly smooth experience, especially for a dated game. Plus, if you have a large monitor, exploring the Wild West is satisfyingly immersive.

Mouse and keyboard support is mostly a win

Because it was exclusive to the PlayStation 3, Red Dead Redemption was built for controllers. One of the benefits of creating a PC port is the addition of support for mouse and keyboard. For a game that relies heavily on gunplay, a mouse makes aiming completely trivial, even without the time-slowing Dead Eye ability.

However, there are some elements that don’t translate well on a keyboard. For one, navigating menus still relies on the arrow buttons.

Also, some controls need a bit of gymnastics to pull off. For example, sprinting with a horse requires players to tap the Left Shift button repeatedly. It gives your pinky finger a workout. Thankfully, you can rebind keys immediately, but it does take some getting used to.

Alternatively, the game can seamlessly transition between a gamepad and the mouse/keyboard combo. I had both connected to my PC while I was playing: a controller for riding a horse and a mouse for aiming. I didn’t experience any input lag when switching between them.

A brief introduction

For the uninitiated, Red Dead Redemption is still one of the best series set in the Wild West. The first game puts players inside the boots of John Marston, a bounty hunter tasked with hunting down the remnants of his old gang.

Like every game in the extensive library of Rockstar Games, the title features an immersive experience in its setting. Players can wrangle cows, participate in horse races, and play poker in a saloon.

Immersing yourself in the Wild West is already a draw in itself. However, the franchise’s biggest attraction is its story. More so than the Grand Theft Auto series, Red Dead Redemption has a compelling story that can hook you after every beat in its story.

The plot starts off with John facing off against Bill Williamson, the first of his former gang. Brutally unprepared, John gets shot immediately. A passing rancher mercifully saves John before he bleeds out, leading to a long journey to fight his way back to Bill’s front door.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

Red Dead Redemption belongs in the gaming world’s hall of fame. It’s an absolute must-play. However, the only drawback is its price as a full game. Despite being more than a decade old, you still need to pay as much as a brand-new game.

Now, if you’ve never played the game in its original format or just want to re-experience it in a smoother framerate, the PC port offers the best version of the game available today.

Gaming

Kingdom Hearts IV gets new trailer, confirms Switch 2 release

Collection [I~III] launches October 8

Published

June 11, 2026

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, offering another look at Sora’s next adventure and confirming the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Alongside the update, the company announced that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] will launch on October 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Pre-orders are now open, while a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available starting today.

Kingdom Hearts IV returns

The new trailer offers another look at Quadratum, the mysterious city first revealed when Kingdom Hearts IV was announced.

According to Square Enix, Sora will encounter new characters, visit new worlds, and awaken new powers as the next chapter of the long-running action RPG series unfolds.

The publisher did not announce a release date for the game, saying more details will be revealed in the future.

Kingdom Hearts IV will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Collection bundles the series’ major releases

Square Enix also confirmed that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] brings together Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind in a single package.

The collection includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts III, and the Re Mind DLC, alongside several movie and cutscene compilations.

The release marks the arrival of native versions of these titles on Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, the games were available on Nintendo’s platform through cloud versions.

Free demo available now

Players can download a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind starting today.

The demo includes the opening portion of the game through Olympus, with save data carrying over to the full release. It also features a separate section set in Toy Box, the Toy Story-inspired world, although progress from that segment will not transfer.

Players who purchase the collection or Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind will receive platform-exclusive Keyblades. Nintendo Switch 2 players get Long Night, PlayStation 5 players receive Midnight Blue, while Xbox Series X|S players receive Phantom Green.

Digital pre-orders on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also include 48-hour early access for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.

Gaming

Final Fantasy fans have two big reasons to look forward to 2026

HD remasters and HD-2D

Published

June 11, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Final Fantasy X-X2 | Final Fantasy Resonance

The latest Nintendo Direct delivered a pair of announcements for Final Fantasy fans, with Square Enix confirming the arrival of classic remasters on Nintendo Switch 2 and unveiling an all-new HD-2D adventure.

First, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy X HD Remaster and Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster are coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23. Both physical and digital versions will be available.

The release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original Final Fantasy X launch in Japan. It also gives longtime fans and newcomers another way to experience two of the series’ most beloved RPGs at home or on the go.

Square Enix also released a new trailer alongside the announcement.

Final Fantasy Resonance launches this October

The bigger surprise from the showcase was Final Fantasy Resonance. It is the first HD-2D title in the Final Fantasy series.

The game launches on October 22, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Steam version arrives a day later on October 23.

Square Enix will also offer a Digital Deluxe Edition with the base game and additional in-game items.

A Collector’s Edition is planned as well. It includes the game, an artbook, a soundtrack, and a promotional Final Fantasy Trading Card Game card.

A modern take on a classic Final Fantasy formula

Square Enix describes Final Fantasy Resonance as a celebration of both classic and modern Final Fantasy. The game combines retro-inspired HD-2D visuals with a strategic turn-based battle system that adds modern mechanics to the traditional formula.

Players can expect familiar series staples including chocobos, espers, and airships. The game will also feature appearances from iconic characters such as Cloud Strife, Tidus, and Warrior of Light.

While Resonance draws from the first story arc of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Square Enix says it is far more than a direct port. The title has been extensively rebuilt into a full-fledged console RPG experience.

More details about Final Fantasy Resonance will be revealed closer to launch.

Gaming

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen to launch on October 9

A massive expansion and a two-phase roadmap revealed

Published

June 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

Capcom has officially announced Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, a massive new expansion slated to launch on October 9.

Arriving as a complete bundle, the title will mark the franchise’s highly anticipated debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, while simultaneously launching as separate expansion DLC for players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

The Dark Arisen expansion aims to enrich the base game’s dynamic fantasy world with three goals in mind: enhanced gameplay, expanded adventures, and enticing value.

Update roadmap underway

To prepare the realm for the expansion, Capcom has laid out a comprehensive, two-phase update roadmap for the base game:

Title Update 3.1: Focuses heavily on immediate quality-of-life improvements, most notably more significantly accessible map traversal through highly requested Eternal Ferrystone.
Title Update 3.2: Shifts focus toward system and engine adjustments; patch will deliver crucial performance and frame rate improvements, introduce additional save slots, implement system-level save adjustments, alter Dragonsplague mechanics, and further refine pawn and enemy actions.

Three major additions coming

When the expansion officially drops in October, players will be able to dive into a wealth of brand-new content built to push the Arisen to their limits:

Forsaken Dominion: Players will travel to Norgan, a frozen, long-abandoned northern region of Vermund blanketed in heavy snow. Home to savage hordes and creatures of immense power, the Arisen must team up with an enigmatic figure named Eir to uncover the dark secrets of an undying Fallen Dragon.
The Relic System: Defeating monsters and exploring the icy wastes of Norgan will yield powerful, hidden spoils of war known as relics. Taking these back to the Norgandian Settlement for appraisal unlocks high-tier gear boasting enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities.
Lost Rites Dungeons: For those looking to truly test their mettle, the expansion introduces 12 unique dungeon challenges. Overseen by the Pathfinder, these trials task players with clearing deadly gauntlets to reclaim legendary, dormant treasures once wielded by past Arisens.

The robust character creator is also receiving an update with a fresh wave of hairstyles and tattoos via Meszeteres Cosmetics, giving players even more ways to personalize their Arisen and Main Pawn.

Pre-order bonuses and editions

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen will be available in both digital and physical formats. The standalone Switch 2 release will include both the base game and expansion content right out of the box, while existing owners on PS5, Xbox, and PC can simply purchase the separate expansion DLC.

Players who pre-order the digital version or secure an early physical copy will receive the Explorer’s Camping Kit, the Dragon’s Dogma Music & Sound Collection, and the exclusive Norgan Fashion Set: Northern Attire.