Gaming

SCARLET NEXUS First Impressions: Technological dystopia

BANDAI NAMCO’s take on an anime-style, cyberpunk RPG

Published

June 10, 2021

Gab Orlina

I knew BANDAI NAMCO mostly from their incredible work on classic games like PAC-MAN and TEKKEN. In fact, I grew up playing their games quite a lot, whether with family members or with some friends. To this day, they’re still producing a decent amount of games across both current and next-generation consoles and the PC.

This time around, they’ve ventured into an action RPG mixed with a little bit of “brain punk” as they described it. They called this game, “SCARLET NEXUS,” and it’s set for release for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and the PC. Now, I gave the demo a shot to see just how everything will turn out.

Short, sweet, and action-filled

In total, the entire demo took about 30 minutes to finish, which for a demo isn’t that long. At the start, you even get to choose which main protagonist you want to roll with, for a good reason too. Apart from the same tutorial section, you actually get to play a different main stage design. I honestly thought it would be the same all throughout.

Character selection screen for SCARLET NEXUS

Regardless, gameplay immediately picks up after a short tutorial session, and I found myself just having a blast. Honestly, the controls are pretty easy to understand and master after a few combat sequences so the learning curve isn’t steep. Plus, part of the combat mechanics includes the SAS, which grants access to additional attacks and abilities.

SCARLET NEXUS

It’s a gameplay style I’ve come accustomed to with other RPGs in the last few years. Even for a short demo, action looks quite fast-paced and reaction-heavy on some occasions. Also, you can add onto that a bit of exploration with the vast level design, so combat feels more loose and exciting to mess around with.

Visuals suited for the time

If you’re planning to get the version for the PC or next-gen consoles, the design for the demo is amazing. I have to give credit to BANDAI NAMCO for integrating some apt lighting fixtures in Kasane’s demo level, further emphasizing the technological wasteland in the background. Although, I think that this will also be present in the PS4 and Xbox One versions but not as prominent.

Also, like I mentioned before, the demo levels are quite vast, which also aids in the exploration aspect. I noticed that they scatter some items across the whole level, ranging from healing items to items that aid in combat. In some instances, these items were well-hidden in some of the nooks and crannies of the level.

Of course, it isn’t just in the overworld visuals that I’m amazed at, but even in some of the cutscenes in between combat and exploration. The cartoony, comic book-style animations mixed in with some techno-punk were nice touches. I could feel that there was a lot of love given just to this department alone.

Worth all the waiting?

If I could sum up my initial impressions on SCARLET NEXUS, it’s an RPG that I truly enjoyed even for 30 minutes. Honestly, the biggest culprit for this goes to the gameplay mechanics that feels so great to execute, and you take a short time learning everything. Packed with some incredible visual design, I think this game has potential to be a favorite for this year.

One of the things I am looking forward to later on is the storylines we’ll be working with. The demo doesn’t really touch on plot points that you could do mental gymnastics with. Although, it does reveal that you play with different NPCs instead of taking on the enemies all by yourself. Nonetheless, I feel that it’s something worth diving into when the full game comes out.

SCARLET NEXUS will be available on June 25.

Gaming

Switch 2 finally gets a Choose Your Game bundle

Choose from Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia.

Published

May 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

When the console launched, Nintendo fans had only two options when buying a new Switch 2: the console by itself or packaged with Mario Kart World. Since then, Nintendo has very occasionally released more bundles for more games. Finally, a new bundle will let you pick your bundled game from three hard-hitting options.

The best way to buy a new console is through a bundle. It allows you to save a few dollars on a game you’re probably buying anyway and lets you play right as you unbox your new purchase.

Today, Nintendo announced a new bundle that adds more options for gamers. These options include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokémon Pokopia. The bundle lets you pick one.

As someone who’s played all three games, this selection isn’t too shabby at all. In fact, they’re the best first-party games you can currently get for the console.

It’s also a cost-efficient purchase that gives you more savings before the price of a new Switch 2 goes up in September. It’s likely that Nintendo introduced the option to soften the blow of the upcoming price hike.

The bundle will cost US 499.99. Being the most expensive game of the bundle, selecting Mario Kart World will save you US$ 29.99. Meanwhile, both Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Pokopia will save you US$ 19.99.

The Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle will come out in early June and will be available until supplies last. If you’re still craving for a Switch 2, this might be the perfect time to grab one.

Gaming

SEGA/ATLUS, animate launch year-long collaboration featuring popular IPs

Fairs, live music events, more to be held, featuring globally-renowned SEGA group franchises

Published

May 11, 2026

GadgetMatch

SEGA/ATLUS and animate have officially announced a massive, year-long global partnership. This shall bring the gaming giant’s most iconic franchises to over 140 retail locations worldwide.

Marking the first cross-regional collaboration of its scale for both companies, the project is set to feature a rotating lineup of eight major IPs from the SEGA Group.

This includes titles from group companies like ATLUS and Rovio Entertainment. The featured franchises will be rolled out in phases.

The initiative kicks off in June 2026 with Sonic the Hedgehog taking center stage. Then, it will be followed by PUYOPUYO, HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE!, the Persona series, and the highly anticipated Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Moreover, the schedule continues through early 2027 with spotlight events for Yakuza / Like a Dragon, Angry Birds, and the classic Sakura Wars.

The project includes animate stores both in Japan and overseas (including locations in China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.).

Fans visiting will experience a mix of limited-time exhibitions, exclusive merchandise, hands-on gameplay sessions, and “Cafe Gratte” collaborations.

The massive partnership is part of SEGA’s “Transmedia Strategy” which aims to expand its IPs beyond the digital screen and into the daily lives of fans.

Leveraging animate’s extensive retail network definitely creates an immersive experience for fans of different franchises under SEGA.

The festivities begin June 6, 2026, with the Sonic “Only Shop” and Fair. Fans are encouraged to check local animate listings for specific event dates and regional availability.

For the full schedule, including dates, locations, and activities involved, visit this microsite.

Gaming

The Switch 2 is getting more expensive this year

The price increases will start this month.

Published

May 11, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Gone are the days when consoles get cheaper as time goes by. These days, especially because of the RAM crisis, gaming consoles are getting more expensive. Joining this worrying trend, the Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price hike.

Even upon launch, the Switch 2 was already pricier than its original counterpart. Currently, without the incoming price hikes, the console retails for US$ 449.99. It’s a lot but not completely out of reach.

Last week, Nintendo announced a price hike that might push the console to less than attainable levels. Starting May 25, the Switch 2 will cost JPY 59,980 (up from JPY 49,980) in Japan. The original generation is also getting a hike: JPY 47,980 for the Switch OLED, JPY 43,980 for the base Switch, and JPY 29,980 for the Switch Lite.

Abroad, you can expect price hikes on September 1. The Switch 2 will jump to US$ 499.99, CAN 679.99, or EUR 499.99, depending on where you live. These are the only official hikes announced right now, but Nintendo has confirmed that price revisions will be implemented in other regions, too.

As you might expect, the price increases are due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Though the console is an undeniable hit, the Switch 2 can’t hide behind its popularity against the price shortage dealt by unnecessary data centers. At the very least, users worldwide have time to grab the console in its original pricing before the hikes.