Sonic X Shadow Generations Sonic X Shadow Generations

Gaming

Sonic x Shadow Generations: Celebrating the blue speedster

Best game to jump back into Sonic

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I was in the middle of my early playthrough when I realized that Sonic x Shadow Generations is my first proper Sonic console game since the Sonic The Hedgehog game on the SEGA Genesis. Yes, it’s been that long. Especially if you don’t count that one mobile game released some time in the early to mid 2010s. 

It has been a while. A long while. And I was more than pleasantly surprised with the gameplay I got from Sonic x Shadow Generations. To a certain extent, it felt like catching up on the games I missed while also experiencing something completely new. 

Double Feature 

Sonic X Shadow Generations

Sonic x Shadow Generations is a double feature. In one game you play two versions of Sonic. In the other, you play the powerful Shadow. 

Both games pick up from a birthday party featuring Sonic and friends. Naturally, something sinister happens and it’s up to Sonic and Shadow to uncover what happened and to save everyone. However, they’re doing it on two different fronts. 

Sonic is more direct. In his game, the more levels you beat, the more friends you set free. Meanwhile, Shadow is chasing after Doom’s Eye – a Star Fish-like figure with an eye in the middle. 

What ensues is a whole lot of running and speeding that require some clever platforming.

Need for Speed… and patience 

The Sonic Generations part of this double feature will see you needing to beat stages twice: one as Classic Sonic and then another as Modern Sonic. 

Since Classic Sonic is the only one I really had experience with, I was getting S Ranks like it was nothing. I felt transported back to the days playing the game on the SEGA Genesis my uncle owned back in the day. It was fun, exhilarating, and a nice nostalgic experience for me. 

It was with Modern Sonic that I had trouble with. With Modern Sonic, you tackle the exact same level but now it’s a shifting 3D stage as opposed to the pretty straightforward side-scroller that was the Classic Sonic run.



I was getting C and B ratings after each run and it was, admittedly, quite frustrating. It took a few more tries to get to an A rating. 

My reflexes have, unfortunately, aged and it just couldn’t keep up with the speed needed to cleanly clear the stages. I imagine it won’t be as difficult for most people, but I had trouble timing when to press the right buttons to take down enemies and obstacles especially when I boosted Sonic up with Turbo. 

That said, it was still a fun challenge to go through. The stages were all designed to ensure that there’s not just one way to complete them. 

No matter what game you’re playing, I’d wager getting used to the speed and timing of the controls might take some getting used to. Unless your reflexes are insanely good. 

A modern Sonic platformer 

Sonic X Shadow Generations

Shadow Generations felt the most modern out of every experience here. It took everything from the Sonic Generations, tightened some mechanics, added some new ones, and dropped in gameplay that would be unique to Shadow. 

As mentioned in the game’s prologue, Shadow was engineered to be a superior being. That being the case, you have access to abilities like freezing time. It’s a fantastic mechanic that adds a really good wrinkle to the platforming that you have to do. I’m getting ahead of myself. 

Surprisingly, I had an easier time adjusting to Shadow Generations. Overall, I felt the stages and obstacles were better paced compared to the Modern Sonic counterpart. 

The level design was clearer, and it was relatively easier to see and figure out the different routes available to you throughout the stages. I even retried stages a couple of times to see which path would yield the faster result. 

It’s not necessarily easier. In fact, you’re having to juggle more things as Shadow vs as Modern Sonic. But the way the stages are laid out, it was easier to time certain button presses. 

Sonic X Shadow Generations

There are also stages where you really have to decide which route to take and it’s not just the straightforward quick decision that you usually do. Some of it will have you launching Shadow from one area to another to grab collectibles or, ultimately, finish the stage faster. 

Is this your GameMatch? 

We’re embracing our matchmaking ways and rating games as varying degrees of Swipe Left, Swipe Right, or Super Swipe. Sonic x Shadow Generations is definitely a Swipe Right. 

Sonic x Shadow Generations offers a unique blend of Sonic-style speedy platforming experience. There’s enough here both for newcomers and experienced Sonic game players. The stages are challenging without being overly frustrating. In fact, they’re so good, you don’t feel too much of a fatigue from running through the stage again to see if you can beat your own score or rating. 

For dedicated Sonic fans, this might even be a Super Swipe. There’s enough replayability and unique to Sonic and Shadow mechanics here to add it as one of the best platformers in your game library. 

Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

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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.

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Gaming

Petit Planet launches December 4

HoYoverse’s cozy life sim arrives soon

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Petit Planet

HoYoverse will launch Petit Planet, its first cozy galactic life simulation game, on December 4, 2026. The game will be available on PC, iOS, and Android, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for 2027.

The announcement was made during the Petit Planet Pre-Launch Special Program on November 1. HoYoverse also revealed more details about the game’s characters, gameplay features, and launch events.

Build a planet and meet new Neighbors

In Petit Planet, players take on the role of Planet Tenders who travel across the Starsea with Oumuamua, a Starsea Spirit said to listen to people’s wishes.

Each player starts with their own planet, where they plant a Luca Seed that grows into a Luca Arbor. This tree gradually shapes the planet’s landscape, seasons, and ecosystem.

Players will also meet various Neighbors, including Planet Coordinator Mobai and Starsea Racer Elsasani. Getting to know these characters allows players to develop friendships and discover their individual stories.

Beyond their home planets, players can explore scattered Islets across the Starsea. They can also visit the Galactic Bazaar to play games, participate in auctions, and share their creations with others.

Launch events offer free rewards

HoYoverse has prepared several events to celebrate the game’s launch.

Players can enter a pre-registration lucky draw through the official website for a chance to win prizes. Regular gameplay will also offer more than 1,000 clothing and furniture items for free.

The Besties, Made to Match! event rewards players who invite two friends to pre-register. Each participant will receive an exclusive clothing item.

Starting November 1, the Launch a Planet event will let players design their own planets through the official event website. Participants will also have a chance to win surprise grand prizes.

The first Petit Planet Seasonal Creation Event will begin alongside the game’s launch. Selected fan creations can win cash prizes, in-game rewards, and official merchandise.

Players can also visit the game’s official X account after the special program to receive a Moving Guide and join a giveaway featuring a suitcase, gift cards, and an exclusive luggage tag.

Pre-register for Petit Planet

Petit Planet is now available for pre-registration on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Epic Games Store. Players can search for the game on these platforms to pre-register and receive a notification when it launches.

The game arrives globally on December 4, 2026, for PC, iOS, and Android. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.

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FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

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It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.

The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.

But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.

Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.

The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.

At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.

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