Gaming

Steam introduces a new notepad feature

Plus new in-game overlays

Published

April 28, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Back in the day, I had a notebook for all my games. That notebook contained guides, cheat codes, and to-do lists — basically, a lot of easily accessible information while I’m playing. Now, my phone or a second monitor do the same thing. Of course, it’s just not the same. In a new update, Steam is working on bringing back that same magic.

Today, Valve released a new update for Steam Client Beta. In the new update, the platform overhauled in-game overlays. In a nutshell, the new overlays will streamline everything a gamer might need while playing. For example, Steam now easily shows achievements and guides straight from the overlay — much like how PlayStation displays information. If you’re an achievement hunter, having the list of achievements should make hunting easier.

More importantly, the Notes app will make personal notes much easier to read while playing. Notes will sync per game and across all devices. Plus, with the new overlay system, users can pin notes right on top of their game. If you need easy-to-see information, the new app will make things accessible.

It’s not just limited to notes, too. Users can also pin guides, discussions, and even Steam’s web browser. Technically, you can watch a YouTube video or a stream on Twitch if you are so inclined.

Of course, these features are incredibly useful for those who have only one monitor. Even if the use for the feature diminishes with more than one monitor, the new overlay system should still be a big contribution for gamers.

The new features are only available on the beta program for now. If the platform’s testing goes well, it should roll out to everyone, too.

Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth coming early 2024

Second of the Remake trilogy

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to excite gamers even more for its 2024 release in Asia on PlayStation 5.

The Summer Game Fest 2023 trailer previewed the title’s gameplay. It also showed story elements and its expansive world that players can look forward to experiencing starting in “early 2024.”

Thanks to Square Enix’s previous easter eggs, it can be expected that there will be new characters with more action outside of Midgar. This mimics the feeling players of the original game. The world opened up following the events that transpired in Midgar.

The trailer also showcased new combat mechanics. Characters like Yuffie and Red XXIII were seen doing team-up attacks. Our main girls Tifa and Aerith were also shown doing the same.

Though yet to get an exact release date and price, the second entry to the Final Fantasy VII remake project is already anticipated by many. Oh and something that caught people’s eyes — the end of the trailer says Rebirth will have two (2) discs.

It will continue the story in Final Fantasy VII Remake, which has earned tremendous praise from players and critics globally.

The first of the remake trilogy garnered more than 20 perfect scores. It also became the highest-selling digital release on PlayStation in Square Enix’s history.

Watch the trailer.

Gaming

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown announced

A fresh take on a legendary franchise

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Ubisoft has announced Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a new action-adventure title to be released on January 18, 2024. It will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One. It will also be on Windows via Ubisoft and Epic Games.

The brand-new adventure which is a fresh take on the legendary franchise. It was announced at Ubisoft’s Summer Game Fest live showcase.

It will feature Sargon, a young gifted warrior who is part of an elite group called The Immortals.

The group is tasked to rescue Prince Ghassan, and they will explore Mount Qaf. It is a cursed and hostile place that was once wondrous. It is here where Sargon and the rest discover a treacherous foe they must defeat to restore balance in the world.

Well-represented culture

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown lets players explore a Persian mythology-inspired world at their own pace. This includes everything from the Citadel of Knowledge to the Hyrcanian Forest.

Along the way, players will acquire time powers to unlock unique abilities for combat. Sargon will then delve deeper into Mount Qaf to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and complete side quests.

The game also highlights original soundtrack created by Iranian-born composer Mentrix, who mixes traditional with modern to guide players from one environment to another.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of Ubisoft’s upcoming titles that will be previewed during its Ubisoft Forward conference on June 13.

Gaming

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Release date, pre-order revealed

Be Greater. Together.

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

The release date of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has been revealed. The much anticipated sequel will drop on October 20 for PlayStation 5.

The game will come in Standard, Digital Deluxe, and Collector’s editions, for the following prices

Standard Edition

Singapore: SG$ 97.90
Malaysia: MYR 299
Indonesia: IDR 1,029,000
Philippines: PhP 3,490
Vietnam: PhP 1,799,000

Digital Deluxe Edition

Singapore: SG$ 109.00
Malaysia: MYR 399
Indonesia: IDR 1,179,000
Philippines: N/A
Vietnam: N/A

Collector’s Edition

Singapore: SG$ 318.90
Malaysia: MYR 969
Indonesia: IDR 3,349,000
Philippines: PhP 11,490
Vietnam: PhP 5,799,000

Pre-orders will start on June 16 in all participating retailers and PlayStation stores.

The Digital Deluxe edition will include the game, all pre-order incentives, as well as 10 unique suits – five for each – additional Photo Mode frames and stickers, and two additional skill points.

For hardcore fans, the Collector’s Edition includes a voucher for the Digital Deluxe Edition, as well as a Steelbook case, and an extraordinary, high-quality 19-inch statue featuring both Spider-Men battling Venom.

Explore New York as both Peter, Miles

In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, players will get to experience Marvel’s New York as both the protagonists. The main storyline will have them take both Spider-Men at different points of the campaign.

As players explore Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, fan-favorite villains like Venom, Lizard, and Kraven will threaten them, and it’s up to them to utilize Peter and Miles’ new abilities to win.

Eddie Brock isn’t Venom

Another sort of big reveal is that Venom won’t be Eddie Brock which is how it initially played out in the original comic books. Insomniac Games Creative Director confirmed as much at the Summer Game Fest 2023.

“It is not Eddie Brock, our goal was to tell an original story something you haven’t seen in the comics and the movies yet,” said Intihar.

Watch the clip.