Gaming

Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream revives the SAO universe magic

For fans of the franchise

Published

January 30, 2025

The first time I ever watched Sword Art Online all those years ago, I remember thinking: this will probably be a real game someday.

Looking back, I guess you could say that was quite an understatement. Over the years, Sword Art Online evolved into a massive franchise not only spawning more seasons for the show but also a number of games across various platforms.

But the latest addition to its game library, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, is special because I’d like to think it’s one for the fans.

Revisiting the SAO universe

In Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, your task is to investigate Galaxia — a new realm that appears within Alfeheim Online.

Galaxia is a mysterious void that holds fragmented and distorted memories from the different eras of the Sword Art Online universe. Quinella, the self-proclaimed Administrator, makes a return and is set up as the game’s main antagonist, (but also a playable character) seeking to manipulate these memories and reshape the world to her liking.

Your task is to restore balance to Alfheim Online by purging the corrupted memory, confronting Quinella, and, unraveling the connections between this new realm and SAO’s virtual worlds.

Revisiting memorable scenes, battling alongside characters from different arcs, and exploring nostalgic locations — this, for me, is the game’s real draw and why I believe Fractured Daydream is bursting with nostalgia.

There are 21 playable characters. Expect high-speed and agile melee DPS with Kirito and Asuna (no surprises there). Tanks like Lisbeth and Alice offer some solid front-line defense, while magic users like Leafa bring their own flair.

And then the gun users like Llenn or Sinon bring a change of pace if you’re tired of hacking and slashing and want a bit more precision in your fight.

Unexpectedly, there are in-game purchases for character clothing, weapon skins, and more. Much like most MMOs, some are seasonal or limited-edition and may have you reaching for your credit card.

As for the combat system, though clunky at times, it hits a sweet spot of slight strategy and button mashing. It’s nothing unfamiliar; beyond your basic attacks, each character has their own special abilities and ultimate skills. You can switch between characters in your party at any time which keeps things fresh since you do get unique abilities for each.

Co-op is its strength and weakness

While story mode will take you through some of the series’ memorable scenes and events, soon enough, you’ll find yourself spending more time exploring or battling in raids. That’s because one of the key highlights of Fractured Daydream is its 20-man co-op battles.

It sounds daunting but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Whether it’s a raid or dungeon, you’ll be faced with a big boss at the end. This is where the chaos kicks in and you’re thrown into a pit of slashing swords, flying fairies, a multitude of colorful lights, swirls, and what have you.

If you’re smart about it, the experience isn’t just hack-and-slash; you can chain attacks with other players for a damage boost. However, I still think it’s hard to set off intentionally because honestly, there’s just so much going on.

It’s fun to see all the chaos, though.

But while it is one of the major highlights of the game, its co-op system is a bit of a double-edged sword.

Co-op challenges

When the game first launched, it was easy to hop or start a co-op session because of the number of players available. A few hours of playtime were enough and most often the case during the first days/weeks of play.

I’m an adult however and life got in the way. I took about a week off from playing and came back to a quieter world.

It wasn’t impossible but it was significantly harder to match with other players for raids and co-op battles. I’m not entirely sure why, but it could be because many active players have leveled up and moved on to tougher content. Or maybe it’s simply a case of fewer active players as time has passed.

This is where the game’s dependence on co-op becomes a bit frustrating for solo players like me. To unlock higher-tier dungeons and bosses, you need to defeat lower-tier ones first — and doing that solo isn’t really an option.

I get the reason for the dependence on co-op: it’s integral to SAO and its lore. But it’s definitely harder for solo players like myself. Thankfully, I do enjoy exploring more than raiding and have ended up leveling my characters there if I get too impatient to get matched for a co-op session. It’s a slower burn but it works for me.

But if you’re jumping into Fractured Daydream now, my advice is simple: find some friends if you want to level up faster.

Get ready for the grind

Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream isn’t reinventing the wheel for MMOs here and yup, you’re going to have to grind and repeat.

As a casual JRPG and MMO player, I knew what I was getting into, but there were moments when the grind in Fractured Daydream felt especially routine. It takes a bit of work to level up as you push through the game and the deeper you get into it, the more you’ll feel the repetitiveness of the combat and the gameplay — especially if you’ve cleared the story and have nothing else to do.

For me, the game turned into something where I’d log in, knock out my dailies, maybe squeeze in some exploration if I was in the mood, and then jump into a raid if the timing was right. Afterward, I’d log off and repeat.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing. This kind of grind is built into the fabric of the game. Not having a high-level character doesn’t stop you from enjoying, and there’s no pressure to achieve big progress in a short amount of time.

You can log in, get some playtime in, and log off without feeling like you’re missing out on massive chunks of content — one of the game’s strengths.

Familiar formula with a twist

At its core, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream is just another MMO. It fits a formula we’ve all seen before: unlock, level up, quest, grind, co-op, repeat. But, as I said earlier, if you are a fan of the franchise, this game will serve you a lot of nostalgia.

The multiverse concept works – whether it’s in Marvel or Alfheim – there’s something undeniably appealing about seeing characters from different arcs and timelines come together.

It’s not the fault of the game for leaning into the grind — that’s just what MMOs and JRPGs are to a certain extent. But Fractured Daydream lures you with its cast of characters and chaotically enjoyable co-op and raid battles.

What impressed me was how it managed to merge multiple arcs of the SAO universe into one cohesive experience. As a fan, it was deeply satisfying to see characters from different timelines interact and revisit iconic scenes and locations.

Should you play Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream?

Some have gone as far as saying that this is the best Sword Art Online game so far but I probably wouldn’t be on that camp just yet. It is a very good SAO game and a much-needed follow-up after years of waiting for a new title.

In the end, Sword Art Online: Fractured Memories is in no way revolutionary as a game but is sure one heck of a ride for fans of the franchise. It celebrates what we love about SAO and gives you a chance to experience the story all over again from a different perspective. And it’s enough to make this game work — grind-y or not.

Gaming

Wild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback

K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER

Published

November 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

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.

Gaming

Petit Planet launches December 4

HoYoverse’s cozy life sim arrives soon

Published

November 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

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.

Gaming

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

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.