Gaming

SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada looks promising and demanding

Survival of humanity through AI

Published

October 1, 2024

Gab Orlina

A world set in the future can mean two things. Either the world is about to achieve some level of utopia or is trying to survive a dystopia. With technological advancements coming in droves, humanity stands at the literal crossroad as survival is of utmost importance. Several games have tackled this concept in the past. They involved a little bit of artificial intelligence here and there.

One such addition to the plentiful list of games is SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada. It’s a techno-RPG set in a future Earth now overrun by a violent environment. Humans have been forced to retreat underground, and the only way to survive is by scavenging resources on dangerous surfaces. All of this would need to be achieved with a little help of technological advancements to combat the surroundings.

I got a chance to see what the game was about during its Closed Network Test. Safe to say, it’s a promising game with a lot of unique features that makes it stand out from other post-apocalyptic sci-fi RPGs out there.

An AI that has your back

As soon as the CNT started, you are greeted by the tutorial that introduces the Magus and your own CRADLECOFFIN. Admittedly, I was confused at first as to what they wanted you to do when it was just to look at three specific screens. After about 20 minutes, you’re off to explore the wonders of the world with your own Magus guiding you through.

Similar to any RPG, customization is the forefront of every early game task list. Luckily, SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada has a ton of that going around. The obvious one primarily revolves around your Magus. It can be and look any way you like — just not too offensive. For your own CRADLECOFFIN, I pretty much glossed over changing anything since the default design was all good.

Your Magus comes with its own set of skills. These are quite essential as you go through your excursions. Unfortunately, I only ever got to utilize the one that was unlocked at the start of the test. So, my experience with the rest is limited. However, these skills aid you when you’re in a pinch so you can’t go wrong with them.

The harshest environment on the planet

Part of the first few missions in the CNT was excavating the most important mineral for humanity’s survival: the AO Crystals. These are crucial in rebuilding and improving the settlement you’re residing in for the whole game. They are scattered all over the surface world. Fortunately, they’re pretty easy to spot through your Magus and extracted in a short amount of time. The only problem though is that, well, you got company up there

The first wave of enemies you’ll encounter are violent creatures known as Enders, and they’re everywhere and in every form. Once an Ender detects where you are, the fight is on as you will need your arsenal of weapons to stop them. Once you get past them, you will potentially need to deal with other players in the server that can beat you if you’re not prepared.

However, the biggest obstacle you have to face throughout your excursions is the rain. At several points in the day, much like in real life, it will rain and deal chip damage to your CRADLECOFFIN — which you can’t allow to happen. Good thing your Magus also gives you weather updates, but it effectively stops your progress too.

Every second counts when you’re out there

Remember the CRADLECOFFIN you’re in? Now, as it turns out, for every excursion you have, you only get about thirty minutes as indicated by the COFFIN’s battery life. This, in turn, makes every adventure into a time-based stage wherein you need to accomplish your tasks and make it to the exit point unscathed.

It is rather different compared to other survival RPGs in the sense that every move contributes to achieving your goals. Also, every resource is valuable. During the first few excursions, it’s not as demanding yet. You only really need the bare minimum resources. However, I have a feeling that the latter stages and tasks will require you to maximize the full 30-minute timer.

What I found that was great was that the only thing derailing you in each adventure is the rain, especially when excavating AO Crystals. You can start the process of the excavation and stop halfway through to deal with Enders or other players, and still come back to finish the job. It does make those tasks a lot easier and more manageable. However, they need to be accomplished before your battery runs out.

Survival of humanity has demanding stakes

SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada, however way you slice it, is simple in the beginning but demands a lot the longer you play. In a survival-type of an RPG, managing your time, resources, and ammunition is crucial in getting through all your tasks. With the environment not being in your favor in some cases, it can feel like a race against time.

In the limited time I got to play it within the CNT, however, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring and battling enemies. Knowing that the tasks can be quite easy to accomplish, it doesn’t feel that big of an ask to deal with the obstacles right then and there. I know that’s only a taste of the full game, but there is a good reason to be excited!

Related Topics:Bandai Namco SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

Published

August 6, 2026

Leez

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

Published

August 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

Published

August 5, 2026

GadgetMatch

Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

Philippines: Manila Brigade
Indonesia: War Kanda
Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone: