Gaming

The Last of Us Part 1 is great for first-timers

A riveting story with upgraded visuals and gameplay

Published

August 31, 2022

The Last of Us Part 1 is my first time experiencing this critically acclaimed and generally beloved game. I wasn’t doing a lot of gaming at the time it was first released which was in June 2013. About a year later, a remastered version for the PlayStation 4 was released. And at that point, I was still a few years away from really coming back to gaming.

Before I talk about my experience playing The Last of Us Part 1, I think it’s crucial to share where I’m coming from as a gamer. I missed nearly all of the PS3 era and the early part of the PS4 era. At the time I was busy building my career as a media professional – covering more politics, sports, and tech over gaming.

It wasn’t around 2016 to 2017 that I jumped back into gaming again. I inherited my brother’s PS4 as he transitioned to the PS4 Pro. My feelings towards gaming has been largely the same since. I really jumped back in at the perfect time – to a point where gaming has matured quite a bit.

I did most of my gaming on the original PlayStation and the PS2. But I had to pull back because I became too consumed by gaming and had neglected my school work. Going from that era to the PS4 was quite the leap. Especially for someone like myself who is used to the grind-heavy hours of JRPGs and who’s jaws dropped at 3D polygons I can control on the TV.

And that’s how I feel about experiencing The Last of Us Part 1 in this fully remade form. It’s a leap, and I’m glad I’m soaking in the story in this presentation.

Definitely a Remake

L: Remake. R: Remaster.

Naughty Dog, the game’s developer, and Sony PlayStation have really gone out of their way to market this as a Remake and not just another remaster. And really, it’s largely true.

To be able to get a frame of reference, I played the early hours of the game both on the Remake and the Remastered version. The visual differences are very evident.

First off, the environment, textures, and character models look and feel a lot more real on the Remake. It’s really hard to explain in detail. And not even this side-by-side video comparison by IGN can fully showcase the visual leap.

After all, the console generations are a little closer to each other than the more massive Remake that Square Enix did with Final Fantasy VII.

The improved visual cues and controls help with it too. The visual cues on the Remake are now in white – more in keeping with the tone and look of the game. In the Remaster, the on screen elements were more colorful and it felt more gamery. It’s a subtle change and one that may not matter to most people, but it is noticeable nevertheless.

The controls, too, feel more fluid. There was something about the controls on the Remaster that felt heavier than the one on the Remake. Although, it really isn’t by much. But the combination of the better visuals and improvements in gameplay certainly signals a ground-up rebuild. Which stays true to how the game has been marketed so far.

I’m not gonna go into detail since you can check all of that out on the PlayStation Blog, anyway. All I can say is that every little improvement – especially the accessibility ones – they mentioned is no hyperbole. Everything does feel like an upgrade.

Is it just a cash grab?

Even after playing a good chunk of the game, I still haven’t made up my mind on whether The Last of Us Part 1 is even really necessary.

If, like me, this will be your first time experiencing the story, then it’s an easy recommendation. And perhaps that is the main point of the Remake. To get players who missed out on the initial release to experience the game but by 2022 standards.

For fans who have played the game before, it’s hard to have to shell out the price of a new game for a story you’ve already experienced before. If you fall in this category, perhaps it’s more prudent to wait for discounts and price drops, or for it to show up on the PS Plus subscriptions.

As a first-time player, I’m having a grand time. Very similar to my experience with playing Uncharted 4 which I also missed when it first came out. Going through the game in the PS5 enhanced version included in the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection was an absolute joy.

Certainly a marketing tool

But like Uncharted, I am firmly in the camp that The Last of Us Part 1 is a rather expensive marketing tool to accompany Sony’s foray into live action movies and series.

The release timing of the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection happened right around the time the Uncharted movie starring Tom Holland (Spider-Man in the MCU) was released. And just as The Last of Us Part 1 is coming out on September 2, 2022, HBO dropped a trailer of the The Last of Us TV series starring Pedro Pascal. It doesn’t take a genius to put two-and-two together.

That said, these Remakes aren’t phoned-in efforts. They are very much done with much love and care by the developers. And they’re definitely the best way to experience the games today.

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

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.