Gaming

Unpacking review: a stunning memoir playthrough

Peak of context clues!

Published

November 18, 2021

Leez

Unpacking is a point-and-click decoration and puzzle game developed by Witch Beam. And, my god, this game is *chef’s kiss*.

The game feels like a stunning memoir. It captures impeccable detail from its pixel art to material sentiments, all the way to sound. Plus, the game unapologetically gives you the space to shift, move, organize, and unpack your way through someone’s possessions.

Charming art

I won’t lie, Unpacking was a short and sweet game to play. It was easy to catch on game achievements. Plus, the art is fundamentally charming with all the pixel art.

Unpacking is one of those games you spot someone playing and instantly want to chill out to the gentle music and cute pixel art style. There’s just no ignoring how adorable this game looks.

Devil in the Details

If the Devil is in the Details, bish, we’d be in Hell. Unpacking devs are showing off every gruesome detail. You unpack objects that meticulously references the context of the time and place you are transported to.

Even the ability to move other items around tells you a lot about what is and isn’t yours and the shared space you move into. And, that doesn’t even touch the sound each object makes on different surfaces. There are no words for the details in the Foley library of this game.

Playing through a memoir

I say this after realizing I was being a toxic control freak in the game. The game has restrictions because you ultimately aren’t the subject of the game; you are merely playing them.

Unpacking throws details for you to intelligently infer from but, even in the order things are unpacked from each box is not within your control. You’ll find clothes in a box in the kitchen or tissue roll with novels and game cartridges.

I wish I knew

There is one thing I wish this game had: bubble tags to things. In some cases, objects seemed to be familiar but ultimately unrecognizable. And, it was admittedly a little frustrating.

It may also just be my uncultured swine being butthurt over what could easily be recognizable for someone more attuned to the years the character you play exists in.

Game therapy?

There’s something about organizing things in some order that can be therapeutic. Making sense and order from things can be comforting for some people. And, in my case, it was the chill cathartic play I didn’t have to pay my therapist for.

However, this game might not be what you want or need if decorating or organizing just isn’t your thing.

Is this your Game Match?

I mean, if this was a question for me, personally, just YES. The game is fundamentally simple, short, and charming. I find it hard to find anything that would irritate anyone who plays this game. Unless unpacking just isn’t something you like then, don’t play this game.

Unpacking is a lot of just playing through someone’s life and inferring events from their possessions. Objects age, are replaced, and are lost while you progress in the game. This game is lovely. It’s what I needed while I was undoubtedly panicking and stressing out about everything and anything. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a comfort game for you too.

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: