Gaming

Visions of Mana preview: A classic JRPG for your inner child

Appeals to both JRPG beginners and veterans

Published

August 14, 2024

Luigi Leonardo

There’s only one franchise that completely embodies the JRPG genre, and that’s the Final Fantasy series. If you’re a fan of the decades of Final Fantasy games, you might be familiar with its lesser-known spinoff, the Mana series. Originally stemming from a story set within the former’s universe, the Mana series has since grown out of its roots and delivered its own brand of JRPG. Now, after almost a 20-year drought, the series is back with Visions of Mana.

Based solely on its looks, it’s hard to mistake Visions of Mana as anything but a JRPG. However, in the brief preview we’ve played, the game offers a lot for those new to the genre. Unlike a lot of games today, it isn’t difficult to pick up.

From the get-go, Visions of Mana is a simple hack-and-slash. You go around a sprawling map and eliminate monsters piecemeal with swordplay. You also level up, gain more abilities, obtain new elements, and recruit more companions. While the start of the game is an easy stroll, it slowly careens you into the tried-and-tested JRPG formula.

If you’ve played a JRPG in the early 2000s, there’s a lot of nostalgic familiarity with Visions of Mana. Like those old games, it’s easy to bulldoze through easier areas while still giving players a lot of agency to try different combinations of abilities and teams.

As for the game’s story, Visions of Mana offers a less conventional plot. Instead of the conventional chosen-one plot, players find themselves as Val, the bodyguard (or Soul Guard) of the chosen ones. In this universe, the world depends on the continued existence of the Mana Tree. However, the Tree requires Alms: willing sacrifices from each village gloriously appointed by Faeries.

The plot is what I’d call a cutesy version of the Dark Souls universe. So, don’t let the adorable art style fool you; the story gets into interesting depths that should interest even the most seasoned of JRPG players.

Visions of Mana launches on August 29 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox X|S.

Gaming

Marvel’s Wolverine gets a release date

September 16, 2026

Published

February 25, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

It’s finally locked in. Marvel’s Wolverine is launching on September 16, 2026, exclusively for the PlayStation 5.

The release date was shared by Insomniac Games and PlayStation across their official social media channels, giving fans a concrete target after years of anticipation.

First announced in 2021, Marvel’s Wolverine is being developed in collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment and Marvel Games. The studio is crafting an original story centered on Logan, promising a darker and more brutal tone compared to its Spider-Man titles.

Players can expect savage, close-quarters combat built around Wolverine’s adamantium claws, along with a narrative that explores the character’s violent past. The game is designed exclusively for PS5, leveraging the hardware for cinematic set pieces and fast, ferocious action.

With a firm September 16, 2026 release date now confirmed, the wait for Logan’s next chapter officially has an end in sight.

This is the first major update since the trailer released back in September 2025.

Visceral Combat

Combat looks as savage as fans expect. Wolverine’s adamantium claws slice through foes with fast, fluid techniques. Momentum builds as his berserker rage takes over, turning him into a relentless force on the battlefield.

Dismemberment, brutal takedowns, and close-quarters combat define his style. Wolverine is a reluctant hero, but once the claws come out, there’s no holding back. He doesn’t fight nice. He fights to survive.

The trailer also teased Logan’s wider world. Players will face the elusive Mystique, the monstrous Omega Red, and an army of Reavers. Some characters may help him, others will try to break him.

The footage closes with a prototype of a towering purple robot—an unmistakable nod to the Sentinels. The adventure spans the neon-lit streets of Madripoor, the frozen wilderness of Canada, and the alleys of Tokyo. Each location sets the stage for bloody, destructive action.

Events

Capcom to hold Resident Evil Requiem launch event in Jakarta

Cosplays, demos, meet-and-greet, prizes, more

Published

February 21, 2026

GadgetMatch

Capcom will hold a special two-day Resident Evil Requiem launch event in Jakarta, Indonesia next week.

Throughout the event, there will be a booth open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from February 28 to March 1 at the Mini Atrium (LG) of Gandaria City Mall.

Visitors will have multiple ways to experience the world of survival horror through the latest title. There will be cosplays, demos, lots of exciting prizes, and more themed activities inspired by the iconic video game franchise.

Of course, there will be a playable demo of the game at dedicated kiosks so mallgoers can experience the survival horror up close. Those who complete a session will also receive a sticker set.

On the other hand, the booth will also have a themed fun shooting range inspired by the Resident Evil Requiem universe. Here, visitors will take down zombies to win exclusive prizes, including:

Umbrella Corporation Enamel Pin
Raccoon City Welcome Sign Acrylic Keychain
Resident Evil Requiem Edition Lanyard

Moreover, there will be a recreated corner of Raccoon City which is perfect for taking photos and videos.

Sharing it on social media with the hashtag #RE9LaunchJakarta2026 and taging @capcomsg will also entitle fans to a sticker set.

For those who want to take home more memorabilia, the event will likewise feature these merchandise:

Resident Evil Requiem Physical Standard Edition (PS5)
Resident Evil Requiem Standard Edition with Steelbook Code in Box (PC)
30th Anniversary Tote Bag
30th Anniversary Character Acrylic Stand Collection
30th Anniversary Character Metallic Bookmark
RER Sticker Pack

Stage highlights

The programs on both days will be hosted by Aldo from The Lazy Monday and Yudha (a.k.a. RESILOREID).

Fans who are unable to attend in person can still catch part of the Saturday stage segment via Capcom Asia’s and The Lazy Monday’s official YouTube channels.

Other highlights include a Live Quiz and Cosplay Walk on both days. Specifically, Larissa Rochefort will grace March 1’s festivities with a meet-and-greet session.

Resident Evil Requiem is launching on February 27 on modern consoles and PC.

Gaming

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Switch

Both games will be available starting February 27.

Published

February 20, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Millennials, prepare to have your nostalgia get hit right in the feels. Nintendo has officially announced that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Switch.

This year, the Pokémon franchise is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. Naturally, with Pokémon Day coming up, it’s only right to celebrate the event with something huge. Finally, two of the most prolific titles in the series are coming to a modern console.

Originally released in 2004, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen were remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. At the time, the two titles reimagined the older games for the Game Boy Advance. Additionally, they introduced new post-game content set in the Sevii Islands, where Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys reside in the Kanto region.

Based on the short teaser trailer, the upcoming Switch versions will feature all of both games’ content. It will likely be remastered for the Switch’s larger screen.

To showcase more of the Switch version, Nintendo is hosting a Pokémon Presents on February 27. The brand has not mentioned anything about a potential physical version yet. However, they do promise that both games will be available on the Nintendo eShop as soon as next week’s Pokémon Presents concludes. Each game will cost US$ 19.99.