SmashPad

SmashPad

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We cover games with reviews, previews, streams, and videos to give you our honest impressions on the latest games out there. Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/smashpad YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/smashpad Biz / Pitch: dvictorio@smashpad.com

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Virtue and a Sledgehammer isn't quite as poignant as others in its broad genre, but it is no less important or provocative. In fact, it might edge out most others because of how provocative it is, but don't mistake some of its edginess for carelessness.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Virtue and a Sledgehammer” has you knock its world down to appreciate our own in this destructive narrative gameThe concept of a rage room is pretty wild, but an understandable one in our modern era that facilitates, and even makes necessary, unorthodox emotional regulation. Often, we'd rather engage in catharsis to purge raw feelings instead of attacking the root cause, if not full-on avoidance. There are a lot of reasons for this: lack of resources to attain proper care and therapy, fear of confrontation even with oneself, being seen as broken or weak by our peers.
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"The Wolf Among Us Remastered is easily the best way to experience the game in 2026. The episodes still have some Telltale jank, but the game still looks good by today's standards, and much of the lag and frame rate issues that plagued it 13 years ago have been largely fixed." Our review

smashpad.comREVIEW – “The Wolf Among Us Remastered” is the best way to play the cult hit, but the engine needs workBeing reintroduced to the series with The Wolf Among Us Remastered first is a good choice. However, while the game looks and runs better than it did 13 years ago, it also serves as a reminder that a lot of Telltale's development practices are outdated.
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"The new Layton game has a lot going for it, such as full voice acting, an intriguing storyline, and a gorgeous art style. However, I worry some of the puzzles may not be explained well in-game." Check out our preview of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam from MCM Comic-Con!

smashpad.comHANDS-ON – “Professor Layton and the New World of Steam” took my breath (and brain) awayProfessor Layton and the New World of Steam is the next installment in Level 5's popular puzzle series, and so far, from the short demo I've played, the game looks set up for success. It looks beautiful, the town feels lived in, and the animation is sublime. Unfortunately, a few kinks need sorting out before the game officially launches in December.
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"I would pay to see this with my brother again if it ever shows up in my town, and I'd do it again and again. Chrono Trigger will always be legendary, and experiencing its music live is something any gaming fan should do." Our review of the Chrono Trigger Orchestra Concert after attending it LA.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Chrono Trigger Orchestra Concert: Melodies Across Time” is a reminder of why so many consider it to be the greatest JRPG of all-timeSquare Enix invited SmashPad to the final U.S. showing of the Chrono Trigger Orchestra Concert: Melodies Across Time, and as a big fan of both Square and the genre, I had to go.
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"For a first entry into gaming audio, you really can do a lot worse than this. This is what I use for PS5 games now, and it’ll hang around my PC setup as well. For the price, the GX1 is worth serious consideration if you’re shopping for a new headset." Our review of EPOMAKER's GX1

smashpad.comREVIEW – The “EPOMAKER GX1” is a lot of headset for the moneyRecently, I took a look at the EPOMAKER Carbonis Mouse, and I really liked how it felt to use. Sure, it had a few software rough edges, but once you set things up, you rarely need to go back into the software. EPOMAKER is onto something here.
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If the Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra Concert ever returns, it'll be well worth the price of admission. The swag situation could use some improvement though. Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – Sega’s “Metaphor ReFantazio Orchestra Concert” ends American tour in exquisite fashionHot off the heels of a very limited tour in the early part of the year with Persona Live 2026: Awakenings, Sega and ATLUS came back to Los Angeles to close out the North American leg of their Metaphor ReFantazio Orchestra Concert. I was interested as soon as the tour was announced, and I was lucky enough to have Sega bless me with amazing seats.
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"El Paso, Elsewhere 2 can go a lot of places after the first game. I don't think the first game needed a sequel, but now that we have it, we'll judge accordingly." Check out our Steam Next Fest preview!

smashpad.com[Steam Next Fest] HANDS-ON – “El Paso, Elsewhere 2” returns with more action, ambience, and room to stretch out in its new demoTaking unabashed, obvious influence from the likes of Max Payne, El Paso, Elsewhere 2 bathes its gameplay in an arsenal of guns, Bullet Time™ slow-mo shooting and diving, a plethora of monsters and oddities, and an unusually eclectic canvas of settings to paint with their blood (if they have any).
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"Everything in Final Fantasy Resonance works and fits as it should. The best part is that it can be your first Final Fantasy game, and it'll be a great place to start. FFR's characters are likable, and the battle system is easy to learn but has enough depth for min-maxers to enjoy." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Final Fantasy Resonance” is superb, and it’s the perfect game to celebrate the series’ 40th anniversaryMuch like last year's Octopath Traveler 0, Final Fantasy Resonance is an adaptation of a mobile game--Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, which Square shut down just a year ago. Resonance reuses the narrative from the first arc, and as with Octopath Traveler, it removes the mobile and gacha mechanics to create a premium experience, enhanced by HD-2D visuals. The result is a very pleasant surprise, given its roots as a mobile-only title.
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Day 0 Update #600 - 600 Episodes of Fun

smashpad.comDay 0 Update #600 – 600 Episodes of FunIn this episode of the Day 0 Update: We talk about the death of Richard "Levelord" Gray, Ubisoft closing RedLynx, and Epic's grand announcement about openly using AI for their work. All this and more, up next! Intro What Are We Playing C: Pixel Washer, American Truck Simulator, Fallout 4 B: Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave RIP Richard “Levelord” Gray October’s PS+ Game Catalog lineup…
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Let's Weekend #538 - 5 Day Katie

smashpad.comLet’s Weekend #538 – 5 Day KatieIn this episode of Let’s Weekend: We talk about the short-lived run for Trump's latest press secretary, Dan Levy's call out of Shane Gillis, and what's going on with Pope Leo. Intro What Are We Up To? C: Sacrifice, Minecraft B: Fire Emblem, Helluva Boss S3, my bones ache. Brandon’s Random Factoid Assholes of the Week: DOJ agents raided Rep. Ilhan Omar’s DC home in an investigation to try to find reasons to strip her of citizenship and deport her…
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"A roguelite focused on letting you transform into different monsters to fight through a dungeon could be very cool, but Stupid Never Dies is not that game." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Stupid Never Dies” is aptly named, just not in the intended wayThe idea of an action roguelite where you swap between completely different monster movesets is legitimately interesting. Stupid Never Dies has this in spades, with a solid variety of monsters to transform into. Unfortunately, the gameplay is subpar, and the game makes some truly baffling design decisions, so it's best to steer clear.
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"While the puzzles were occasionally gratifying, the live-action cutscenes stuck with me most, as the game wears its love for film on its sleeve. Tenebris Somnia treats film with the respect it deserves and shows the toll it can take on one’s life when devoted to one's craft." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Tenebris Somnia” highlights its passion for film in this unique horror gameTenebris Somnia is a fascinating mixture of 16-bit retro survival horror and FMV (Full Motion Video, or live shots with real actors, sets, and some CGI). The usage of FMV throughout this game is key, as it is deployed at pivotal — and sometimes unexpected — moments throughout the game. Not often can you predict when the game will all of a sudden shift to live-action, but when it does, it is always a delight.
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"I finished the demo in about two settings while chilling at my hotel on a casual trip, and I was hooked. I won't go any further into the plot, but I have to admit that's why I stayed hooked, and I’ll say one thing: this isn't for the easily triggered." Check out our latest preview of Rain98!

smashpad.comHANDS-ON – I played “Rain98” for three hours, and it’s shaping up to be a strong and dark visual novelDespite it being an early build, Rain98 was easily my Game of the Show when I first got my hands on it at PAX East this year. It left me with a lot of questions that director Shoon T slyly sidestepped, but after playing the game's latest demo, which will soon be available to the public, I now have a grasp of what this game sets out to be, and I'm happy to report it's way more than just a visual novel.
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If you’re shopping for a lightweight gaming mouse that prioritizes functionality over lighting up like a festive decoration, you should give the EPOMAKER Carbonis mouse a serious look. Our review:

smashpad.comREVIEW – The “EPOMAKER Carbonis” could be your next gaming mouseIt's been a while since I looked at hardware. An opportunity came up to look at a set of peripherals from EPOMAKER, and I wanted to take it. First, the brand itself is fairly new to the market. They seem to be moving quickly and building an ecosystem of peripherals. Today we’re taking a look at the Carbonis Mouse.
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🇵🇭

Danreb Victorio@danreb.bsky.social

Seriously, thanks for all the kind words and new follows after today’s Game Mess Mornings. I even got some e-mails (you guys followed directions🥹) from people who are interested in writing for @smashpad.com. I do this because I love the industry. Here’s my favorite part of the show. 😂🇵🇭🐮

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"Despite issues with the fuel and water fees and the annoying controller bugs, I still enjoyed my time with Pixel Washer a lot, especially when I could clean these environments and chill with its great, cozy vibes. It has a lot of potential for a great 1.0 launch." Our early access review.

smashpad.comEARLY ACCESS REVIEW – “Pixel Washer” has great potential but needs a lot of workFuturLab has done a great job setting many of the standards you expect from the "clean up" genre, and Pixel Washer looked like the most successful 2D take on it after the demo. Playing this pre-launch version gave me a lot to say, both positive and negative, about how the developers are straying from the core of this subgenre.
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"Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 is a sequel-ass sequel in a great way. While not every decision is without question or critique, the bulk of them elevate the Boltgun canon and provide a streamlined, stylish way to experience 40K's incredibly dense and lore-heavy universe." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2” is just more Boltfun with awesome additions for a true sequelWarhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 is a sequel-ass sequel in a great way. While not every decision is without question or critique, the bulk of them elevate the Boltgun canon and provide a streamlined, stylish way to experience 40K's incredibly dense and lore-heavy universe.
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"Thank You Bus Driver can be aggravating, and the presentation can make focusing harder than it needs to be, but it is still a game that's as unique and interesting as it is funny." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Thank You Bus Driver” is clever and interesting, but its multitasking doesn’t completely come together"What if Double Fine made Crazy Taxi, but you're a bus driver?" is one of the easiest hooks I can imagine. I've been a fan of the dev for decades, so I immediately wanted to see what they'd cook up with Thank You Bus Driver. The result is certainly decently appealing.
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"Toy Story Retro Roundup! is a fantastic collection for Disney and retro platforming fans. This is why game preservation matters: we can enjoy past experiences for the first time, relive them, and help future developers learn from gaming history." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Toy Story Retro Roundup!” should make Disney fans “run like the wind” to storesYou may want to summon the claw to pick up this game from the shelf as the Toy Story Retro Roundup is a fantastic option for some 90s nostalgia.
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"Toy Story 3 Complete Edition is worth experiencing even for first-time players, as long as they don’t set their expectations too high. It’s a very cute game, though it feels a bit light and has some less-than-stellar story missions." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Toy Story 3 Complete Edition” is a fun throwback while it lastsA version of Toy Story 3’s been readily available on PC for years, so it’s not like the game’s been inaccessible on all fronts. However, the PC version was based on the Wii version, which had downgraded graphics and was missing content, so remastering the 360/PS3 version was a great choice. Toy Story 3 Complete Edition is a short game with a fairly misleading name, but I still had a great time with it, even if I wish it had been a bit longer.
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"At its best, Rivage offers an excellent atmosphere for fans of science fiction and mystery genres. With so much lore to uncover, story-driven players will find plenty to explore. For players more interested in gameplay, Rivage will feel lackluster." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Rivage” pairs a fantastic atmosphere with average puzzlesIsolation is a key element in some atmospheres of gaming. When people think of isolation, the ever-expanding oceans of Subnautica or the sprawling galaxy that comprises No Man’s Sky come to mind. Despite being less daunting than games like No Man’s Sky and not as terrifying as Subnautica, Rivage still manages to capture an atmosphere of isolation that drives the story forward.
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"Seeing Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse on my hard drive and being able to play it makes it feel like one part of the gaming world is working as intended. This game feels incredibly good to play, and I’d recommend checking it out as soon as possible." Our review:

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse” is a beautiful return to formThe Castlevania franchise has a long, storied history. From its 8-bit origins to its foray into 3D, the series has evolved from a straightforward action-platformer to an exploration-driven action RPG. Symphony of the Night set the template for the series, and an entire genre. Unfortunately, aside from a few classic compilations, the series has been mostly dormant for a long time.
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Let's Weekend #537 - Let's Reverse That Curse

smashpad.comLet’s Weekend #537 – Let’s Reverse That CurseIn this episode of Let’s Weekend: We talk about the livestreamed execution that the Pentagon wants to do, the further bad news about the Skydance merger, and how a city council meeting went wrong for its mayor. Intro What Are We Up To? C: Disclosure Day, Da Vinci Code trilogy, American Truck Simulator B: Fire Emblem, Babylon 5, books, it’s very wet out there…
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Fast movement, fluid and gratifying combat, remarkably rewarding exploration, a surprisingly captivating story, and a world that is as bleak as it is beautiful make Valor Mortis one of this year’s must-plays.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Valor Mortis” brilliantly translates the Soulslike formula into a first-person perspectiveLet’s not bury the lede: Valor Mortis is an extremely special game and one of my favorites of 2026 so far. I am fully prepared to make this game my entire personality for at least the rest of the month.
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"I am not exaggerating when I say this may be the best Fire Emblem yet... at least until Nintendo gets off their asses and remakes Genealogy of the Holy War, then it might have some competition." Our review:

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave” feels like an interactive Greco-Roman myth and that gets bigger and more exciting as you play"Sing to me, O Muse, of the man of twists and turns..." About six years ago, Nintendo managed to do the impossible. They took their niche simulation RPG franchise Fire Emblem, which had been teetering on the edge for years, and made it a mainstream success. It wasn't easy: it required revamping some of the franchise's most key features, plus taking some serious risks.
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"Together with Auroch Digital, they've melded their winning recipe for fun, driven by open-hand dopamine slaps, with the crunch and iron-y taste of Warhammer's considerably darker tone than Vampire Survivors." We preview Warhammer Survivors.

smashpad.comHANDS-ON – “Warhammer Survivors” brings back the elation of the origin of action roguelikes, now with more grimdarkSince there's now a release date for Warhammer Survivors (November 10!), the hype train has reached top speed, and there's no better time to check the new Steam demo out.
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"Learning about, using, and fighting with Dylan is an absolute joy. Unfortunately, immersion-breaking moments take that joy away too often. Control Resonant feels like a prestige release that'll win all sorts of awards, and then you play and wonder why it's getting all that attention." Our review:

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Control Resonant” is interesting but overstays its welcomeI wanted to love Control Resonant. After playing it for two hours at Summer Game Fest, I thought we were well on our way there, especially after giving it SmashPad's Best of SGF award this year. I didn't expect the game to abandon the original's third-person action-shooter gameplay, and every change really spoke to me. I'd even go so far as to say it was my most anticipated game of the year.
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"Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival might borrow heavily from some of the best horror games on the market, but it combines those familiar ideas into something that is still enjoyable from beginning to end." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser: Revival” is a faithful nightmare trapped in familiar horrorThere are very few horror properties quite like Hellraiser. Between mutilated bodies, sadomasochistic imagery, and a version of horror where pleasure and pain are constantly intertwined, adapting Clive Barker's creation into a video game was always going to require a developer willing to go much further than most. Thankfully, Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival fully embraces what makes the franchise so distinctive.
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SmashPad doesn’t exist without Giant Bomb. So another thank you to them for giving our guy another mic (as if he didn’t need another one 😅) 🤝

Danreb Victorio@danreb.bsky.social

This was the big explosive thing I talked about last night. 💣 Thank you to the Giant Bomb community, @janochoa.bsky.social, and @grubb.wtf for booking a Filipino during Filipino-American History Month! 🇵🇭 I’d love to do more guest opportunities on game industry podcasts so hit me up!

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"Third Shift put together an amazing package that includes a touching story with characters I genuinely cared about, alongside a heartfelt message about life and love, and the best part was that it never overstayed its welcome." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Forever Ago” is the story of a grumpy, old man that will instantly have people shed tearsPart of the reason why video games, movies, and other popular media fall out of favor is that we outgrow them. A lot of timeless IP exists that hold interest, but we don’t often see the characters actually age. It makes sense because who wants to play a game about old people? But that’s what Forever Ago is, and that’s what made the narrative in this short experience so fresh and appealing.
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"Order of the Sinking Star is a remarkable puzzle game on a scope and scale I haven't seen in the many years I've been playing puzzle games, and it may be too big for its own good, with plenty of positives and negatives to consider." Our review.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Order of the Sinking Star” is an epic puzzle game that comes with major caveatsIt’s been 10 years since Jonathan Blow and his studio Thekla released The Witness, and a lot has happened in the many years since then, both for Jonathan Blow and the world of puzzle games that have grown exponentially since then. That's evident in Order of the Sinking Star, a Sokoban-style puzzle game by Blow and several other developers, and in the many great puzzle games that have come out since The Witness that have made for a monster of a game that is hard to describe.
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REVIEW – “Sonic Live In Concert” celebrates 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog with its great music but doesn’t feel as intimate as it could’ve been Check out our review of Sonic Live in Concert, now touring worldwide through Spring 2027.

smashpad.comREVIEW – “Sonic Live In Concert” celebrates 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog with its great music but doesn’t feel as intimate as it could’ve beenCheck out our review of Sonic Live in Concert, now touring worldwide through Spring 2027.
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Fortunately, while not as big a change from the previous re-releases, Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] is worth the time, especially if you’re prepping for Kingdom Hearts IV. Everything looks and feels as good as it did before, and while more would be nice, this is a fine trip down memory lane.

smashpad.comIMPRESSIONS – “Kingdom Hearts Collection [I ~ III]” is a welcome trip down memory lane as we patiently wait for next yearThe Kingdom Hearts series has been going strong for almost 25 years. With three numbered titles, numerous spinoffs, and a story spanning various forms of media, there’s nothing quite like the Square Enix and Disney mashup that started as an elevator pitch. However, the series hasn’t been as accessible to new console owners, especially on the Nintendo Switch. Fortunately, Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] answers that question and offers the best way to play and watch everything the series has to offer before Kingdom Hearts IV.