Author: Alaisdair Leith

The Alienware AW2725DM gaming monitor is a budget-friendly option with premium features

In a market saturated with high-performance gaming monitors, Dell’s Alienware AW2725DM quietly enters the scene as a wallet-friendly option aimed at gamers who want solid specs without splurging on OLED or full HDR600-level features. I have had this monitor for a few weeks and been able to test everything from the PS5 Pro, a 4K…

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The Motorola Edge 60 Fusion provides a premium experience without the premium price

Motorola is quietly making waves again in the mid-range smartphone market, and the Edge 60 Fusion is proof that you don’t need to fork out a fortune for a premium experience. Arriving a year after the well-received Edge 50 Fusion, this update keeps the stylish design but packs in some hefty upgrades, without bumping up…

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First Impressions: We got our hands on the Nintendo Switch 2

Yesterday, Nintendo Australia hosted an exclusive event in Melbourne, offering us a first look at the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Alongside some other select media and content creators, we were allowed four hours with some of the most anticipated titles coming to the Switch 2, including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid…

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Doom: The Dark Ages is a bloody good time

The Doom franchise charges into new territory with Doom: The Dark Ages, delivering a fresh take on its signature demon-slaying mayhem. Set against a medieval backdrop, this latest instalment maintains the series’ core identity while introducing innovative elements that breathe new life into the formula. The Doom Slayer returns, now armed with period-appropriate weaponry alongside…

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Film Review : Tinā is a soulful celebration of collective voice

Tinā is the feature debut from writer/director Miki Magasiva.  The film might appear on the surface a classic underdog tale, but it quickly proves itself to be something richer and more resonant; coming off earlier contributions to Teine Sā and We Are Still Here, Magasiva brings a fresh, heartfelt perspective to this deeply communal story….

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South of Midnight is a sensational weave of action and style

South of Midnight is a bold, haunting, and beautiful journey into the heart of the American South, it is one that few games have ever dared to explore, let alone with this much soul and a level of attention to detail that most games aspire to reach. Developed by Compulsion Games, South of Midnight blends…

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Series Review: The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 is a fierce final march

The Handmaid’s Tale has always meant different things to different people; a cautionary tale, a grim prophecy, or a dramatised echo of historical truths. Over its run it’s drawn praise and criticism in equal measure, and now, as it enters its final season, it faces the daunting task of delivering a satisfying conclusion, while also…

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The Last of Us Season 2 returns with a compelling first episode

It’s been two years since The Last of Us Season 1 became a cultural phenomenon on HBO. The second season of the show is adapting the video game “The Last of Us Part II”, and strangely enough in the first 5 minutes of the season opener, the show just randomly spoils the big twist from…

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The Alienware AW2725Q QD-OLED gaming monitor is a solid choice, even if it doesn’t redefine the formula

Last year was big for 27-inch OLED gaming monitors. Standouts like the Asus ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG, MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED, and Alienware’s own AW2725DF delivered top-tier performance, though they were all limited to QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. Now, Alienware has kicked off 2025 by pushing the pixel envelope. Meet the Alienware AW2725Q, a…

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Every announcement from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct showcase

Nintendo revealed all the details of their upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console in a direct that went live at midnight. The one-hour direct showcase dived deep into the console specs while also giving us a release date, pricing, and a slew of third-party support and first-party games, including the new Mario Kart and an open-world…

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The Asus Zenbook A14 (UX5406) provides all the right ingredients for a premium Ultrabook

Premium laptops often struggle to justify their high price tags when it comes to build quality and design. At this price point of A$1999, consumers should expect an exceptional user experience. Fortunately, the Asus Zenbook A14 delivers on that front. With its sleek design, compact form factor, and stunning display, there’s a lot to appreciate…

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Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition joyfully revitalises an undisputed classic

Originally released on the Wii U in 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X is one of the final games from Nintendo’s previous console before the release of the Nintendo Switch. After a slew of successes with Donkey Koney Country Tropical Freeze, Bayonetta 2, Super Mario 3D World and New Super Mario Bros. U having made their way…

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PAX Aus 2025 goes on sale – here’s how to get tickets

It’s time to start planning your trip to PAX Aus 2025 with Early Bird Badges on sale now. PAX Aus has solidified itself as the biggest and best gaming convention in Australia, packing together three massive days at the Melbourne Convention Centre, the event brings together the best of gaming, tech, pop culture and cosplay…

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Netgear Nighthawk RS600 a solid mid-range Wi-Fi 7 router

The Netgear Nighthawk RS600 strikes a balance between affordability and performance in the expanding world of Wi-Fi 7 routers. Priced at A$799, it admittedly sits on the higher end of standalone routers, before delving into premium mesh systems that exceed $800. That being said, the enhanced performance can handle more connected devices and provide much…

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Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC is a bug-filled web of disappointment

When Marvel’s Spider-Man was released in 218, developer Insomniac Games nailed the sensation of being super-powered, with exceptional web-swinging and agile combat. However, it faltered in providing engaging content within its visually stunning yet empty open world. Unfortunately, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, while great in terms of its story and presentation, repeated those lingering missteps. While…

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Monster Hunter Wilds stacks up as one of the better titles in this long-running franchise

As a newcomer to the Monster Hunter franchise, I approached Monster Hunter Wilds with fresh eyes and an eagerness to understand the phenomenon that has captivated players for two decades. While the game didn’t disappoint in delivering epic battles and immersive lore, some aspects kept it from achieving true perfection. I couldn’t help but feel…

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Alienware announces three new QD-OLED gaming monitors

Alienware announced today its latest range of QD-OLED monitors, including the new Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Monitor, which won the Innovation Award at CES earlier this year. The three new models will all include Dell’s QD-OLED, extending their range to five, bringing HD and a better quality of picture for gamers everywhere. Concerns about burn-in…

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First impressions: Disney+’s Win or Lose is a home run for Pixar

Animation studio Pixar take on their first Disney+ original animated television show with Win or Lose. In the eight episode series, Pixar return to their roots with a story following a middle-school softball championship league told in an anthology style, with each episode told from a different kid and adult that affects the baseball team’s…

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Herb + Chilli Festival sets its return to Melbourne for 2025

Wandin is about to turn up the heat with the 2025 Herb + Chilli Festival returning with a fresh lineup of flavours and fun. Set in beautiful Wandin, the two-day festival runs from March 15th to 16th and promises a mouth-tingling experience for every chilli lover. It offers spicy competitions, innovative food offerings, and nonstop…

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Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii proves itself as a worthy swashbuckling adventure

RGG Studio’s latest spin-off, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, takes a bold leap into the high seas, blending classic Yakuza chaos with the swashbuckling adventure of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. While it’s not quite as expansive as Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, it still manages delivers a decent experience packed with explosive…

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Game Preview: South of Midnight could be one of the best games of 2025

Compulsion Games are no strangers to bringing something fresh to the gaming landscape. With massive hits like Contract and We Happy Few bringing stylish graphics with eccentric characters and compelling storylines, it was no surprise that Microsoft snapped the studio up in 2018 and started development on South of Midnight – a stop-motion style game…

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iRobot Roomba 10 Max Combo is the ultimate vacuum and mop

iRobot has always been the leader in robot vacuuming and mopping. The original is back to show the overly crowded marketplace just how well it can be done with the new Combo 10 Max. The all-in-one device has a dock that stores a vacuum bag, and clean and dirty water, while also being able to…

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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD provides barrels of fun

The Donkey Kong Country series has had a resurgence on the Nintendo Switch system over the past few years. With the original trilogy getting the release as part of the SNES classics collection and the beautiful port of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze making its way over from the Wii and Wii-U, it was only…

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Our top 5 tech takeaways from CES 2025

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) lit up the tech world this week with its huge slay of announcements, reveals and prototypes for what can only be described as the future of the industry. While “AI” was generally the selling point for most of what was announced, there were some great innovations for the familiar names…

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Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer does its best to throw punches in bunches

Combining video games with exercise is an ambitious challenge, but Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer steps into the ring aiming to make cardio workouts engaging and accessible. While it won’t turn you into a championship boxer, it succeeds as a fun way to burn calories, get moving, and break a sweat—all without leaving your…

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The BlueAnt Pump X over-ear headphones deliver on both impressive features and decent value

The BlueAnt Pump X over-ear headphones bring an impressive suite of features to the table, making them appealing to fitness enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. With loud, booming audio and thumping bass, combined with the X-Mode audio setting for workout intensity, these headphones cater specifically to those who want motivational soundtracks during their exercise routines….

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The Shark FlexBreeze Fan is quiet, versatile, and feature-packed

The Shark FlexBreeze fan delivers exceptional cooling performance, whisper-quiet operation, and versatile functionality, making it one of the best fans available for indoor and outdoor use. After a few weeks of use during Melbourne’s recent attempt to emulate Queensland weather, this fan has kept me cool in the lounge room, out on the balcony, a…

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Farming Simulator 25 is a harvest of expansions and challenges

Farming Simulator has been around for quite a few years and has gone through many iterations to get to where it is today. The latest game promises a journey into worldwide farming with a few new tricks up its sleeve. These games pack so much depth and variety, that it’s hard not to get completely…

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Metro Awakening sets itself apart as one of the best VR games of the year

Metro Awakening might just be one of the best PSVR2 games to release in 2024. It utilises VR technology with the PlayStation 5 console by offering the most solid title that has been launched since the release of the peripherals. The game marks a considerable departure for Vertigo Games, the best-known developer for the Arizona…

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LEGO Horizon Adventures packs in a decent amount of charm and fun

LEGO Horizon Adventures promised a captivating reimagining of the PlayStation modern classic, Horizon Zero Dawn. Infused with the beloved, lighthearted charm of the classic LEGO games, complete with their trademark sense of humour, collecting LEGO studs, bricks and unlocking characters. As a lifelong fan of Traveller’s Tales’ LEGO games, I eagerly anticipated reliving Aloy’s somewhat…

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