Author: Matthew Arcari

Matthew Arcari is the games and technology editor at The AU Review. You can find him on X at @sirchunkee, or at the Dagobah System, chilling with Luke and Yoda.

Tech Review: The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN gaming monitor feels like a huge step forward for competitive gamers

As much as it can be a mouthful to pronounce, the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN gaming monitor also feels like a lot for most gamers. Almost too much, if we’re being honest. When you break it down, this 27-inch IPS monitor provides a native 2560 x 1440p resolution, along with HDR10 and a Variable Refresh…

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Tech Review: The Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe charging stand is a fantastic 3-in-1 option

Earlier this year, we reviewed Twelve South’s HiRise 3 charging stand, which was fantastic for simply being one of the most minimal and sleek 3-in-1 options at the time on the market. But in just under a year, Twelve South has come quite a long way in developing a new and superior charging stand, in…

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Why you should add Robotic Vacuums to your shopping list this Spring

Spring cleaning feels inevitable, as we shed the colder months for a warmer breeze and begin anew. With that being said, the growing popularity of the ‘smart home’ has led many to seek out new and inventive ways to stay on top of everyday household activities. While vacuuming isn’t necessarily the most exciting activity when…

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Game Review: Mortal Kombat 1 builds upon its strong formula

I consider myself a casual fighting game fan. But for one reason or another, I find myself drawn to each and every Mortal Kombat iteration. Is it the gore? The unique and iconic characters? The wacky stories and alternate modes? It might just be all of them. Mortal Kombat 1 decides to reset the timeline…

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Tech Review: The BlueAnt X3i Bluetooth speaker provides both quality and value

I’ve checked out a few BlueAnt products over the years, including both Bluetooth speakers and soundbars alike, and can safely say that the brand is squarely focused on bridging the gap between affordable price points and competitive levels of quality. It is with that sentiment, that BlueAnt’s latest X3i Bluetooth speaker, comes out swinging, providing…

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Game Review: NBA 2K24 takes smaller, yet confident steps forward

While I appreciate each yearly NBA 2K iteration, it’s usually for something different each and every time. Be it a new and exclusive mode, deeper customisation and progression or new and enhanced gameplay mechanics, there’s generally something that keeps me around for the year to come. NBA 2K24 certainly provides enough in terms of variety…

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The first ever Bluey game is coming later this year

Developer Outright Games has announced that in partnership with BBC Studios, they will be bringing the first ever Bluey video game to consoles and PC later this year on the 17th of November. Aptly titled Bluey: The Videogame, players will be able to take control of the titular Blue Heeler dog Bluey, along with Mum,…

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Game Review: Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a solid, yet shallow retro shooter

I’ve never really been into the Warhammer 40,000 universe, aside from a few video game entries here and there; but would be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in the lore. Big, hulking soldiers equipped with chainswords, battling waves of enemy aliens? Sign me up. It is in that same thought that Warhammer 40,000:…

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Here’s every announcement from PlayStation’s September State of Play

While PlayStation’s September State of Play felt a little shorter than what we’re used to, the lineup of quality content on the way is certainly not slowing down. We’ve compiled all the latest trailers and announcements from this morning’s show below. Enjoy! FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH LOOKS FANTASTIC WE GOT ANOTHER LOOK AT NEW YORK…

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Here’s everything announced at September’s 2023 Nintendo Direct

September’s Nintendo Direct certainly did not disappoint, throwing trailers for some of their biggest upcoming exclusives and tried party titles. We’ve covered all the trailers for everything announced in the 40-minute stream below. Enjoy! PRINCESS PEACH: SHOWTIME! REVEALED AS THE TITLE FOR HER NEW SOLO GAME PAPER MARIO: THE THOUSAND YEAR DOOR IS BEING REMADE…

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Tech Review: The Aspera AS8 falters in places, but still provides incredible value

We recently took the time to check out and review Australian-owned Aspera Mobile’s latest entry-level handset, the AS5. While we found it far from perfect, it’s undoubtedly one of the best phones you can get for A$99, packing in an impressive amount of features like facial recognition and dual-sim compatibility. The AS8 is undoubtedly a…

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Tech Review: The Aspera AS5 provides some impressive bang for your buck

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Australian-owned company Aspera Mobile has launched the AS5, a new entry-level 4G handset with an impressive amount of features at just A$99. Yes, you read that right. It’s admittedly a great price for a phone that includes some nifty features like facial recognition and dual-sim compatibility, all while running on…

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Game Review: Tunic is still as incredible as it was a year ago

I had played Tunic when it was released back in March of 2022, but must admit, I never really gave it the chance it deserved. I definitely liked it but simply didn’t put enough time into it in order to uncover its deeper notes and nuances. A year later, Tunic is one of the best…

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Game Review: Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon provides strong combat and deep customisation

It feels like it’s been over a decade since I played an Armoured Core game last; well, that’s because it has been. Armoured Core 5 might have been released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 way back in 2012, but the team at FromSoftware have decided it’s about time to suit up and deliver,…

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Game Preview: EA Sports FC 24 steps up when it counts

It seems like only yesterday that we found out that EA Sports and FIFA were parting ways, granting the long-running football franchise a seemingly new identity. Name change aside, EA Sports FC 24 does its best to freshen up many of the game’s nuanced mechanics and motion capture, in ways that feel new and exciting,…

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Game Review: Red Dead Redemption’s latest port is still worth playing

Before we start this review, let’s get one thing out of the way. Red Dead Redemption is not only one of developer Rockstar’s best games but also one of the best games ever made. While I prefer Red Dead Redemption 2, there’s still much to be said about Red Dead Redemption’s relevance in 2023, given…

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Game Review: Immortals of Aveum shines with clean combat and vibrant visuals

I’m a sucker for magic and fantasy as much as the next guy. Immortals of Aveum comes out swinging, dishing out some gorgeous visuals, clean first-person combat and a story that, while not groundbreaking in terms of lore and emotional depth, does help things churn along at a consistent pace. Its repetitive encounters and linear…

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Game Preview: Mortal Kombat 1 refines an otherwise solid formula

Mortal Kombat 1 might be rebooting the narrative, even if the long-running fighting franchise relies on a successful, established formula to pave its way forward. We got our hands on the recent closed beta over the weekend, and we can safely say that Mortal Kombat 1 is a downright enjoyable fighter thanks to some splendid…

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Interview: Dave Lockman talks Moving Out 2’s newest features

We recently got the chance to chat with Dave Lockman, Game Designer at Australian developer SMG Studio on the newest features, modes and cooperative play in Moving Out 2, the sequel to the wildly popular physics-based simulator, Moving Out. Greetings and hope you’re well. Just wanted to say a massive thank you for taking the time…

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MOZA Racing announces new R3 Bundle for Xbox and PC

MOZA Racing currently specialises in some of the most high-end racing simulator setups that money can buy. To top it off, they have recently announced the R3 Bundle, a trio of racing simulation components that have been created in collaboration with Microsoft to be the first officially licensed racing simulator for Xbox, making this the…

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Interview: David Kelley talks NBA 2K24’s soundtrack and the 25th anniversary of the NBA 2K franchise

With the release of NBA 2K24 right around the corner, we got the chance to speak with David Kelley, Director of Partnerships and Licensing at 2K about the upcoming NBA 2K24 soundtrack and its various influences and inspirations that also culminate in honouring the 25th anniversary of the NBA 2K franchise itself. Thanks for taking…

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Game Preview: Payday 3 sticks to its successful formula

I got into the Payday franchise with Payday 2, and much later than expected. While I had first played Payday 2 way back on the PlayStation 3 upon its release, I hadn’t really sunk my teeth into its offerings until earlier this year, when I picked it up on Xbox Game Pass. And boy am…

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Aspera Mobile launches new and feature-packed AS8 4G smart phone

Hot off the heels of the affordable AS5 4G smartphone, Australia’s Aspera Mobile has launched the AS8 4G, one of the most feature-packed budget smartphones you can find for just A$149. Also compatible with 4G networks, the AS8 4G will add to Aspera’s recent goal to combat the rising cost of living. Aspera Mobile has…

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Game Review: Disney Illusion Island lacks challenge, but looks gorgeous

I’m a huge fan of Mickey Mouse and in turn many of Disney’s attempts at giving Mickey his own gaming franchise. While there are admittedly dozens, with each varying in quality, there’s no denying some of them absolutely rule; Castle of Illusion and Mickey’s Wild Adventure, we’re looking at you. The art style and cooperative…

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Game Review: Atlas Fallen is a flawed, yet intriguing action-RPG

For as little as I had known about Atlas Fallen prior to its release, its final trailers had admittedly hooked me. From the solid third-person combat to sleek traversal and platforming, it seemed there was plenty to look forward to. This proved to be true in many respects, as most of those aspects stood out…

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Game Review: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart absolutely shines on PC

It’s no secret that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart already shines as both a sequel to the long-running PlayStation franchise and a window into the next generation of gaming. While PlayStation’s recent string of PC ports has been rather great (sorry to The Last of Us: Part 1), Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart proves yet…

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Tech Review: The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is a solid headset for a premium price

Over the years, Turtle Beach has certainly nailed a solid range of comfortable and versatile headsets across a variety of price points. But for as much as they’ve dabbled in that top shelf, they now seem ready to comfortably play in that space with the Stealth Pro headset. This wireless headset packs in all the…

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Tech Review: Shokz OpenFit headphones provide comfort and quality

For as long as Shokz has developed bone-conduction headphones, they’ve never really drawn me in. Maybe I was worried about the lack of audio quality, or even the overall comfortability of adjusting to these around my head during day-to-day activities. Enter the OpenFit headphones. Shokz has pivoted in a way, instead choosing to focus on…

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Aspera Mobile launches new and affordable AS5 4G smart phone

Australia’s Aspera Mobile has decided to celebrate its 10-year anniversary by launching a brand-new range of affordable, yet feature-packed smartphones. The first smartphone in the range will be the unlocked AS5 compatible with 4G networks, which will launch at just A$99. In response to the rising cost of living, Aspera Mobile intended to pack as…

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Game Review: Exoprimal is a fun and inventive multiplayer romp

Capcom has been tearing it up in 2023. Between their Resident Evil 4 remake and what is otherwise one of the best fighting games in years in Street Fighter 6, anyone would be impressed with those two games alone in a single year. But then comes Exoprimal, a third-person multiplayer game based around mech suits…

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