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 Azoth gaming keyboard feels as good as it looks

As long-winded as the name might sound, the Asus ROG Azoth 75% wireless mechanical gaming keyboard gets a lot right. For the premium A$399 price tag, it provides a sleek design, sturdy build quality, and satisfying and responsive NX switches. While it feels great to use for gaming and general typing, the featured corner OLED…

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5 things we want to see in the upcoming Black Panther game

Electronic Arts have announced that they are working on a new single-player Black Panther game, led by their new studio known as Cliffhanger Games, in partnership with Marvel Games. Cliffhanger Games will also be working under Kevin Stephens who had previously served as studio head at developer Monoloth Productions, who are known for their fantastic…

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Tech Review: The OPPO Find N2 Flip is flipping the script

It’s safe to say that OPPO has become fairly acquainted with mobile phones over the past few years. While they’ve provided a wide range of both entry-level and high-value handsets, there’s also no doubt that phones are shifting into another era of, let’s just say, flexibility. Brands like Samsung and Motorola are very much into…

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NBA 2K24 will allow players to relive Kobe Bryant’s greatest NBA moments

NBA 2K24 will not only feature NBA legend Kobe Bryant as its cover athlete but introduce several new features for another year of simulated NBA goodness. Right out of the gate, NBA 2K24 will launch with crossplay for online activity between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players. As Kobe returns to the NBA 2K…

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Kobe Bryant announced as NBA 2K24 cover star

While it’s now official, it only felt natural. The late, great 18-time All-Star, five-time NBA World Champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant will grace the cover of the upcoming NBA 2K24. Kobe will feature on two versions of the game, including the special NBA…

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Tech Review: The BlueAnt X6 party speaker provides punch and value

BlueAnt is no stranger to the Bluetooth speaker game. While we’ve reviewed some smaller speakers in the past like the X0i and X1i, we now have the pleasure of checking out one of BlueAnt’s larger offerings. Valued at A$579, the X6 party speaker provides some impressive, balanced sound along with a laundry list of handy…

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Game Review: Aliens: Dark Descent is a competent, yet uneven experience

I’m a massive fan of the Alien franchise. So much so, that Aliens still sits well within my top ten films of all time. Yes, there’s a list, but let’s put that aside for now. Aliens: Dark Descent is yet another attempt to bring validity and ultimately justice to the long-running franchise in video game…

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Tech Review: The OPPO Enco X2 earbuds provide a fantastic alternative

While OPPO has been known for a wide range of Android phones over the past few years, they’ve also built up an impressive range of earbuds, with the Enco X2 earbuds proving to be their latest foray into the premium space. The Enco X2 earbuds certainly have more than a few boxes in terms of…

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Tech Review: The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard is an absolute winner

SteelSeries is no stranger to crafting some seriously premium gaming peripherals. I had personally been using the Apex Pro Mini prior to this review and had been loving it ever since. The only real issue with that keyboard is, that I’m not a huge fan of 60% keyboards, and do prefer the slightly larger TKL…

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Game Review: Final Fantasy 16 is a ride worth taking

For a franchise that has existed as long as Final Fantasy has, it’s amazing to see how it’s still evolving into what we now know to be Final Fantasy XVI (16). While it’s not the sixteenth game overall, the sixteenth mainline entry brings forth a new story, fresh characters and one incredibly revamped combat system….

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Everything announced at June’s Nintendo Direct

For as many classic titles as the Nintendo Switch has produced, and for as much as we’re all still playing and loving The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it’s safe to say there’s been a few questions about Nintendo’s future ambitions. Are we getting that new hardware? Will we see a new Mario…

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Game Review: F1 23 feels like a fantastic step in the right direction

I’m a huge Formula 1 fan and tend to jump into the yearly F1 release for some additional action during the current season. While I certainly enjoyed F1 22, I felt it was lacking something, and at times holding back. As the last thing I really enjoyed about the franchise came in the form of…

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AusSpeedruns and Five Star Games team up for The Sonic State of Origins Plus clash

In honour of Sonic’s 32nd birthday and to celebrate the launch of Sonic Origins Plus, Five Star Games has announced The Sonic State of Origins Plus clash, in which Sonic the Hedgehog speedrunners will face off at Fortress Sydney on the 23rd of June. Each of the competitors and parties involved in the event will…

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Tech Review: The Colgate Pulse Series 2 Toothbrush shakes up the formula

While I do my best to keep up with my dental hygiene, I must admit, it can sometimes be a struggle. I was previously using a rather entry-level Colgate PRO Clinical electric toothbrush and brushing twice a day on average, but there are many things that I’ve learnt since using the Colgate Pulse Series 2…

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Halsey and SUGA team up for Diablo 4 anthem

Halsey has announced her team-up with BTS artist SUGA, to celebrate the release of Diablo 4 with their new anthem, Lilith. Based on Diablo 4’s new villain, this track, along with an official video clip, truly sums up the tone of the game, while Halsey herself seemingly transitions into Lilith throughout the video. She announced…

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Game Review: Diablo 4 is the best the series has ever been

I had never really played much of the Diablo series. While I had played each of them in some way or at some point in my life, they’ve never really stuck with me. Be it the ageing mechanics and visuals of Diablo and Diablo II on the PC, to the early days of Diablo III,…

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Everything announced at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023

Summer Game Fest 2023 continues. This time though, it’s Xbox’s turn to take the floor. It’s quite a packed showcase once again, with plenty of hyped and unique releases either revealed or confirmed to be right around the corner. So sit tight. We’re running through everything announced at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023. A New…

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Game Review: Street Fighter 6 is a stellar return to form

I had spent the past couple of weeks wondering why it’s been a while since I had played a Street Fighter game. And then I remembered why. I loved Street Fighter 4 when it was released all those years ago. It was refined, fun and accessible. But Street Fighter 5 was a different story. Sure,…

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Dog Cosplay meets Final Fantasy XVI at Sydney’s Darlo Bar

Final Fantasy XVI is celebrating things a little differently leading up to its June 22 launch, by celebrating our beloved best doggo friends. The event will be known as Paws of Valisthea, and look to bring dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes together at Sydney’s Darlo Bar on the 17th of June, from 10:00…

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Everything announced at Summer Game Fest 2023

That time has rolled around yet again. With the undeniably disappointing cancellation of E3 2023, we can take solace that game-related announcements are still hitting fast and strong, with Geoff Keighley’s yearly show providing the goods once again. There’s a bunch to unpack here, so buckle up and keep your head on a swivel. We’re…

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Game Preview: F1 23 returns with new mechanics and a Braking Point sequel

It’s that time of the year again. With the Formula 1 season off and running, we recently got some hands-on time with the upcoming F1 23. In many ways, F1 23 is looking to return in strong form, with various adjustments to physics, a direct Braking Point story sequel and a whole new F1 World…

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Game Review: System Shock is a fantastic and faithful remake

The original System Shock was admittedly released the year I was born, but even though I’ve had plenty of time over the past 28 years, I had never gotten around to playing it until only a few years ago. I had understood its impact as a spiritual predecessor to one of my favourite games of…

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Tech Review: The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED Monitor is gorgeous, but incredibly expensive

Look, I get it. You get what you pay for. Corsair’s Xeneon 27-inch, QHD, 240Hz OLED monitor is many things. It’s sleek, crisp, responsive and vibrant. As many would have come to expect in recent years, any OLED option is looking to take the crown when it comes to panel quality, proving some of the…

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Tech Review: The Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition Gaming Mouse nails the essentials

Wow, that title was a mouthful. But unlike the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition’s overly long name, there’s a much simpler, refined review to unpack. Firstly, this version of the mouse is inspired by Aim Lab, the very home of FPS aiming training, meaning it’s specifically made for those hardcore FPS fans. While…

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Tech Review: The Samsung MX-ST50B Sound Tower packs the punch to match its size

I’ll be honest, I’ve owned and reviewed plenty of Bluetooth speakers, but have never owned a more prominent sound tower. I never thought I really needed one. But after a few weeks with the Samsung MX-ST50B Sound Tower, I’m starting to rethink how I’ve ever gone without one for so long. Be it the seamless…

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Game Review: Lego 2K Drive is both a fun and functional arcade racer

Lego 2K Drive came as a surprise to me when it was revealed. I had admittedly never expected Lego to pair up Forza Horizon’s arcade racing mechanics and vast open world with a wealth of customisation that only those little bricks can provide. But after a few hours with Lego 2K Drive, I was stunned…

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PlayStation’s accessibility controller now has a name

Initially revealed at CES this year as “Project Leonardo”, this latest PlayStation peripheral has found an official name; the Access Controller. Ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Sony has revealed an additional list of included features, highlighting how this new controller will propel general audience inclusivity to new heights in 2023 and beyond. The flat,…

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PlayStation is holding a massive hour-long showcase next week

In the wake of E3 2023’s recent cancellation, major publishers and developers have stepped up in their own ways to provide the hype for upcoming releases. The newest PlayStation Showcase will take place on Thursday, May 25th, and run for just over an hour, highlighting the hottest first and third-party titles that both the PlayStation…

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Tech Review: The OPPO A78 5G feels like a solid step forward for entry-level handsets

It’s no secret that with tech evolving at its current pace, new and popular features once exclusive to flagship mobile handsets, would eventually make their way down to both mid-range and entry level options. While the OPPO A78 5G lacks in certain areas, it still manages to compete strongly with certain mid-range offerings, thanks to…

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Game Review: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom stands as one of the best video game sequels ever made

I will admit that it’s been a while since I last played The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. But in many ways, after all these years, it still held the title of the best game I had played on the Nintendo Switch; until now. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom simply…

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