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 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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Game Review: Ravenlok looks gorgeous, but lacks depth

Ravenlok wastes no time in showing off a gorgeous world, highlighted by vibrant colours, unique environments and a charming art style. Unfortunately, it’s lacking in almost all other departments. From shallow gameplay to frustrating camera control and simplistic story, Ravenlok leaves little reason for most older audiences to give it a try, even if younger…

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Game Review: Redfall provides potential, but largely misses the (bite)mark

Developer Arkane Studios’ return always feels like a welcome one, packed with both anticipation and fond memories of previous titles. From Dishonored to Deathloop, we’ve understandably become accustomed to a certain level of creativity and quality from the developer. That being said, Redfall feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a world full of lore and intrigue,…

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Game Review: Crime Boss: Rockay City is as cheesy as it is messy

Crime Boss: Rockay City’s reveal felt like a nail being hit on the head. Between the stellar cast, featuring Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs), Chuck Norris (Walker Texas Ranger), Kim Basinger (Batman), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead) and even rapper Vanilla Ice, and the satiric nature of a crime-ridden beach city in…

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Tech Review: Anker Soundcore VR P10 earphones provide a slim and feature-packed gaming alternative

Anker’s Soundcore range of both headphones and earphones continues to grow, with the newest VR P10 earphones offering a slim and feature-packed alternative for gamers. For those looking to take the weight off their heads during longer gaming sessions, the VR P10’s light and comfortable design makes this a breeze for connecting between multiple devices,…

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Tech Review: The Roccat Kone Air gaming mouse prides itself on quality and comfort

Roccat’s mainline mouse offers yet another alternative for the more understated gamer who appreciates a comfortable and responsive mouse, without the extra bells and whistles. Unlike the admittedly solid Kone Pro Air and Kone XP Air gaming mice, the Kone Air opts out of any RGB support, while providing stellar battery life, solid build quality…

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Game Review: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is nothing short of a tremendous sequel

I’ve been a Star Wars fan for almost as long as I can remember. While it started with a love for the original trilogy of films, it soon extend to books, TV shows and most importantly, games. While I won’t run through that entire list of top Star Wars games (let’s save that for another…

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Game Review: Dead Island 2 brings the fun, yet feels a little dated

The time has finally arrived. After what feels like an eternity, Dead Island 2 has finally made its way to our homes, bringing with it waves of zombies to dismember in gory fashion. In many ways, Dead Island 2 is a solid action title, packing in brutal melee combat and a consistent sense of humour….

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Game Review: Minecraft Legends provides a solid strategy spinoff

For everything that Minecraft has done over the past decade or so, it’s surprising top realise that the franchise has not yet touched the strategy genre. That is, until now. Minecraft Legends looks to fill that gap, providing fans and newcomers alike with an RTS spinoff that feels accessible to both younger and older gamers…

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Game Review: EA Sports PGA Tour returns as a contender

I had only gotten into golfing as a sport in recent years, but had always admired the EA Sports PGA Tour games (or Tiger Woods PGA Tour games as they were known back then) for a fun and laidback approach to what is otherwise an incredibly tactical and nuanced activity. While I couldn’t get a…

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Early Access Game Preview: Undisputed feels like a promising return for boxing games

Originally announced as eSports Boxing Club, Undisputed looks to fill a large hole in the sporting games market. With certain games like Big Rumble Boxing and the Creed Champions spin-off trying their best, it’s been over a decade since a traditional boxing game has graced any platform. Fight Night Champion still scratches that itch for…

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Simulation game Park Beyond will launch on PC and next-gen consoles in June

Bandai Namco Europe and Limbic Entertainment have recently revealed their new simulation game, which allows players to create the theme park of their dreams. Park Beyond got a brand new trailer at the Future Game Show, complete with some new details and an official release date. The trailer also features some iconic Namco video game characters…

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Oz Comic-Con to bring The Mandalorian star to Adelaide and Melbourne

Oz Comic-Con is set to return in June, bringing three new guests to Australian shores. Emily Swallow (known as the Armourer in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett), Abby Trott (known as Nezuko Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba), and JusZ Cosplay will serve as the first guests in an otherwise growing…

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Game Preview: Hands on with Diablo IV’s open beta

I must admit, for as popular as Diablo III has been since its launch, it had never managed to grab me, nor keep me around for more than a couple of months after its release. That being said, Diablo IV’s open beta seemed like the perfect opportunity to become reacquainted with the franchise that might…

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