Reviews

WWE 2K24 stands out as one of the best wrestling titles in recent years

We all remember WWE 2K20. If you don’t, there isn’t much to see before you realise exactly why the franchise took some time off to revitalise and regroup. That being said, recent iterations have been much better for it, with WWE 2K24 wrapping up pretty much all there is to love about the sport and…

Read More

Skull and Bones is short on story, but high on action

Ahoy, there mateys! Insert all the pirate puns here! The long-awaited Ubisoft open-world pirate adventure fans have clamouring for since 2013’s Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is finally here. After lengthy delays, cancellations and then government grants forcing the game to see the light of day, we’re ready to sail the high seas. So after…

Read More

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth shows promise, but lacks the punch of its predecessor

When the Final Fantasy VII remake was initially announced, you could say it broke the internet. That original 1997 game changed the gaming landscape forever and hearing that it would be released to a new generation on a new platform made you feel like you were witnessing the second coming of Christ in gaming pop…

Read More

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is nothing short of a fantastic remake

In the timeless clash between plumber and primate, Mario vs. Donkey Kong for 2024 revitalizes the classic rivalry with a fresh twist. This iteration earns its stripes with upgraded graphics, engaging cutscenes, and addictive puzzle gameplay that will please fans of both franchises. The Iconic Rivalry While we have seen Mario and DK team up…

Read More

Helldivers 2 provides the humorous, light-hearted sci-fi fun we need right now

Helldivers 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic, has finally landed on both PlayStation 5 and PC, delivering intense action and strategic cooperative gameplay. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, this instalment brings significant changes, notably shifting from a top-down perspective to a first-person view. While this feels like a major departure from the…

Read More

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a haunting, yet wonderful tale of love and loss

I’ll be the first to admit that Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden remained relatively low on my radar up until its release. It looked interesting but was yet to draw me in with anything I hadn’t seen before. I am now incredibly glad that I gave this a chance. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden borrows…

Read More

Persona 3 Reload is a refined journey into darkness

Persona 3 Reload ultimately delivers a masterful refinement of a beloved classic, offering a compelling blend of dark themes, stylish visuals, and streamlined gameplay mechanics that work well in the 2024 gaming landscape. As a reimagined version of the iconic Persona 3, Reload doesn’t just revisit the past; it revitalises it, bringing the game to…

Read More

Tekken 8 is one of the best entries in the franchise to date

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Tekken franchise. In fact, Tekken 3 was one of the first games I ever played, back when I got my original PlayStation all those years ago. Since then, I’ve stuck with the franchise, and while most entries have been good, not all have been great. Be it…

Read More

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is still a fun send-off for the Arkhamverse

A lot has been said about game studio Rocksteady in the last few months leading up to the release of their new game, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The studio famous for its single-player Batman games that had defined a generation of superhero gaming, has taken a different approach in joining the live service…

Read More

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a near-perfect blend of style and substance

I consider myself a casual fan of the Yakuza (now Like a Dragon) franchise, yet, I’ve played almost all of them. Having played this game’s predecessor Yakuza: Like a Dragon sometime after its launch, I was pleasantly surprised at the decision to bring combat into the turn-based frontier, making for a more tactical blend of…

Read More

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown excels as a fast and energetic platformer

The Prince of Persia franchise might have been in hibernation for the past few years, but there’s no doubt that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, the latest entry in the franchise, looked to bring things back to the old school. With the franchise beginning back in 1989 as a 2D side-scrolling adventure, it’s simply…

Read More

Game Review: The Last of Us Part II Remastered is an essential upgrade

After the success of recent PS5 remakes like Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and The Last of Us Part 1, it was inevitable that a full upgrade of The Last of Us Part II was on its way for the PlayStation 5. Fortunately, this time around it comes with an A$20 upgrade price tag for existing…

Read More

Game Review : Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora feels like a wasted opportunity

Hot off the heels of one of the most commercially successful film sequels of all time, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora delivers a visually stunning experience that showcases the capabilities of the PS5, and earns its stripes as a graphical powerhouse. Running at a smooth 60 frames per second, its visuals are simply breathtaking, and the…

Read More

Tech Review: The SteelSeries Alias is a solid premium contender for all types of content creation

SteelSeries has spent the better part of the past two years redesigning and reinvigorating its entire range, along with the introduction of the Alias; a new pro-grade PC microphone aimed at not only gamers but those interested in all types of content creation and streaming. While its price is admittedly a little steep at A$399,…

Read More

Tech Review: The CRKD Nitro Deck is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch user

I use my Nintendo Switch quite often, and usually in handheld mode when I’m on the couch or out and about. And while I’ve put up with the standard joycons for several years now, there’s no denying that they’re not really the comfiest things to hold during longer play sessions. Enter the CRKD Nitro Deck….

Read More

Game Review: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 relies on nostalgia as opposed to fresh, new ideas

For what it’s worth, I tend to enjoy the yearly Call of Duty, even if it’s just for a few months. The breakneck pace and punchy gameplay are generally enough, while some of the recent Modern Warfare entries have pretty much kept me around throughout the entire year.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 looks…

Read More

Game Review: Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name feels fantastic to play, but a little too familiar

It’s a long title, but this is also a long franchise. With the Like a Dragon series heading in a new direction, we see the Gaiden games coming back to piece together some of the missing pieces. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name picks up the story of the previous protagonist…

Read More

Game Review: Super Mario RPG has been remade to near-perfection

In 1996, Nintendo and Square Enix teamed up to release what would go on to become the acclaimed Super Mario RPG, successfully combining Nintendo’s Mario franchise with Square Enix’s Final Fantasy style of game to become a cultural icon. It was such a gigantic hit, even if they forgot to make a PAL version, meaning…

Read More

Game Review: EA Sports UFC 5 builds upon its strong foundation

I’m a somewhat casual UFC fan when it comes to the real-life sport. But I’ve rather enjoyed the past few EA Sports UFC games for their balanced gameplay and variety of modes. If our UFC 4 review had anything to say about the context and position of the MMA franchise in video game form, it’s…

Read More

Game Review : The Jackbox Party Pack 10 wraps up a decade of hilarity and fun

The Jackbox Party series has been a staple in the world of party gaming for an entire decade now, and its 10th-anniversary instalment, aptly named The Jackbox Party Pack 10, is an absolute triumph. It brilliantly combines the classic formula that fans have grown to love with innovative new games, making it the best entry…

Read More

Game Review: Ghostrunner 2 recaptures the quality and spirit of its predecessor

The first Ghostrunner admittedly caught me off guard. While I had managed to get around to it and finish it multiple times since its release, I had always been waiting on something to follow up on the parkour-infused action of Mirror’s Edge. Ghostrunner 2 is a solid extension in this regard, providing many of those…

Read More

Game Review: WarioWare: Move It! brings back the chaos

WarioWare stands as one of the most unique and ambitious Nintendo franchises of the bunch. An opposite take on the Mario Party series, this game throws hundreds of mini-games at you in a chaotic fashion that makes this one of the most entertaining and joyous titles in an overcrowded game release month. While there isn’t…

Read More

Game Review: Hellboy Web of Wyrd is a visual delight but falters in its shallow combat

I’m going to come out swinging. Mike Mignola’s Hellboy is simply one of the best comic book characters ever made. While I’m not an avid reader of comics in general, I’ve certainly read most of these, complete with a unique, yet unmistakable art style, complex and diverse themes and some impressive writing across the board….

Read More

Game Review: Sonic Superstars is a welcome return to form

Since 1991, Sega’s blue blur mascot Sonic the Hedgehog has dominated the gaming industry with classic side-scrolling adventures, many defining a particular decade or console genertaion. After Sonic Mania re-invented the series again in 2017, the next big 2D platforming game starring our blue hero is finally here. This time around it is 2.5D expereince…

Read More

Game Review: Gargoyles Remastered serves up stellar visuals but falters with shallow gameplay

I grew up in the late 90s watching most of these animated Disney shows, but Gargoyles seemingly evaded me. Be it the limited exposure here in Australia, or my own ignorance, I never really had much of a connection to it. While I’ve certainly watched a few episodes of the series since then, my knowledge…

Read More

Game Review: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is still a worthy package

Providing some of the most memorable titles across nine generations of consoles, from the NES to the PlayStation 5, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 wraps up a significant portion of this franchise’s history in one convenient package. While there are plenty of reasons to return for the ride, this collection feels like a missed…

Read More

Game Review: Lords of the Fallen brings yet another solid action-RPG to the mix

If you feel like you’ve heard of Lords of the Fallen before, you’re not going crazy. Its predecessor was released back in 2014 under the exact same name. While this Lords of the Fallen is technically a sequel, set 1000 years after the original, it feels like more of a traditional reboot, managing to rectify…

Read More

Game Review: Super Mario Bros. Wonder is one of the best side-scrolling games the series has ever produced

For as seasoned as the franchise is at this point, it’s amazing that Super Mario Bros. Wonder still feels like an absolute gem of a game. Showcasing the true potential of the Nintendo Switch, with vibrant colours, this game is also a visual treat. That being said, Super Mario Bros. Wonder can only be described…

Read More

Game Review: Wizard With a Gun spells a great time

I must admit, it was that wacky title that first drew me to this game. When it was first revealed two years ago, the amusing concept and great trailer art immediately caught my eye – who wouldn’t be excited at the idea of playing as a wizard with a gun? Now that the game is…

Read More

Game Review : Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged provides a high octane sequel

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged takes the thrilling formula of its predecessor and cranks up the excitement to a whole new level. The highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 hit Hot Wheels Unleashed; this sequel features a brand new campaign called Creature Rampage that shines a light on the distinct Hot Wheels creatures that have…

Read More