Author: Leah Williams

Games Review: Rainswept is a melancholy exploration of the meaning of life

Relationships are messy and fragile, and harsh words have consequences. Rainswept dives into this fragility wholeheartedly, and presents a grounded, if occasionally heavy-handed, tale about life, loss and the complications of love. Rainswept follows Detective Michael Stone as he investigates the seeming murder-suicide of a couple Chris and Diane. Their struggles mirror his own as…

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Games Review: Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr’s Journey is a Gut-Wrenchingly Good Time

Very few Nintendo DS games ever fulfilled the potential of the console’s unique dual screens, but one title came incredibly close. That title, Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, has finally gotten the recognition it deserves with a brilliant new remaster for the Nintendo 3DS. Originally released in 2009, Bowser’s Inside Story is an RPG…

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Games Review: Borderlands 2 VR (PSVR, 2018) is a fun and well-made romp through Pandora and beyond

I’ve had a rocky relationship with PSVR, to put it as kindly as possible. From mild headaches and blurry vision to a nauseating journey through Skyrim, I feel like I’ve been through the wars with the device. Honestly, it’s not had that much use at all, and I was ready to give up before Borderlands…

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Tech Review: The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition Wired Gaming Headset is Music to our Ears

I have a very delicate head, I really do. Princess and the Pea style, in fact. Every set of headphones I’ve tried has squashed and squeezed my little noggin every which way, giving me headache upon headache as I’ve searched in vain to find the answer. It’s appropriate that we’re coming into the holiday season,…

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Games Review: Spyro Reignited Trilogy (PS4, 2018) is Lit, Fam

Everybody’s favourite flaming 90’s mascot is back (again) in Spyro Reignited Trilogy, a collection of the first three entries in the franchise (and the only ones worth playing). Charting Spyro’s adventures across the Dragon Kingdom, Avalar and the Forgotten Worlds, the trilogy is presented in shiny remastered format, breathing life back into what had become…

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Games Review: Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu (Switch, 2018) is a pure and wholesome adventure through the very best of Pokémon

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee had its fair share of doubters when it was first announced. A very small but very loud minority decried every new announcement, complaining that the new title would be too easy and kid-friendly. Ironically, it’s this ease and accessibility that makes the title shine so brightly. Essentially, Let’s Go is a…

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Games Review: Lego Harry Potter Collection (Switch, 2018) brings the magic back to the Lego franchise

The Lego Harry Potter game franchise first launched in 2010, and has since been adapted and remastered for nearly every device imaginable. This includes, but is not limited to, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, iOS, OS X and Android. To be made available on literally everything is the mark of a true great, and with the release…

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Games Review: My Hero One’s Justice (Switch, 2018) is a shallow but immensely fun romp filled with superheroics

My Hero One’s Justice is a game designed purely for the My Hero Academia faithful, not because it’s inaccessible, but because the story begins at the halfway mark, picking up our protagonist Midoriya’s journey from his internship with hero Gran Torino – about the halfway mark of season two for those that follow the anime….

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PAX Aus 2018: ZeniMax’s Matt Firor Talks The Future of The Elder Scrolls Online and How Fans have Shaped the Franchise

The Elder Scrolls Online, first launched in 2014, has leapt from strength to strength in recent years having since launched multiple new content packs, including the gargantuan Morrowind and Summerset expansions in 2017 and 2018 respectively. At PAX Australia, we had the chance to sit down with Elder Scrolls Online’s Game Director, Matt Firor, to…

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Games Review: Call of Cthulhu (PS4, 2018) is a Charmingly Clunky Eldritch Mess

Call of Cthulhu is not a game that belongs on the modern generation of consoles. It’s clunky, muddy and technically unpolished – yet, there’s something surprisingly cunning about it, because it uses its own murk to great effect. When textures cut in and out of focus or objects seem to disappear, it only adds to…

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Hotel Review: Mantra St Kilda Rd’s modern comforts are just a short tram ride away from Melbourne’s CBD

Mantra St Kilda Rd is characterised by its stunning and elegant modern charm, with a chandeliered, ballroom style entrance and lovely art deco apartments. Every wall is adorned with bold paintings, and with its red carpet entrance way, it brings a sense of grandeur to the venue. The hotel boasts a well-equipped and very spacious…

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Hotel Review: Melbourne’s Mantra on Jolimont is a Jolly Good Time

The Mantra on Jolimont is a true gem nestled on the outskirts of Melbourne City, and a prime location for those looking to stay a comfortable and affordable distance away from the bright lights of the CBD. The hotel is a short tram ride from Flinders St Station, or a 15-minute walk for the intrepid…

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PAX Aus 2018: 6 Games That Shined On The Show Floor

With PAX Australia done and dusted, there comes time for introspection and assessment. Dozens of games from across the industry made appearances on the show floor, with some leaving far more of an impression than others. What follows is a run down of the best that PAX had to offer, and the games that shone…

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Games Review: LEGO DC Super-Villains (PS4, 2018) is so Bad it’s Good

The LEGO franchise has become one of the least surprising in gaming – not because it’s become stagnant, but because it’s managed to hit the perfect balance of action, adventure and comedy within its titles. The franchise’s newest entry, LEGO DC Super-Villains hits all the same notes as usual, alongside some welcome new ones. Character…

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6 Indie Titles We’re Excited To See At PAX Australia

With PAX Australia 2018 right around the corner, Aussie gamers are soon to be flooded with heaps of great new content. From Aussie indies to the best of the rest, we take a look at some of the most eye-catching games featured at PAX, and what we’re looking forward to most. Necrobarista, Route 59 Necrobarista…

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Games Review: Luigi’s Mansion (3DS, 2018) is a flawed masterpiece

Luigi’s Mansion for GameCube was a masterpiece in-game design, becoming one of the best-selling titles of 2001 and leaving a legacy of greatness in its wake. With a long-awaited sequel released on 3DS in 2013 and another scheduled for Switch in 2019, it only made sense for the game to make a grand return. While…

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Games Review: WWE 2K19 (PS4, 2018) is a step in the right direction

When last year’s iteration of 2K’s WWE series came around, I was incredibly cynical about the title. For a long time, the games have followed largely the same formula, with a few graphical tweaks here and there. WWE 2K19 is different, representing a significant leap for the franchise – although, not enough of one to…

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Games Review: The World Ends With You: Final Remix (Switch, 2018) is the triumphant return this hidden gem deserves

The World Ends With You is frequently spoken of as one of the greatest games developed for the original Nintendo DS, with a killer story and gameplay that used the full capacity of the innovative touch screen. Despite how well-received it was, TWEWY also went somewhat unloved in the wider gaming scene, and has come…

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Tech Review: I Had A Steamy, Weeklong Love Affair With the Microsoft Surface Go

For a long time, tablets have existed in a nebulous space – not quite as practical as a phone, and not nearly as capable as a laptop. The Microsoft Surface Go exists somewhere in the space between, filling a much needed niche in portable computing. For just over a week, I had the chance to…

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I Died 50 Times in Fortnite, and Loved Every Minute Of It

At this point in time, Epic Games’ Fortnite needs no introduction. Frequently demonised and lambasted in mainstream media, Fortnite‘s PvP Battle Royale mode has become a scapegoat for everything wrong with modern gaming. Tales of addicted children, provoked violence and money lost to microtransactions are rampant, and it paints a picture of an incredibly violent…

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Games Review: There are no Fighting Dreamers in Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Strikers (PS4, 2018)

Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Strikers feels like a massively missed opportunity for a fun and robust multiplayer Naruto game. Building off the success of the Ninja Storm series, Shinobi Strikers is a weak follow up that rarely capitalises on the unique appeal of the Naruto franchise. Essentially, Shinobi Strikers is a multiplayer fighting game that…

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Games Review: Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (Switch, 2018) will leave you felyne just fine

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate was a game never intended to release in the West. This was all but confirmed by Capcom at E3 2017, where a company representative stated that there were no plans to bring the original Japanese-only port, Monster Hunter XX, to English audiences. Following the global release of Monster Hunter World, which…

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Tech Review: Razer Nommo Pro Gaming Speakers are all about that bass

The Razer Nommo Pro is a hefty beast of a sound system, featuring dual satellite speakers and a subwoofer to emulate cinematic 5.1 surround sound. The system is compatible with a variety of sources including home consoles and PCs, and though it is optimised for PC gaming, it’s also packaged with an aux cord for…

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I Tried to Bone the Scarecrow in The Sims 4: Seasons

Seasons is one of the latest expansion packs for 2014’s The Sims 4, and much like its predecessors, it integrates brand new, year-round weather features, new activities, career paths, furniture and more. In terms of added features, Seasons is an essential expansion, providing a structured calendar complete with themed seasonal events such as Love Day,…

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WWE 2K19 To Celebrate Daniel Bryan’s Storied Career in Returning 2K Showcase Mode

Daniel Bryan has had a long and varied career in WWE. From his introduction as part of the NXT‘s Nexus division, to his eventual firing, rehiring, retiring and return. WWE 2K19 is set to showcase his journey and triumphant struggle back to the ring with the return of 2K Showcase, a story-driven campaign mode within…

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Tech Review: The Venom Power Pack & Stand will let you game on (and on, and on)

The Venom Power Pack & Stand is an essential accessory for hardcore Nintendo Switch gaming, providing a significant boost to the console’s battery life and a solid kickstand base for travel stability. With its sleek design and ease of use, the device is easy to recommend for any Switch gamer.

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Numskull Designs Launches Nostalgia-Filled Spyro the Dragon Merchandise Line

Everybody’s favourite purple dragon is set to receive a wave of brand new themed merchandise in the lead up to November’s Spyro Reignited Trilogy. The collection includes a range of items including wallets, purses, pins, notebooks and apparel, including a t-shirt, hat, beanie and watch.

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Games Review: WarioWare Gold (3DS, 2018): It’s Wario’s World, We’re Just Living In It

WarioWare Gold is the latest in a long line of bizarre, microgame collections that can best be described as Dada art. Gold is the culmination of 15 years of WarioWare goodness, featuring the best microgames of the past, and brand new microgames for the future. You’ll be glad to know that it’s lost none of…

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WOOOOO! WWE 2K19 Gets A Stylin’, Profilin’, Limousine Ridin’ Special Edition

2K has finally unveiled all the details of the upcoming WWE 2K19 collector’s edition, and it’s a package fit for a 16-time WWE World Champion. Ric Flair is the newest honouree for the 2K series, representing the long and starry history of WWE and WCW.

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2K’s WWE SuperCard Gets a Super-Powered Boost With Brand New Throwback, Fusion and Hall of Fame Goliath Cards

The Goliath tier of 2K’s stellar <i>WWE SuperCard</i> is set to receive a giant boost with brand new special Throwback, Fusion and Hall of Fame tiered cards. These new sets include NXT’s Bobby Fish, Raw’s Mickie James and Alicia Fox, as well as Jinder Mahal and more.

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