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Articles by Matthew Arcari
Hellraiser: Revival nails the intended tone, but disappoints with shallow gameplay
1987’s Hellraiser is one of those films I have vivid memories of, simply because I had watched it at an age that is, and should be considered, way too young. I was into horror movies as a young teen and thought the edgiest, and at times most brutal, films were the ones to watch. The Evil Dead, The Exorcist, and Hellraiser were among those classic films. But as much as I tried to put on a brave face, this movie terrified me.
Grand Theft Auto 6 just dropped its launch trailer
It’s hard to believe we’re this close now, but in what feels like the final, big marketing push for Rockstar Games, we now have the official launch trailer of Grand Theft Auto 6. It’s showing off a tone we’ve already captured through much of the previous footage, but it seems like we’re getting more than we bargained for here, as we now have so many more questions. Bank heists? A payload swinging from a helicopter, smashing across the side of a building? Someone holding a flare on top of a biplane?
The Dell Pro 7 Rechargeable Compact Keyboard and Mouse (KM746) is a decent combo for everyday use
The number of keyboards and mice seems to be growing by the day, and Dell have decided to jump into the fold with their Pro 7 Rechargeable Compact Keyboard and Mouse (KM746). This wireless combo is sleek and minimal, providing a decent option for those potentially working from home, or those looking for a lighter, slimmer and easier setup to save some desk space where possible.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is fast, furious and fun
I’m a massive Star Wars fan, but I’m also a massive fan of arcade-style racing games like Wipeout and Burnout. So if you haven’t heard of Star Wars: Galactic Racer yet, that’s the best pitch I can really give you. Merging those franchises is not only a genius idea, but it has provided some of the most fun I’ve had with a game in 2026.
Ghost of Yotei’s latest DLC shines bright as a worthy addition to the core expereince
While I personally prefer Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei is still one of the best PS5 exclusives you can play right now. Ghost of Yotei’s latest DLC bundle includes a new story, Echoes of Sekigahara, along with a new roguelike mode titled Most Wanted. While I think the Echoes of Sekigahara storyline does a little more to help flesh out Atsu as a protagonist, there’s still some fun to be had in the new Most Wanted mode, as far as combat variety is concerned.
PAX Aus 2026: Hands-On with Alien: Isolation 2
Aliens might be one of the best science fiction films of all time, but that’s an easy one. Here’s a take that’s a little hotter: Alien: Isolation is one of the best horror games of the last generation. With that, you could imagine that I was particularly excited to check out Alien: Isolation 2. It’s not clear where within the narrative this segment takes place, but I would imagine it’s close to the very start of the game.
PAX Aus 2026: Hands-On with Total War: Warhammer 40,000
In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. But apparently there’s a new Total War: Warhammer 40,000 game coming out too. While I’m a fan of the Warhammer 40,000 franchise, I sadly have never played a Total War game, and I’m not really sure why. But thanks to the good folks at Sega, I was able to correct this at PAX Aus 2026 by sitting down with Total War: Warhammer 40,000 for just over 30 minutes.
PAX Aus 2026: Hands-On with Stranger Than Heaven
If you’re a fan of the Like a Dragon games (formerly known as Yakuza), then Stranger Than Heaven might already be on your radar. It certainly was on mine, and thanks to the good folks at Sega at PAX Aus 2026, we got the chance to sit down for some hands-on time. As you would have seen from various trailers and promotional material, Stranger Than Heaven takes place across not only various locations within Japan, but various time periods as well.
Gears of War: E-Day marks an incredible return for the franchise
Not counting Gears Tactics (which is incredibly underrated), it’s hard to believe we haven’t had a mainline Gears game since Gears 5 in 2019. While that was also a fantastic experience in its own right, it was hard to tell exactly where the franchise would go next. And in the years that followed, the conversation changed from the franchise’s next direction to just the return of the franchise in general.
Minecraft Dungeons II is a decent action-infused romp with friends
I hadn’t played the first Minecraft Dungeons when it was released in 2020, but it’s not because I wasn’t interested. I’m a massive Diablo fan, so a dungeon crawler such as this, infused with the craftiness and vibrancy of Minecraft, seems like a great idea. In many ways, Minecraft Dungeons II is a solid, functional dungeon crawler that has all the elements we’ve come to expect from the genre. The only real gripe is that it lacks any depth.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve successfully merges satisfying gameplay with a memorable story
I hate to admit it, but before this review, I’ve never played an Ace Combat game. I had certainly seen snippets of gameplay and had come to know how beloved the franchise was, but it was something I had never come across prior to Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. And now that I’m here, I can’t exactly figure out why it took me so long.
EA Sports FC 27 is a fun time that still feels like a work in progress
That time of year has come once again, and EA Sports FC 27 is here to bring the franchise into another round of squad updates, gameplay improvements, and new modes to enjoy both solo and with friends. For the most part, EA Sports FC 27 excels as far as gameplay is concerned, even if most of the newer modes and features surrounding it don’t move the needle all that much.
The Viture Pro 2 XR Glasses effortlessly blend luxury and portability
There might be a few options out there, but I admittedly have next to no experience with AR/XR glasses before trying out the Viture Pro 2 XR Glasses. But upon doing a little more research, why wouldn’t I want to try something like this? You mean I can have a massive screen on my face without the need for a dedicated setup, both anywhere and everywhere? Sign me up.
Nintendo, World of Warcraft and Bandai Namco are joining the PAX Aus 2026 expo floor line-up
It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again, as we prepare for PAX Aus. What might already feel like Christmas for gaming and pop culture fans will now get that much bigger, with the addition of Nintendo, World of Warcraft and Bandai Namco Entertainment joining the expo floor line-up this year. For the first time down under, fans will get the chance to try Nintendo Switch Sports Resort ahead of its release later this month on the 22nd of October.
Dune: Awakening makes for a fun time on Arrakis
I’m a massive fan of Dune, be it Frank Herbert’s original books, Denis Villeneuve’s more recent films, or even David Lynch’s underrated 1984 adaptation; I’m always looking for an excuse to return to the desert planet of Arrakis. Anyone who has delved into this world before will be aware of the expansive lore, long list of characters, various creatures and harsh elements, and developer Funcom’s latest outing, Dune: Awakening, feels like just what the doctor ordered for existing fans.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds are a fantastic, well-rounded premium option
Sennheiser has made some of the most well-built, premium headphones across both the in-ear and over-ear markets for quite some time now, and the previous Momentum True Wireless 4 were a great example of that. In many ways, the Momentum True Wireless 5 in-ear headphones feel like a more refined version of their older sibling, making meaningful changes, even if it’s not revolutionising them.
The SOUNDPEATS UU2 (Pop Clip2) Clip-On Open Ear Earbuds serve as a decent, entry-level alternative
I use earbuds daily, and while I use traditional earbuds for the most part, I have always appreciated the open-ear design to help users to keep track of their surroundings; a helpful feature when you’re taking the dogs for a walk at night or want to stay aware of the nearby traffic on a bike ride. Of course, each type of earbuds has its own benefits and gripes, depending on the features you’re looking for.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 is a package worth picking up
I reviewed Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 when it launched in 2023, and thought that while those games could have used a nicer 1080p polish, they still hold up incredibly well on modern platforms. Not to mention the clean menus, loads of bonus content and even some older original NES titles, it’s a no-brainer for fans of the franchise. In many ways, Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 feels like much of the same.
PAX Aus 2026 has unveiled its expo floor line-up
PAX Aus 202 is right around the corner, taking place over the weekend from October 9-12 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year feels crazier than ever, with new games to try, esports to watch, creators to chat to, interactive experiences to join and goodies to buy.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword revives the franchise with its best entry yet
I don’t have much of a connection to the original Onimusha games from the PS2 era, but I did play them briefly. While that was many years ago, I did review the more recent remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny, and felt that it had plenty to offer both new and existing fans amongst modern-day action titles.
Marvel’s Wolverine is as entertaining as it is brutal
Insomniac Games did such a great job with Marvel’s Spider-Man over the course of three titles that I would personally trust them with any superhero game they wanted to tackle. With that being said, Wolverine is one of my absolute favourites, and I really can’t believe it’s here.
Everything announced at the Apple iPhone 18 event
Apple held its annual event overnight, showcasing the brand-new phones that will grace us by the end of 2026. While the usual suspects were shown off here, including a new Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch and AirPods, there was a slightly larger, heavily rumoured device that’s sure to get everyone talking. So let’s dive in. Credit: Apple As you can imagine, this was by far the biggest announcement.
Here’s when and where you can watch Apple’s iPhone 18 event
Generally around this time each year, people start asking about the new iPhones on the horizon, and if they should pull the trigger on the current range, or simply wait for the new ones to launch. Apple has confirmed their iPhone 18 event will take place in the early hours of Thursday, the 10th of September, where we’ll find out about not only the range on offer, but the release and pre-order dates as well.
NBA 2K27 excels in some aspects, but falters in so many others
As a die-hard Boston Celtics fan, I was hoping NBA 2K27 would be kinder to me than the offseason was. It’s a tradition that I jump straight into Play Now and whip up a quick match between the Celtics and whoever I believe will be the best in the East for the upcoming season. As you can imagine, it hurts to see Jaylen Brown wearing that Philadelphia 76ers jersey.
We’re getting two Nintendo Direct presentations later this week
Fresh off PlayStation’s back-to-back State of Play showcases, it’s Nintendo’s time to wow us with two Nintendo Direct showcases, one of which is delivering a closer look at a game we admittedly all can’t wait to see. The first Nintendo Direct will take place on Wednesday, the 9th September at 12:00 am AEST for The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct.
Everything announced at the September 2026 PlayStation State of Play
An absolutely massive showing hit us late last night, with two back-to-back PlayStation State of Play streams highlighting not only a bunch of titles from PlayStation Studios and third-party developers, but also a range of titles from Asia as well. Without further ado, let’s dive in! STATE OF PLAY STATE OF PLAY JAPAN And that’s a wrap! Two State of Plays is always better than one, and PlayStation certainly brought the goods!
We’re getting two PlayStation State of Play streams this week
PlayStation’s State of Play streams are always something to look forward to, but I guess we’ll have to double our excitement for this week. We’re getting two State of Play streams back to back later tonight, the first of which will focus on the upcoming titles from PlayStation Studios and third-party developers alike, including another look at Final Fantasy VII: Revelation.
Orbitals plays well and looks even better
There are a few things to note before I begin my review of Orbitals. If you read my Split Fiction review last year, then you’ll know how much of a sucker I am for a good cooperative experience. For one, I love getting my wife, who is not a gamer by any stretch of the imagination, to play these games, which is equal parts frustrating and hilarious, in addition to the fact that, even if she won’t admit it herself, an experience she rather enjoys.
Dyson announces the CameraJet electric toothbrush
Dyson has announced they’re entering the oral hygiene game with the CameraJet electric toothbrush. Launching at 9pm tonight for a whopping A$799, the CameraJet will use a 100k pixel macro lens camera to help spray water through the gaps between your teeth. The included AI algorithm will also scan your mouth with 28 live images per second to help identify target gaps in real time. The Gap Optical Targeting will also help you floss as you brush.
Mortal Shell 2 is a serviceable improvement upon its predecessor
I was a fan of the original Mortal Shell when it was released back in 2020, but I will admit that it fell through the cracks, wedged within the rapidly expanding world of Souls-like games. Even so, it had introduced and implemented a few new ideas, mainly stemming from the Shell mechanic, but for the most part, it felt like a relatively safe and streamlined experience, borrowing from other titles that arguably did it better.
PAX Aus has announced the winners for the 2026 Indie Showcase
The PAX Aus Indie Showcase is back once again for 2026 to celebrate Australia’s most inventive independent game creators, by highlighting a selection of digital and board games, which will be available to try out later this year. Superloop will be sponsoring the PAX Aus Indie Showcase for this year, helping supporting the next generation of Australian developers looking to bring their ideas to your living room.
Star Wars Zero Company is a deep turn-based tactics experience, packed with charm and heart
I got the chance to go hands-on with Star Wars Zero Company earlier this month, and due to the lengthy nature of that build, feel like the genuine love I have for this game might not only sound familiar, but might also have increased. So apologies in advance if we touch on a few of the same points here. That being said, Star Wars Zero Company might not only be one of the biggest surprises and best games of 2026, but one of the best tactics-based games ever made.
Unpacking everything we saw in Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look
While Netflix subscribers got an exclusive look earlier this morning, everyone got to see a whopping 26 minutes of Grand Theft Auto 6 just hours later. The Extended Look showed us plenty of cinematic sequences, action, activities and a decent dive into this much larger version of Vice City. Without further ado, let’s jump in and unpack everything. We first meet Jason and Lucia, our two playable protagonists, picking up a bag of drugs to take back to their contact.
The Sinking City 2 puts the right pieces together for a decent sequel
For what it’s worth, I really loved 2019’s The Sinking City. It might have been a little janky in parts, but it served up a foreboding and tense atmosphere that felt like the best bits of Resident Evil and BioShock combined. While the gameplay felt a little stiff, I had plenty of fun simply existing in that world, backed and bolstered by Lovecraftian lore. The Sinking City 2 is, in many respects, an improvement over the original, but a more direct homage or tribute to the games that inspired it.
Everything announced at Gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live
Gamescom 2026 is here, and with that, the Opening Night Live showcase, highlighting a whole bunch of new and exciting games on the horizon. There’s a fair amount to cover here, so let’s dive in and run through all the announcements. And that’s a wrap! An admittedly vast range of genres, there’s certainly something for everyone on the way!
Here’s when and where you can catch Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look later this week
It’s hard to believe that Grand Theft Auto 6 is not only real, but is releasing later this year. While we’ve known for a couple of weeks now, it’s certainly worth getting excited for Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look, which is set to hit Netflix, YouTube and Rockstar’s own website later this week. No matter where and how you choose to watch it, Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look will be released this Friday, the 28th of August.
Early Access Beta Impressions: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 looks like a strong return to form
I play the current Call of Duty every year mainly for its multiplayer offerings, but it’s no secret that the franchise has had its ups and downs in recent years. I mean, the less we say about 2023’s Modern Warfare III, the better. But since then, the Modern Warfare franchise has been left at bay, with the back -to-back release of two Black Ops entries over the past couple of years.
Hands-On Impressions: The Duskbloods Network Test has us welcoming back FromSoftware with open arms
I’ve had my fair share of FromSoftware games over the years, and while I absolutely love Elden Ring and think it may be the best FromSoftware title, my favourite is still Bloodborne. I simply love the world, tone, slightly more linear nature, and faster combat mechanics, and return to it almost every year.
The EPOS Impact 1000 wireless headset is the perfect choice for work
I reviewed the EPOS Impact 500 late last year and found that, while not for everyday use, it is one of the most robust and highly recommended options for the workplace. It’s not to say that you wouldn’t be able to take them out and about, but EPOS had clearly honed in on what made these great for a workplace or office environment, with a lightweight fit and fantastic boom mic.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds provide decent ANC and audio, along with incredible microphone quality
We’ve reviewed a few Anker Soundcore products over the years and have been generally pleased with the results. I ended up using the Soundcore Space Q45 Headphones long after my initial review back in 2022, as they were some of my favourite headphones at that point in time. While I much prefer over-ear headphones for daily use, I tend to use earbuds now and then, depending on the situation. Right now, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds are that option.
Mafia: The Old Country – Man of Honor is an expansion worth returning for
Mafia: The Old Country holds a special place in my heart, mainly for its decision to return to its roots, with a setting based in Sicily. With Sicilian heritage myself, and having been to Sicily only a month after the release of the game last year, it still stands as one of my favourite games of 2026.
Unpacking the newest gameplay features in NBA 2K27
NBA 2K27 is right around the corner, and we’re getting plenty of inside looks at some fresh gameplay features from this year’s iteration. From general gameplay enhancements to a new city and MyCAREER updates, there’s plenty to look forward to when the game launches on the 4th of September, 2026. This year, players will mainly benefit from the updates to layups and dribbling, with expanded animations and customisation options, adding another layer of accuracy, authenticity, and expression.
Jumanji: The Lost Levels is coming to Zero Latency VR later this year
Zero Latency VR provides a wide range of original and licensed VR experiences at several locations across Australia. That range is set to grow again, with the announcement of Jumanji: The Lost Levels, coming to all Australian Zero Latency VR locations on the 4th of December, 2026.
The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC Headphones provide incredible bang for your buck
Skullcandy are no stranger to a wide range of over-ear and in-ear options across a range of price points, but the Crusher 1080 ANC over-ear headphones now stand as their most premium option on the market. At $399.99, I would certainly consider this a premium pair of headphones, but after using these for a few weeks now, I am inclined to believe that they stack up to much more expensive options like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is as addictive as it is stylish
I’m a massive fan of anything Marvel and fighting games in general, so it’s no secret that I’ve had my eye on Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls for a while. I also believe that Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is one of the best fighting games of all time, so I was worried I was putting a little too much pressure on the newest fighting game from Arc System Works, given it was doing its own thing and is considered more of a spiritual successor as opposed to a direct sequel.
The D-Link F518 5G Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 Mobile Hotspot with 8000mAh Battery provides quick and easy internet on the go
With an increasing range of cellular and Wi-Fi-enabled devices that we take on the go with us nowadays, it feels like portable internet is equally important. There are options like Starlink, which are great for those travelling in a caravan through rural areas, for example, but in most cases, it’s nice to just have something small and handy. Of course, you can hotspot from your phone, but as convenient as this can be, it can also drain your battery when you need it most.
Pro Jank Footy blends Aussie Rules Football and local humour to great effect
While I’m a massive AFL fan, I also have some incredibly fond memories of Aussie Rules Footy on the NES. While I’ve played almost every AFL game since then, I’ve always missed the simplicity and charm of that first NES game. So when I saw Pro Jank Footy, my eyes lit up. Pro Jank Footy is, in many ways, a callback to a simpler time. It’s relatively easy to pick up and play as a footy game, which is a marvel, given how complicated our beloved sport actually is.
Phantom Blade Zero is getting its own State of Play next week
Phantom Blade Zero is shaping up to be one of the more exciting releases of the year, and PlayStation have announced in its latest blog post, that it will be the next State of Play for 2026. While we’re not sure exactly how long this will run, we do know it will extend upon the dynamic combat and gameplay systems showcased in current trailers.
Hands-On Preview: Star Wars Zero Company breathes new life into the turn-based tactics genre
I’ve never really gotten into any of the X-Com games over the years, and to be completely honest, I’m not sure why. I’ve heard nothing but great things about them over the years, but with Star Wars: Zero Company essentially reviving the genre more recently, I felt compelled to dive a little deeper and check this one out. After all, I am a massive Star Wars fan, so I really had no choice. That being said, I’m loving what I’ve both seen and played of Star Wars: Zero Company so far.
The Shark SilkiPro Straight makes hair styling a breeze
I recently reviewed the Shark SpeedStyle Pro FLEX Hair Dryer System with my wife’s help, and while it was something I could use myself, it was better reviewed as a team. When it came to the Shark SilkiPro Straight, however, I was much more reliant on her input, as I am literally unable to use this on my much shorter hair.
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