Game Reviews

FromSoftware's Nightreign expansion is a triumph of game design. Building upon the already stellar foundation of Elden Ring, it introduces a new northern continent filled with ancient ruins, terrifying new bosses, and a narrative that rewards patient exploration.

The combat remains the gold standard for action RPGs — every encounter feels deliberate and satisfying. New weapon types add meaningful variety to builds, and the expanded spirit ash system gives solo players more viable options than ever.

Bottom Line: An essential expansion that justifies every hour of investment. A must-own for any Elden Ring fan.

Obsidian Entertainment delivers a first-person RPG that feels like a natural evolution of their storytelling expertise. Set in the Living Lands of Eora, Avowed is a rich, choice-driven adventure that respects player intelligence.

The combat is fluid and satisfying, blending magic and melee in ways that feel genuinely creative. Companion characters are among the best-written in recent memory, each with distinct personalities and meaningful questlines.

Bottom Line: Avowed is Obsidian at their best — a thoughtful, engaging RPG that deserves a place in your library.

Marvel Rivals has evolved significantly since its launch, with NetEase consistently adding new heroes, maps, and game modes. The Australian server population is healthy, meaning queue times are short and matches are competitive.

The hero design is creative and the team synergy system adds a layer of strategic depth that sets it apart from other hero shooters. Some heroes remain overpowered, but the balance team is responsive.

Bottom Line: A polished and fun hero shooter that earns its place in the competitive gaming landscape.

Civilization VII takes bold risks with the franchise formula. The new Age system, which transitions your civilization through distinct historical eras with mechanical changes, keeps each game feeling dynamic and prevents the mid-game slog that plagued previous entries.

Diplomacy has been completely overhauled with a more nuanced relationship system, and the new city-building mechanics add meaningful decisions to every turn. It's not perfect, but it's the most innovative Civ in years.

Bottom Line: A bold reinvention of a beloved franchise that rewards patience and strategic thinking.

Monster Hunter Wilds is Capcom's most technically impressive entry in the franchise. The dynamic ecosystem — where monsters hunt each other, weather changes affect behaviour, and the environment itself becomes a tactical tool — is a genuine game-changer.

The weapon variety remains exceptional, with all 14 weapon types feeling distinct and rewarding to master. The multiplayer co-op is seamless, and the Australian gaming community has embraced it enthusiastically.

Bottom Line: Monster Hunter Wilds is an essential action game and one of the best releases of 2026.

EA Sports FC 26 represents a solid, if unspectacular, iteration on the football simulation formula. The gameplay feels noticeably more fluid than last year, with improved dribbling physics and more realistic ball movement making matches more enjoyable.

Career Mode has received meaningful updates including a new scouting network system and improved board interactions. The A-League representation has also improved, which Australian fans will appreciate.

Bottom Line: A good football game that football fans will enjoy, though the annual upgrade cycle remains frustrating.