Drop Rate - Video game reviews that'll make you think

DOOM: THE DARK AGES feels like a reboot of its own, a sideways step back away from a lot of the changes made in DOOM Eternal.

If you don't know your BFGs from your super shotguns this might be exactly the DOOM for you, a great entry point for newbie Doomslayers.

Read our full review here: DOOM: THE DARK AGES gives you far more choice to play the way you like

A copy of DOOM: THE DARK AGES on PC was provided to SIFTER for the purpose of this review.

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One of the all time great roleplaying games modernised just enough for today's audience, THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION REMASTERED is here.

Gianni pops on the nostalgia goggles for a trip down memory lane.

Read our review and check out all the screenshots here: THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION REMASTERED is almost exactly as you remember it and that's excellent

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THE DARK QUEEN OF MORTHOLME is a 20 minute long, self-proclaimed "anti-game" by Mosu Aijala, and is one of my most memorable game experiences in recent memory.

Read our review here: The Dark Queen of Mortholme: A Short but Brilliant Subversion of the Hero’s Journey

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Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to s...

The team is bigger than ever before and we've got seven red hot recommendations for you, with lots of variety to choose from, and a great list of honourable mentions as well.

Did your favourite game make the cut this year? Let us know on Discord, or leave us a rating or review.

Read our written reviews for our 2024 picks on our website.

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As romance novels grow in popularity, so too do dating sims and visual novels. SIFTER's Courtney Smith and Steph Panecasio (GamesHub) discuss A DATE WITH DEATH, a free dating sim from Aussie devs, Two and a Half Studios.

From blushing at the grim reaper in the computer to analysing how women's sexuality is catered to in video games, this episode of Drop Rate has it all.

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There are only a couple of constants in this world, death, taxes and new CALL OF DUTY games. This semi-annual series keeps cranking out the shooter scenarios, with some great multiplayer and all over the place single player.

Chris Button is joined by SIFTER's own Kyle Pauletto and freelance journalist David Smith (Rhunwords) as they make heads and tails of it all.

Clicking on things is fun, that's what CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 delivers in spades.

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app...

‍STAR WARS OUTLAWS might be the first game that actually feels like you're in the cities, spaceships and bases of the legendary scifi series. It's an open world game that doesn't feel bogged down with too much list ticking activities.

Chris Button and Gianni Di Giovanni share their thoughts on Ubisoft's take on the world of Star Wars, what worked, what didn't and why Massive is only the name of the studio that made it, not the world.

Read our full review here: STAR WARS OUTLAWS is a fun open world adventure that feels perfectly in...

HADES II has been on everyone’s radar since the first game launched in 2020, and this sequel keeps the favourite parts of the previous game but adds heaps of new abilities, battle mechanics and storylines in its early access release.

Chris Button sits down with SIFTER Executive Producer Gianni Di Giovanni to unpack the mythical Underworld and see if HADES II lives up to the hype of its predecessor.

With two separate runs with slightly different mechanics and environment, so even from the get-go the game offers a lot even though it’s in early acce...

STELLAR BLADE caught the attention of many when it first debuted, but not necessarily for its gameplay. Flashy in more ways than one, it's certainly generated plenty of heated discussion online.

Stephanie Panecasio (GamesHub) and David Smith (Kotaku Australia) join Drop Rate to unpack the many layers of this flashy action RPG. Stellar Blade's methodical and stylish combat consistently proves to be a highlight, while its derivative paint-by-numbers structure slows it down.

And that's even before talking about the platforming, well the less said, the better, but there is one thing we can all agree on...

With fun combat that never gets old, UNICORN OVERLORD by Vanillaware combines a dash of FIRE EMBLEM, some FINAL FANTASY XII and even a bit of auto-battler genre into a game that makes you change your plans again and again.

Chris Button sits down with SIFTER Executive Producer Gianni Di Giovanni to explore the world of Fevrith, making allies and the unfortunately pervy character designs in overall wonderful game.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

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👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store...

The second entry in the ambitious modernisation of Final Fantasy VII series feels like it finally captures that wonder and fun of the original game. With plenty of fun silly moments and tight compelling combat that encourages variety, FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is the game you’ve been waiting for.

Leah Williams (GamesHub) joins Chris Button on the latest episode of Drop Rate to race on chocobos, chill in Costa Del Sol and take the fight to Sephiroth

A copy of FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH on PlayStation 5 was provided to SIFTER for the purposes of th...

Yordles are fae-like creatures from Bandle City, a magical land where wondrous events occur. If you’re not careful, you may fall into one of the portals leading to the home of the Yordles.

BANDLE TALE: A LEAGUE OF LEGENDS STORY captures the magic and whimsy of the lore behind one of League of Legends’ cutest and most mysterious races. You’ll craft, explore and converse with a sentient sock, and if that doesn’t convince you to play, maybe we’ll be able to with this episode of Drop Rate.

Drop Rate host Courtney Borrett is...

The first time is an accident, one of your fellow soldiers stands just a little bit too close to the blast zone as you call down artillery from outer space. HELLDIVERS 2 actually makes it a little bit too fun to explode your allies. Whoops.

It's all part of the shtick which really amps up the forever war jingoistic world of Super Earth as you blast across planets in the name of 'Managed Democracy'. There has to be sacrifice in the name of freedom right? Good, well jump in this pod soldier.

Drop Rate host Chris...

Like someone made a joke then just massively committed to the bit, LIKE A DRAGON INFINITE WEALTH has just so much in it you can spend ages just chasing what you find fun.

Charlie Kelly (Checkpoint Gaming) and Jam Walker (Kotaku Australia, GamesHub) join Chris as they visit Yokohama and Hawaii in search of madcap adventures.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/d...

It's hard to match the combat and minute to minute gameplay in the THE LAST OF US PART II and the new PlayStation 5 version offers more of the excellent nailbiting gameplay and deeper insights into the developer's creative process.

If you treat this new version as premium DLC for the game you already own, the cut content, commentary and new roguelike mode No Return makes for an enjoyable return to this series.

Chris Button sits down with SIFTER Executive Producer Gianni Di Giovanni as they enjoy a look behind the curtain.

A copy...

It's been a massive year for video games, with some of the very best games ever made packed into 2023. In our annual special we've collected the entire SIFTER team like Pokémon into one massive end of year episode. We've got massive titles and smaller indies plus our honourable mentions. What ever you choose to play next from this list you'll have a great time.

What is your favourite game r...

Mario has been jumping on platforms now for a really long time, and SUPER MARIO BROS. WONDER takes everything you know and mixes it up, with some incredible design that'll challenge and thrill you in equal measure.

Ruby Innes (Pocket Buds) and Adam Christou (SIFTER) join Chris for a big discussion about finding representation in Daisy, why elephant Mario is hot and the incredible sound design that wraps it all together.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

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Remedy has had a great run lately, the Finnish studio have build their wild and somewhat spooky games into a shared universe which reaches it's apex in ALAN WAKE 2. If you're a fan of genre television like Twin Peaks or the metanarratives in games like IMMORTALITY you'll get a kick out of this sequel.

James O'Connor (Kotaku, Gameshub) and Fergus Halliday (Reviews,org) join Chris for a wild ride that pushes the boundaries of video games.

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☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

Can MARVEL'S SPIDER-MAN 2 up the ante once again? Now both Spideys are back for some dual arachnid action in this PlayStation 5 exclusive. Have Insomniac been able to mix up the gameplay for this third game?

Fiona Bartholomaeus (SIFTER, RTRFM) joins Chris Button in an ultimate team up as they take on their experiences with webslinger.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/disco...

You'd be hard pressed to find someone who cares as much about the Forza series as Alice Clarke. This diehard racing sim fan joins Chris for a discussion of the new entry in the more serious technical half of the franchise with FORZA MOTORSPORT, a game where there is a little bit more fog on the road ahead.

Find out if the track is full of potholes, or if Alice thinks Turn 10 Studios racing game can make up for lost time.

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☕ Tipping us on KoFi ht...

ASSASSIN'S CREED MIRAGE is explicitly for those players wanting the simpler stealth action game play of the original games. Originally a DLC chapter for ASSASSIN'S CREED VALHALLA, Basim's adventures through Baghdad are a simpler, tighter experience with lots of the great improvements from 15 years of history.

Read our review of the game, then listen to Chris and Gianni share their thoughts.

A copy of ASSASSIN'S CREED MIRAGE on Xbox Series X|S was provided to SIFTER for the purpose of this review.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on...

It's a massive universe to explore in STARFIELD a game that builds on many of the gameplay systems you've come to enjoy in Bethesda's roleplaying games.

Does it live up to the hype after years of development and delays? Well it depends on what type of player you are, but there is lots of fun to be had here.

Jess Zammit (Player2.net.au) joins SIFTER's own Gianni Di Giovanni for a galaxy spanning adventure.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/si...

It's one of the most accessible entries in the From Software's library with ARMORED CORE VI: FIRES OF RUBICON showing a clear lineage of game design skill acquired in the ten years since the last entry.

The mech combat genre isn't for everyone, but if you're an ELDEN RING fan wanting to branch out into some of the best feeling combat yet, this might be your opportunity.

Omi Koulas (Checkpoint Gaming) joins Chris to discuss why this is was such a delight.

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☕ Tipping us...

Musical theatre isn't to everyone's tastes, and neither is STRAY GODS: THE ROLEPLAYING MUSICAL, the highly anticipated debut release from Australian indie team Summerfall Studios.

Twisting Greek Mythology into a modern day tale of existentialism with songs, Stray Gods follows Grace, a young woman suddenly thrust into godhood - all while being framed for murder.

Christie McQualter (GamesHub) and James Wood (WellPlayed) joined Drop Rate to discuss their nuanced perspectives on a game that will divide opinions. Narratively and thematically, Stray Gods resonates deeply, and the on-screen representation shines through the diverse talent behind the...

There are few game developers in the world who make more compelling murder mysteries than those at Too Kyo Games. Comprised of team members responsible for the DANGANRONPA and ZERO ESCAPE series, there's a lot of pedigree behind MASTER DETECTIVE ARCHIVES: RAIN CODE.

An absolute mouthful of a title aside, Rain Code delivers on the high stakes drama and convoluted murder mysteries expected of the talent behind the scenes. And while the overall presentation and strong aesthetic is arguably the best I've seen from this development team, not everything has progressed quite so linearly.

Taking...

Japanese role-playing games specialise in grandeur. Epic tales of warring nations that often involve the direct intervention of godly beings, the genre usually entertains even if the execution doesn’t match its lofty ambitions. Final Fantasy XVI is one such game. Despite a grimdark fantasy setting that stumbles on multiple fronts it’s the combat and overall spectacle that truly exhilarates.

Sharing more in common at times with the Devil May Cry series and God of War reboots than its predecessors, Final Fantasy XVI is a fascinating shakeup of a long-beloved franchise. Many legacy touchstones persist, like the...

STORY OF SEASONS: A WONDERFUL LIFE revisits the 2003 farming simulator GameCube classic. In the years since its original release, farming games have risen in popularity: Stardew Valley, Wylde Flowers, and Disney Dreamlight Valley, just to name a few.

Ruby Innes (Back Pocket) and Courtney Borrett (Power Up, Kotaku Australia) join us this episode to explain why this modern take on the classic game is one of the best in the series to revisit.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our m...

Welcome to Drop Rate, SIFTER’s review podcast. 

My name is Chris Button and I’ll be your host as we explore the biggest and also smaller new release video games on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC. 

I’ll be joined each episode by some of the best games writers the internet has to offer and together we talk about how each game made us feel and importantly what it made us think.

So buckle up and get ready for some great conversations about games.

You can get every episode for free jus...

What is a game without it's soundtrack? Meena Shamaly, composer and host of ABC Classic's The Game Show joins Gianni for a musical journey through some of the best sounds in video games.

Check out the full list on our website: The Best Video Game Soundtracks of 2022 with Meena Shamaly

Support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by buying us a coffee on KoFi or some merch on the SIFTER STORE

Join the SIFTER Discord to be part of the conversation

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou...

It's our bumper Game of The Year special, we've got six different games for you as well as a bunch of honourable mentions from the SIFTER team. It was a very hard choice this year with lots of incredible games.

You can read a full write up of our favourites on the SIFTER website. SIFTER's 2022 Games of the Year

Support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by buying us a coffee on KoFi or some merch on the SIFTER STORE

Join the SIFTER Discord to be part of the conversation

SIFTER is produced...

PENTIMENT is the sort of game that I don't expect is going to appeal to everyone, the point and click narrative game from Obsidian Entertainment (THE OUTER WORLDS, PILLARS OF ETERNITY) is very dense and it takes its time unfolding.

Fans of history and the evolution of culture are in for something pretty special as you walk the labyrinth in contemplation of God, each decision weighing heavily on you, each decision determining what survives and what gets painted over.

Read a written version of this story on the SIFTER website: PENTIMENT is one of the most...

GOTHAM KNIGHTS is an intriguing experiment - a superhero action game that is torn between being a solid narrative experience and something else entirely that is soured with odd loot systems, uninspiring character ability trees and a fundamentally flawed mission and world design that feels cut and paste and repetitive in the worst ways.

Read a written review on our website: GOTHAM KNIGHTS is a frustrating open world adventure which isn't as fun as just being Batman

A copy of GOTHAM KNIGHTS on PC and Xbox Series X|S was provided to SIFTER for the...

OVERWATCH 2 brings the team based shooter into the free to play era with some pretty questionable monetisation but ultimately extremely fun multiplayer gameplay.

Adam Christou, Mitch Loh and Gianni Di Giovanni share their first impressions of Blizzard's once legendary game.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Thanks to Omny Studio for their support of SIFTER.

Join the SIFTER Discord to be part of the conversation

Support SIFTER's independent...

Playing THE LAST OF US PART 1, the PlayStation 5 remake of the original game makes me wish this was the very first time I was playing the series, taking my first steps into post apocalyptic cordyceps infected world.

But this game is for better and worse the ultimate version of that 2013 title, which means if you've experienced Joel and Ellie's first story, you've played this excellent game.

Read our written review on the SIFTER website: THE LAST OF US PART 1 will make you wish this was your very first playthrough

Thanks to Edmond Tran of G...

CULT OF THE LAMB is one of the best single player games of the year, you'll feel compelled to keep moving through both combat and base building modes as you aim for that next attainable upgrade or giant boss to defeat.

Chris Button (Byteside) joins Mainstream to discuss Massive Monster's excellent cult simulator.

Read our written review on the SIFTER website: CULT OF THE LAMB is devilishly addictive game with lots of fun systems to play with

A copy of CULT OF THE LAMB was provided to SIFTER for the purpose of this...

STRAY is a new perspective on a post-apocalyptic science fiction, and playing as a cat through this story is a blast. Heavily drawing from cyberpunk aesthetics and some of the anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist themes common in the genre it does however fall into some of the same pitfalls.

Heavily influenced by the neon streets of Hong Kong and Kowloon walled city, the game doesn't meaningfully engage with the orientalist imagery in a deep level, as Sisi Jiang from Kotaku succinctly identifies, it can feel a bit uncomfortable.

Read our written review on the SIFTER website...

FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS: THREE HOPES takes the best part of the Warriors franchise and effortlessly mixes it with the core elements of the most recent Fire Emblem series – the dramatic Game Of Thrones style storyline, a charismatic cast of characters, a likeable new protagonist and a strong focus on managing and commanding your troops in the heat of battle.

Read our written review on the SIFTER website: FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS: THREE HOPES is a welcome return to Fódlan and a fun twist on the WARRIORS series

A copy of FIRE EMBLEM WARRIORS: THREE HOPES was...

THE QUARRY by Supermassive Games is a masterwork of genre fiction and really cleverly written ode to those eighties and nineties teen slasher flicks.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Thanks to Omny Studio for their support of SIFTER.

Join the SIFTER Discord to be part of the conversation

Support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by heading to the SIFTER STORE

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Grab your joycon, tighten your wrist strap and bowl, smash or spike your way to victory. If you had a Wii you almost certainly played  WII SPORTS, the 2006 title sold 82 million copies by the end of that console's life in 2017.

NINTENDO SWITCH SPORTS is a slick sequel with plenty of innovation and polish that could become another cult classic.

Read our written review on the SIFTER website: NINTENDO SWITCH SPORTS is a stylish and fun multiplayer game, but online progression for cosmetics is a chore

A copy of NINTENDO SWITCH SPORTS was provided to...

TREK TO YOMI's crackling and popping of a dusty film reel samurai film aesthetic hits you quickly when you first load into the game.This is a serious cinematic experience. We're doing everything in black and white, there's using gorgeous camera angles.  

Read our written review on the SIFTER website: TREK TO YOMI, a side scrolling samurai epic and a visual treat

A copy of TREK TO YOMI was provided to SIFTER for the purpose of this review.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh...

You won't have played anything quite like 13 SENTINELS: AEGIS RIM, this multi-protagonist mecha anime game is so compelling and layered it's actually mindblowing how well all the parts work together. 

Step into the highschool drama of budding relationships, interschool rivalries in Sakura High School just before the world ends and you need to jump into the cockpit of a Sentinel robot to defeat the mechanised kaiju. 

Read our written review on the SIFTER website: A masterful branching scifi story, 13 SENTINELS: AEGIS RIM is a must play on Nintendo Switch

A copy of 13 SENTINELS: AE...

KIRBY AND THE FORGOTTEN LAND the new platformer in the long running Kirby Series from HAL Laboratory is both familiar and new enough to have something for all players. 

Fiona and Gianni explore this fun new adventure for the most powerful pink ball around which is out now on Nintendo Switch.

Read our written review on the SIFTER website: Get absorbed in KIRBY AND THE FORGOTTEN LAND

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is Senior Producer and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive P...

Heartfelt writing that comes from a deep love of tabletop gaming, and some stellar performances from Ashly Burch, Andy Samberg, Wanda Sykes and Will Arnett makes TINY TINA'S WONDERLANDS a fun take on the tried and true looter-shooter format.

Gianni a relative newbie to BORDERLANDS series joins Mitch a long time veteran as they enter the Wonderlands which performs a lot better on new consoles.

A copy of TINY TINA'S WONDERLANDS was provided to SIFTER for the purpose of this review.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang...

WolfEye Studios' debut game is a creative isometric action rpg that sees you exploring a world rich with interactivity and intricate systems to exploit.

READ OUR REVIEW: WEIRD WEST wants you to play creatively and experiment with its systems

WEIRD WEST wants to push back at you. It wants to make every step you take through its dust covered; occult landscape feel layered with consequence. Who are you?  How does the world react to you and your choices?  Are the people you’ve wronged going to get their revenge? Why did that witch give you a my...

If you want to experience the nostalgia of visiting Tokyo, there are few other games that capture the feel of that city like GHOSTWIRE TOKYO, but it's a city devoid of life emptied of the thrum of humanity.

This action adventure game set in a world of spirits and magic, is an ambitious departure for Tango Gameworks (THE EVIL WITHIN) but while you can explore much of spooky Shibuya there isn't much motivation to do so, as you find yourself repeating similar tasks over and over.

Edmond Tran, Managing Editor of Gameshub joins Mainstream to...

ELDEN RING, the latest game from Japanese studio FromSoftware, has sold over 12 million copies since its release in late February.

This massive, open-world adventure-rpg continues to build on the legacy and foundation of FromSoftware's previous works in DARK SOULS and BLOODBORNE, throwing players into a dark fantasy world filled with rich lore and difficult boss fights and challenging encounters to overcome.

Sifter producer Adam Christou joins Gianni for a chat about his time in ELDEN RING, having just finished the game to completion, defeating every boss in the lands between over the course of 110 hours...

HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST is the blockbuster sequel the 2016 title HORIZON ZERO DAWN, a third person action game with wonderfully designed elements that keep you hooked.

An early contender for one of the most beautiful games ever produced this game takes the open world exploration and combat of the first game, and fills in the gaps to make a believable human world.

John Rogers of Gaming in the Wild joins Mainstream to share stories of this hard scifi world and the 4GB of captures taken in this stunning visual feast.

SIFTER is produced by...

The Pokémon series celebrated 25 years last year and this year POKÉMON LEGENDS ARCEUS is one of the biggest departures from the tried and true format.

In a semi-open world where danger is all around you, this game feels like the closest to actually living the world of the anime series.

Mitchel Loh and Gianni Di Giovanni share their thoughts on their adventures in the ancient land of Hisui.

A review code of this game was provided to SIFTER by Nintendo Australia.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Kyle Pauletto, Fi...

Welcome to Walkthrough SIFTER's brand new weekly news recap show. Each Sunday we'll highlight some of the biggest stories in video games to keep you up to date.

Your host on each episode of Walkthrough is Kyle Pauletto, an accomplished journalist with a keen interest in bringing you the best gaming stories each week 

THIS WEEK:

You might be just a nobody, but it's up to you to take up the heroic mantle in Drinkbox Studios' (GUACAMELEE) new rogue-lite roleplaying game NOBODY SAVES THE WORLD.

In this game you change form into bodybuilders, rats, mermaids and necromancers to complete quests, delve through dungeons and fight off the calamity facing everyone.

Adam is joined by guest reviewer Chantelle McColl (GamesHub, Byteside) to discuss this game with both fantastic and frustrating design elements that has work its way into their brains and their hearts.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Kyle...

It's that time of the year, where we sit down and consider all the amazing games we've played in 2021. This is part two of two episodes featuring the SIFTER team.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Viv Thum, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel...

It's that time of the year, where we sit down and consider all the amazing games we've played in 2021. This is part one of two episodes featuring the SIFTER team.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Viv Thum, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch...

HALO INFINITE is a game that has had a rollercoaster ride, first anticipated, then derided then delayed and now lauded, it's one of the best HALO games ever and perhaps one of the very best first person shooter campaigns. 

With a semi open world structure, 343 Industries pulls from your memories of what HALO was like to play and reframes it in a modern context.

Guest reviewer Chris Button (Gameshub, Byteside, Mobile Arcade Club) joins Mainstream again to jump back into the shoes of the Master Chief.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Scott Q...

DEATH'S DOOR is a delight to look at, inspired by games like the 2D titles in the LEGEND OF ZELDA series, Acid Nerve's isometric adventure makes us question the nature of morality and death.

Take on the role of an unnamed crow as you reap the souls of the dead, in a game that's part rogue-lite part, bullet-hell, part narrative adventure

Guest reviewer Chris Button (Gameshub, Byteside, Mobile Arcade Club) joins Mainstream to share his thoughts on a game he throughly enjoyed.

A copy of DEATH'S DOOR for Nintendo Switch was provided to...

SABLE is a third person adventure game drawing inspiration from the artwork of iconic French visual artist Jean 'Moebius' Giraud, the films of Studio Ghibli and the wanderlust evoked by games like THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD.

SIFTER's Adam Christou and Gianni Di Giovanni don their Ibexxi clan masks and head out into the wild deserts and mountainous locales of Midden to talk through the success of this unique coming-of-age adventure experience by North-London games studio Shedworks.

SIFTER is produced by Nicholas Kennedy, Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Chr...

METROID DREAD is the first 2D sidescrolling game in the iconic series in almost 20 years, which continues directly on from the 2002 title METROID FUSION for the Gameboy Advance.

Games journalist Chantelle McColl (GamesHub, Byteside) and METROID series veteran joins Mainstream to share her thoughts on the game.

A challenging entry into the series with lots of new features, there is plenty here to love, but some challenging controls and old fashioned legacy design in parts might leave some new players scratching their heads.

SIFTER is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, D...

KENA: BRIDGE OF SPIRITS is the debut title from visual effects company turned game developers Ember Lab exclusive to Playstation and PC where you play as Kena a spirit guide who helps the deceased move from the physical world into the afterlife.

A beautiful unparalleled visual feast that feels like you're playing in an animated feature film and an impressive debut, KENA: BRIDGE OF SPIRITS is not without it's limitations

James Morrison speaks to Adam Christou about what they loved and what left them wanting on this episode of our podcast Mainstream.

A...

Deathloop is the new immersive sim by Arkane Lyon (Dishonored, Prey) set in a stylish 1970s themed time loop where you must die and repeat the day to break a timeloop. Adam has spent hours replaying the same day over and over, and it's been enough to shift his scepticism around a genre that they didn't usually gel with. Over the top voice acting and outstanding design make for a special game for Playstation 5 and PC players.

A copy of this game was provided to SIFTER for the purposes of this review.

SIFTER is produced b...

Hi my name is Gianni, and this week marks the sixth year that I’ve been the Executive Producer of a podcast called Pixel Sift.

In 2019 we won the Australian Podcast Award for the gaming category, and it’s still one of my proudest achievements.

In 2019 with a video game review show called Mainstream and shared our experiences with some of the bigger higher profile titles that everyone was talking about.  

What I’m most proud of is that often one of the very first interviews that a developer does with the press was wit...

Dive into Russian folklore and the nature of the self with card battler Black Book by Morteska with Nick, and Adam explores twin stick shooter The Ascent which actually asks a few smart questions about the nature of hypercapitalist cyberpunk future by Swedish developers Neon Giant.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is our Senior Producer, Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Paul Turbett and Anthony Sweet of Perth's Black Lab Games are no strangers to big franchises, they made the critically and fan acclaimed strategy game Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock, but when the opportunity came to work on one of the biggest science fiction universes Warhammer 40,000 they leapt at the challenge.

Warhammer 40,000 Battlesector is that game, which has been released this week to rave reviews exploring the stories of the Blood Angels Space Marine chapter in their clashes with the beastial Tyranids.

WATCH A VIDEO VERSION THIS STORY HERE: Warhammer 40,000 Battlesector - How a small team in...

Nicholas jumps into new franchise Scarlet Nexus by Bandai Namco which is capital A Anime to the core and Adam needed no excuse to jump back into the remastered Bioware RPG Mass Effect Legendary Edition.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is our Senior Producer, Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Gianni, Fiona, Adam and Nick sit down to discuss the completely online E3 2021 streamed around the world for all to enjoy. We've found our highlights and can't wait to share them with you, but why not share yours with us by visiting https://www.pixelsift.com.au/discord to join our Discord server.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is our Senior Producer, Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support...

Gianni jumps into the NEO-ONE for the on-rails photography adventure New Pokémon Snap that firmly ticks the nostalgia boxes, as our first Mainstream guest Games Journalist Nicholas Kennedy (JB HiFi Stack Magazine and The Big Issue) head into a spooky town full of werewolves and big lady vampires in Resident Evil Village.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is our Senior Producer, Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support t...

Gianni relives his JRPG playing youth on his phone with the new game from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi's Mistwalker Studio in FANTASIAN, as Adam zips around riding big dogs hunting beasts in Monster Hunter Rise by Capcom out now on Nintendo Switch.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Mitch Loh is our Senior Producer, Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

John Romero is a pinnacle of the game development industry and most people know or love his work. Titles such as Doom, Wolfenstein, Commander Keen and his newest game Empire of Sin have been delighting players for years.

Speaking as part of the XRWA conference in Western Australia, John shared lessons from his decades in the games industry, how things have changed and what he thinks about the Bethesda acquisition by Microsoft of which Id Software the company he co-founded is now a part.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus...

Ben Green is an ESL Australia shoutcaster and is one of the people behind the university Valorant tournament Red Bull Campus Clutch and he says now is the perfect time for you to get involved.

He shares what the competitive scene for Valorant is like, how it feels that esports events are coming back in person, and what he does to prepare for a match.

The Red Bull Campus Clutch is open to University teams across the countrywith online qualifiers which running from April 8 to April 16, and you can register on the Red Bull Esports...

Adam is placing cards, making runs and taking risks in the retro inspire rogue-like Loop Hero and Gianni is picking up rocks building houses and trying to survive the nordic afterlife in Valheim.

Pixel Sift is produced by Mitch Loh, Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Daniel Ang & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Gianni tries not to get too spooked in the split-screen spirit world of  The Medium by Bloober Team and Adam collects monsters and jumps around platforms in the metroidvania styled Monster Sanctuary by Moi Rai Games

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Gianni, Adam, Mitch, Fiona and Daniel explore their favourite games of 2020, a year with a stack of amazing titles.

Gianni: Umurangi Generation by Tali Faulkner
Adam: Hades by Supergiant Games
Daniel: Ori and the Will of the Wisps by Moon Studios
Mitch & Fiona: Moving Out by SMG Studio

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show...

Gianni knows how it's going to end but fights on anyway in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and Mitch finally picks up a Nintendo Switch and proceeds to play a GameCube game in Super Mario 3D All-Stars.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Gianni faces the worst and best of the Greek mythological underworld in Hades by Supergiant Games and Adam jumps into the longboat to raid dark ages England in our first next gen review of Assassin's Creed Valhalla by Ubisoft.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Gianni lights up for The Last Campfire, a colourful puzzler from No Man's Sky developers Hello Games and Mitch jumps rolls and curses his team mates in Fall Guys by Mediatonic.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Adam embraces the way of the ghost in Kurosawa inspired Ghost of Tsushima and Gianni dances up a storm on his new farm in Badgetown in Ooblets!

Thanks to Glumberland and popagenda for providing Pixel Sift with a review code for Ooblets.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

A new study from New Zealand’s Massey University found that in many cases there is no reason to believe violent video games cause violent behaviour.

Senior lecturer at Massey University and lead author of the study Aaron Drummond said there has been a rise in exposure to violent video games, and that in the highest quality studies, the effect is so small that it is indistinguishable from zero.

You can read a written version of this story on the Pixel Sift website: Study of 21,000 participants finds violent video games have no significant effect on be...

Australian YouTuber Daniel Harrison has just clocked up 1 million subscribers but it hasn't been without it's ups and downs. He says that keeping ego in check, knowing how to externalise his worries, seeking help when he needed it and leaning on that strong support network is what made him what he is today. This episode of Mainstream is hosted by Mitchel Loh, edited and produced by Mitchel Loh and Gianni Di Giovanni. Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Dan jumps back into the cordyceps-infested world in The Last of Us Part II and Gianni leads a rock revolution against an EDM empire in No Straight Roads. 

Thanks to Metronomik and Five Star Games for providing Pixel Sift with a review code for No Straight Roads.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Well you probably have heard the news by now, PAX Australia won't be going ahead in October this year, joining PAX West which has also been cancelled for 2020.

In its place is PAX Online, a new digital festival that runs over 9 days between September 12 and 21, streaming content 24 hours a day.

Luke Lancaster of ReedPop Australia shared what it was like when he realised that physical conventions just wouldn't work in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Music in this episode is "Shopping for the Future" by Bit by Bit Bert and you can find it on...

Viv starts a new lifestyle habit with Ring Fit Adventure as Gianni fights his way through Creepers, Endermen and more in Minecraft Dungeons.

Thanks to Mojang Studios, Double 11 and Microsoft Game Studios for providing Pixel Sift with a review code for Minecraft Dungeons.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: https://sifter.store

How do you shape a competitive League of Legends player into an esports star?

Chris Lee is a coach at the Chiefs Esports Club Academy, his job is to find the up and coming talent and shape them into professionals. 

He’ll be working with the Australian winner of the Red Bull Solo Q tournament, a unique format of the League of Legends game where two players face each other one on one, as they take their skills to the world.

Read a written version of this story here: Scouting for the next Lea...

Adam Christou has fallen in love with his motley crew of alien cops in XCOM: Chimera Squad and Gianni Di Giovanni has been ducking for cover while revving up the lancer in Gears Tactics.

Thanks to Microsoft Game Studios, The Coalition and Splash Damage for providing Pixel Sift with a review code for Gears Tactics.

‍NEWS LINKS

Kotaku: EA Is Releasing Command & Conquer And Red Alert's Source Code

USG: Ted Woolsey Remembers Final Fantasy 6, Evading Nintendo's Censorship Rules, and the Early Days of Localization

‍Pixel Sift is produced by Scot...

Adam Christou is ready for big anime energy in Persona 5 Royal and Sarah Ireland heads back into the wild Appalachian wasteland in Fallout 76 Wastelanders.

‍NEWS LINKS

Polygon: Gaming friends share how playing together helps them survive quarantine

IGN: The Travis Scott Fortnite Event Is a Completely Immersive Experience

‍Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music.

Support the show: ht...

Esports casters Jordan Mays "Elfishguy" & Brandon Langiano "Raven" star in a new season of Red Bull Response where they give their tips to level up your competitive skills.

They shared their experience on getting into professional gaming, whether esports has hit that mainstream moment yet, and what the future looks like.

Thanks to Harris Heller for use of the track "Trendy" in this episode.

You can find a written version of this story here: https://www.pixelsift.com.au/post/jordan-mays-elfishguy-brandon-langiano-raven-on-how-to-level-up-to-competitive-esports

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Adam returns to Midgar in Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Gianni does his best Deadpool impression in My Friend Pedro.

NEWS LINKS
Kotaku: Accomplishing Things In Animal Crossing Leaves Me Feeling Kinda Bummed
Gamasutra: A bevy of COVID-19 issues lead to delay in planned Final Fantasy XIV update

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music

Support the show: https...

If you’ve played any of the recent Bethesda Softworks games, while you’ve been blasting demons, fighting nazis or exploring space stations you’ve been listening to music of Australian composer Mick Gordon.

Hear how the soundtrack to iD Software's DOOM Eternal came together including the pumping tracks to the quiet ambience, how genre doesn't define Mick's work and why putting together a metal choir was one of the highlights of his career.

Head to our website to find a full written version of this story.

Thanks to Mick Gordon for use of the...

Adam has been taking the fight to Earth in Doom Eternal, and Gianni has been planting a lovely orchard in Animal Crossing New Horizons.

NEWS LINKS
Kotaku: PlayStation 5 Versus Xbox Series X: The Tech Specs
Itch: Wash Your Hands by Awkward Silence Games

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty Dog Sounds composed the Mainstream theme music

Support the show: https://sifter.store

Gianni has been platforming his way to victory in Crossy Road Castle, the follow up to Hipster Whale's smash hit Crossy Road and Sarah has been clicking heads like crazy in Rainbow Six Siege by Ubisoft.

NEWS LINKS
Kotaku: E3 2020's Host City, Los Angeles, Declares State Of Emergency
Polygon: Death Stranding and Control break BAFTA record with 11 award nominations each

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, Daniel Ang, Viv Thum & Adam Christou. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Brian Fairbanks from Salty...

Viv Thum and Mitch Loh are building hospitals and unbreakable frame perfect combos!

Viv has been avoiding that death gong in Two Point Hospital, the spiritual successor to Theme Hospital by Two Point Studios ahead of its console release and Mitch has been picking the most colourful characters in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate by Nintendo so he doesn't lose track of them and they fall off the map.

NEWS LINKS
Rock Paper Shotgun: The Doom and Animal Crossing fandoms wish each other luck, are wholesome and lovely
Kotaku: Blizzard Is Working On Animated O...

Sarah Ireland and Daniel Ang have been digging into the back catalogue for some great multiplayer gems.

Sarah has been darting and diving her way through team shooter Dirty Bomb by Splash Damage and Daniel has been teaming up to play his way through Left 4 Dead 2 by Valve introducing his brother to PC gaming at the same time.

NEWS LINKS
PC Gamer: Fallout 76 coming to Steam in April, with big human NPC expansion
Polygon: Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser leaving the company

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland...

Adam Christou and Gianni Di Giovanni have been spending a fair bit of time with digital monsters.

Adam has been carving up the frozen tundra in Capcom's Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, and Gianni has started collecting them all in the Pokémon-like monster collecting game Temtem which has just released into Early Access.

NEWS LINKS
Gamespot: Untitled Goose Game Devs Commit 1% Of All Future Earnings To Australian Indigenous Groups
Polygon: The mass Twitch exodus: Why streamers are leaving

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch Loh, D...

Our first flagship podcast Pixel Sift just kicked off with new episodes for 2020, check out this podcast if you're keen to learn how games are made and we'll be back with a new episode of MAINSTREAM later this week. Michael Wentworth-Bell and Nick Acciarito from Melbourne’s Digital Lode joins us to talk about their VR game Espire 1: VR Operative. It’s a virtual reality single-player game that combines stealth and elements of Metal Gear Solid. Michael and Nick speak about the challenges they faced when combating motion sickness and what it feels like when the game is well received on o...

Scott Quigg and Mitch Loh chat about two of the games they've been playing and the news that piqued their interest.

Scott has been "tossing a coin to his Witcher" as he and a lot of other people dive back into The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt by CD Project Red, and Mitch has taken to the mobile battlefields of Pico Tanks by Panda Arcade.

NEWS LINKS
Creative Bloq: Designers react to the new PS5 logo (and it's not pretty)
Kotaku: Australian Streamers Raise Over $350,000 For Bushfire Relief

Pixel Sift is produced by...

Gianni Di Giovanni and Adam Christou chat about two of the games they've been playing and the news that piqued their interest.

Gianni has been digging into the nostalgia mega-pack Halo Master Chief Collection with the launch of Halo: Reach, and the force is with Adam as he plays Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order.

NEWS LINKS
Polygon: The Game Awards 2019: All the news, trailers, and world premieres
IGN: Fortnite Star Wars Event Shows Off New Rise of Skywalker Clip

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Mitch...

Mitch Loh and Daniel Ang sit down to chat about two of the games they've been playing and the news that piqued our interest.

This week Mitch has been playing Borderlands 3, a game that fans of the series are going to love and Daniel has stepped into the newly refreshed Metro 2033 Redux taking on post apocalyptic Russia for the first time.

‍NEWS LINKS
DualShockers: Batman: Arkham Legacy Rumored to be the Name of New Entry in the Series
Polygon: Overwatch fans are looking for lore in odd places — including cookbooks

Pixel Sift...

Adam Christou and Gianni Di Giovanni sit down to chat about two of the games they've been playing and the news that piqued our interest.

This week Gianni has been playing next entry in the massive franchise Pokémon Shield which is selling like hotcakes despite some initial backlash from fans, and Adam has jumped into Obsidian's next RPG The Outer Worlds, with a strong Fallout and Mass Effect styling.

NEWS LINKS
Vice Gaming: 'World of Warcraft' Changed Video Games and Wrecked Lives
Polygon: Half-Life: Alyx is Valve’s VR-exclusive, full-length prequel to Hal...

Daniel Ang and Gianni Di Giovanni kick off the first Mainstream by Pixel Sift, it's a look at some of the games we've been playing and the news that piqued our interest.

This week Gianni has been playing dreamy arcade game Sayonara Wild Hearts by Swedish developers Simogo, and Daniel has fired up the Xbox 360 to play Team Bondi's classic L.A. Noire.

Pixel Sift is produced by Scott Quigg, Sarah Ireland, Fiona Bartholomaeus & Mitch Loh. Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer.

Support the show: https://sifter.store