PlayStation 5 (PS5) stories
Retro shooter fans get a short, hard campaign with map aids, cheats and no multiplayer, but it scratches the old Doom itch on PS5.
Gamers on a budget get 37 hours of battery life and clear sound for $169 NZD, though Xbox owners are left out.
It lets older audio gear and game controllers stream sound to Bluetooth earbuds, with up to 25 hours' battery life.
Switch 2 owners will get the weakest way to play this remaster, with noticeable slowdown when hundreds of enemies fill the screen.
The free two-day event gives Australian and New Zealand players an early chance to try the console version during Melbourne International Games Week.
Unreal Engine 5 gives the sequel smooth 4K 60fps action on Xbox Series X, though its short campaign and one-potion limit may frustrate players.
PS5 players get a faithful Arrakis survival experience, though the single-player world can feel empty without the online crowd.
New MyCareer eras and tougher defence give the annual basketball sim its best shake-up in years, though most players may still feel it familiar.
Gory combat and a fresh pre-X-Men story give the PS5 exclusive a darker edge than Insomniac's Spider-Man games, with optional blood settings.
Players get a colourful open-world racer with four islands, 150 unlockable cars and track-building tools, but some versions run slower.
Switch 2 owners get Elden Ring and its acclaimed DLC, but the handheld port is capped at 30fps and can still dip below that.
Hardcore fans may enjoy the punishing challenge, but this short expansion feels steeply priced for three hours of reused content.
Blood-soaked combat and linear levels set Marvel's Wolverine apart from Insomniac's Spider-Man games as the PS5 exclusive nears release.
Bright rooms and gamers stand to benefit most, as Samsung's R85H Micro RGB delivers vivid pictures, useful AI and strong 4K 144Hz support.
Game Freak's new action RPG stands out with slick parries, but repeated enemies and bosses may test PS5 players' patience.
Arc System Works' 4v4 Marvel brawler runs at 4K and 60fps on PS5, while welcoming beginners with simple inputs and deep modes.
The sequel's faster, stamina-free combat and tougher runbacks will test soulslike fans on PS5, even as its eerie visuals impress.
Marvel's Wolverine will let players kill enemies and unlock costumes to boost health, as Insomniac leans into a darker Logan-focused story.
Higher SSD prices are making fast gaming storage a costly upgrade, even though Samsung's 9100 Pro roughly doubles benchmark performance.
Gamers face higher prices and less secure ownership as Sony and Microsoft move towards digital-only releases by 2028.