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Playing ‘The Last of Us’ Again

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

After watching the HBO smash hit “The Last of Us,” I think I’ll go back and play the original game again. The popular series tells the story of a smuggler and a teenage girl in a zombie-infested world.

When I first played “The Last of Us” when it was released in 2013, I thought the action-adventure, survival horror game was captivating and enjoyable, but I wasn’t into it that much. I played it like crazy for about a week, and then I moved on to something else. I did start a new job around the time I bought the epic game, so that might’ve contributed to me losing interest.

The HBO series has an incredible production budget, and it unquestionably shows. You are in the series’ post-apocalyptic 2023. The attention to detail is impeccable. It’s been almost ten years since I’ve played the game; breaking the game out again after watching the show sounds fun.

The show has done an amazing job creating the look of the blind infected, the “clicker” zombies, from the video game. I can see several award nominations for the series on the horizon. They are even scarier in the television series. In Episode 2, when Joel fought with one of the “clickers,” the choreography was taken directly from the massively successful game.

“The Last of Us” television show has knocked it out of the park since its debut on HBO. I thought the zombie genre was sort of getting stale, but “The Last of Us” feels like a fresh spin on the genre. The cinematography of the first three episodes has been visually flawless.

According to the industry website gamesindustry.biz, the television series is drawing in new “The Last of Us” game players, too. After the show’s release, sales jumped in the United Kingdom. Sony has already sold 37 million “The Last of Us” themed video games since the release of the original.

With only a small sample of three episodes, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a Season 2, in 2024 or ’25. By then, time allowing, I can be caught up on playing some of the franchise. It’s a rich world that the developers of “The Last of Us” series have created for new, different mediums.



An Audacious Games Room Setup!

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Well now that we have seen everything that 2023 has to offer, let’s get to 2024!

Seeing this amazing creation on Twitter this morning totally blew our mind. The engineering feat is off the charts. We wonder if this is Duke Nukem’s games room…….

And before you start screaming about aspect ratios, just chill, relax and be in awe of this crazily awesome thingamajig!



‘Star Wars Pinball’ on Nintendo Switch

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

Playing “Star Wars Pinball” on my Nintendo Switch will never be as entertaining and fun as actually playing a standing pinball machine in an arcade or restaurant, but it comes pretty close.

When I purchased “Star Wars Pinball” before Christmas, I had no idea how much I would end up playing it in my spare time. I really enjoy playing pinball in my living room; I never thought it would be possible. Sometimes, I play it on my Switch when I’m in the backyard or I’ll play a quick game in the car when I’m waiting for someone. When I start playing “Star Wars Pinball” it’s hard to put my controller or Switch down. It took me a few days to explore every table option. My highest score is on the “Return of the Jedi” table with somewhere around 16 million.

I play “Star Wars Pinball” the way I watch the films; I usually stick to the original trilogy, and by “original” I mean the “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Return of the Jedi.” However, the “Rogue One” table is a blast to play. Gareth Edwards’ “Rogue One” is my favorite Star Wars film behind “Empire.” Orson Krennic is prominently featured on the “Rogue One” pinball table. Ben Mendelsohn, who played Krennic, is underrated in the 2016 film. Krennic is sort of a tragic character; he’s the villain who’s killed by what he created and believed in.

The voices sound nothing like the original Star Wars actors, like James Earl Jones and Mark Hamill. Han Solo sounds like a voice actor attempting to do a poor, Harrison Ford impression.

My favorite pinball option is the Boba Fett table. Jabba the Hutt makes a cameo, and you can hit the ball into the Sarlacc that’s at the top of the table. Some of my highest scores are playing the Fett and the “Return of the Jedi” tables. The “Jedi” table has so many lights and colorful features that it’s difficult to see the ball at times. I like it when you’re playing the Fett table and the play stops as Darth Vader comes out, and tells Boba Fett, forcefully, “No disintegrations.” You get an appearance from Vader and Jabba the Hutt; probably my two favorite characters in the Star Wars universe.

The Boba Fett themed table is a pinball machine that you’d find in Jabba’s Palace, if it wasn’t fictional. It feels authentic to the Tatooine location that George Lucas created. Although, I don’t understand why they have Han Solo frozen in carbonite, hanging over the Sarlacc.

“Star Wars Pinball” has quickly become one of my favorite Switch games. Yet, “FIFA ’23” is still my go-to game.

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Operation Switch: Arcade1Up Pinball Mod

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Performing essential surgery on our Arcade1Up Pinball machine

The Arcade1Up Pinball machines have recently received a new lease of life with community enhancements, like Team Encoder’s brilliant A1Pinner software, which allowed owners of these machines to install other Arcade1Up pinball packs (Marvel, Star Wars and Williams) and the Pinball Arcade and Zen Pinball applications (Android versions) with their plethora of pinball tables. Team Encoder went as far as creating a custom launcher and the ability to change the display to 1080p, which was a bit of a hit or miss due to the limited hardware spec inside these pinball machines.

We came across IntecGaming’s Nintendo Switch DIY Pinball kit about a year ago and have been eagerly awaiting its release. Once IntecGaming had this kit up for pre-order, we immediately jumped on it. The improvement is great value with this low cost kit, and of course, playing video games, especially the pinball (and shoot’em ups) variety in 1080p is exactly what this machine should have had from the start.

The IntecGaming Switch DIY Pinball kit is a physical modification to the Arcade1Up Pinball Machine, so we had to get our hand dirty so to speak. With no soldering required, this was as easy as unplugging the old and replacing them with the new! Of course the control panel with its ball-top joystick provides the arcade experience we were missing when playing Switch games.

Without further ado, here are the steps (with photos) that we took to operate and modify our A1Up Attack From Mars pinball machine:

Time to commence Operation Switch!

Unboxing the contents of the IntecGaming Switch DIY Pinball Kit: We need to replace 3 boards (marked A, B and C)

One last look at the machine before we start operating

Popping the hood

Popping the rear to get to the smaller (DMD) screen

Following the instructions to unplug the controller wiring from the old board and connect them to the new (A) board

Board A attached and controller connectors rerouted to plug into the new board

Next, is the sound and solenoid driver board (board B)

Second board is totally removed from the A1Up and replaced by IntecGaming’s Board B

The metal casing is replaced with a breathable plastic cover for Board B

The main board hiding in its metal casing attached to the LCD

Last of the board updates – replace the main board with IntecGaming’s Board C

The original main board is unplugged

Got to follow the instructions carefully here, as any wrong move will render the machine an expensive doorstop!

Wiring up the replacement main board (Board C) and putting it back in the casing. Having two HDMI out ports is a godsend!

With the boards replaced and connections all plugged in, it’s the control panel that the last thing to add 

The new replacement lockdown bar is beefier than the original!

All modifications completed!

Instructions to sync the control panel and kit to the Switch

The plastic stand is perfect to keep the Switch and dock tucked away

Switch is docked, 3.5mm sound jack & HDMI are plugged in too

Success! All powered up and ready to go! The DMD LCD acts as our selection screen

First game we boot up, Zen’s Pinball FX 3!

Going to put the original boards & other parts in a safe place



Idris Elba in ‘Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty’

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image source: Cyberpunk 2077 via Twitter

By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

The most exciting moment for me during The Game Awards 2022 was the reveal of Idris Elba playing a new character in “Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.”

Idris Elba is one of my favorite actors. Watching him on the award show address gamers about his “Cyberpunk 2077” role was a surprising breath of fresh air. If Elba puts as much passion and skill into his role in the game as he does in his film work, fans of the game are in for a treat.

Elba is perfect for the hit spy-thriller. He will play a character named Solomon Reed. Reed is a veteran New United States of America agent, and a character players can trust to help them achieve an impossible mission of espionage. The teaser didn’t show much, but the graphics looked incredible.

Elba’s performance in his last two films, “Beast” and “Three Thousand Years of Longing,” were excellent. “Beast” was sort of brushed off by critics for being a generic, creature attack film, but I found the film entertaining. There were moments of real tension and terror that were heightened by Elba’s exceptional, hopeful performance.

Elba never gives a bad performance. I first discovered his talent on the HBO series “The Wire.” He was terrific as the cunning antagonist Stringer Bell. He was authentic as Bell, and he was enthralling every time he was in a scene.

He was also great in Guy Ritchie’s “RocknRolla” with Gerald Butler and Tom Hardy. He’s a talented character actor who moonlights as an action star as well.

I’m curious to see what Idris Elba brings to “Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.” Understated or over-the-top, he’ll bring something unique to the franchise.



TGX – The Game Expo Is Coming To Melbourne in 2023

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Melbourne will now have another big gaming and pop culture event, TGX (THE GAME EXPO) – March 11-12, 2023!

Move over PAX Aus, there is a new event for gaming, pop culture and tech, THE GAME EXPO, debuting March 2023 at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

From the press release below, we can see that TGX’s mission is to be an event that closely connects with the community, is focused on participation, through creativity and competitive events – as well as freeplay and heaps of fun activities! There will be something for everyone at TGX come March 2023!

The Game Expo (TGX) is dedicated to gamers, focused on the things gamers love to do, and the culture and creativity of gamers. The Game Expo is all about YOU, and everyone who loves games. This new home grown, Australian owned event will showcase gaming at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, putting gaming culture forward on Melbourne’s festive Moomba weekend, March 11-12, 2022.

You will get to dive into esports tournaments from beginner to pro level. You can show your creativity and meet creators showing wonderful cosplay, artwork, and meet Youtube or Twitch content creators. Relax and enjoy gaming of all kinds from tabletop and card gaming, to console freeplay and a massive BYOC PC LAN. And see the games from indie developers up to major publishers. Whatever you love in the gaming community, it’s at The Game Expo.

Each corner of the show is about games culture, and everywhere you look, there’s something to see and do. A show focused on gamers and gaming culture is about participation first. Guided by a concept of games culture with the three Cs:

  • Creativity
  • Competition
  • Community

Four themed zones of the event correspond to the coloured buttons on the Game Expo logo. These colours match floor plan and schedule so it’s easy to find your favourite activity. Each zone will have a feature area or stage to highlight the fun.

Red – Tournaments – Community and Competitive – esports, Console and PC Live tournaments, and stage events with prizes.

Yellow – Expo Hall – Tech and Gaming Brands – Explore new games and tech at exhibitor booths, try demos, and complete event quests.

Blue – Creative – Show your love of gaming – Meet your favourite streamers and content creators, witness amazing cosplay and live performances, and discover the talent of fantastic artists.

Green – Freeplay – Everyone is welcome to play – There’s fun freeplay all over the show, with special zones for console and PC play as well as a dedicated tabletop gaming zone where you can learn to play from the free library of board and card games, join tournaments, and more.

Stay tuned for guests, tournaments, and more announcements as the event nears!

The Game Expo:

  • DATES Sat 11th & Sun 12th March 2023
  • LOCATION Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
  • TICKETS www.thegameexpo.com

 



Hands On With The AYANEO AIR

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We have now had our Ayaneo Air (Standard) for almost two months, so we thought it’s a good time to tell you all about it – the good and the bad!

As already mentioned, this is a hands on and a first impressions article on our Ayaneo Air. Reason for this not being a full review is that our Air unit has been returned to Ayaneo for repairs, so once it arrives back, we will provide our final thoughts – wrapping up the review. However, please don’t get discouraged by us returning our Air for repairs, as Ayaneo’s support and service team has been nothing short of exemplary, with prompt responses and eagerness to resolve the issues encountered.

Specifications of our Ayaneo Air device:

  • Model: Ayaneo Air Standard
  • Colour: Polar Black
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5560U
  • Memory: 16GB LPDDR4X 4266
  • Storage: 256GB NVMe (expandable via MicroSD)
  • Display: 5.5″ AMOLED Touchscreen (1920×1080)
  • Battery: 28W 7350mAh
  • Dimensions (LxWxD): 8.8” x 3.5” x 0.7” inches
  • Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
  • I/O: 2 x USB Type-C (top and bottom), 3.5mm audio combo jack
  • Security: Fingerprint Scanner
  • OS: Windows 11 Home
  • Price: US$629.00

Anyway, we know that over time we will discover new things to like and enjoy (or perhaps dislike) about our Ayaneo Air, so the more time we spend with it, we’ll be in a better position to provide our final thoughts. In the last two or so months we have had this device, we have set it up to play contemporary PC games (on Steam, Epic Games, GoG and Amazon Games) and of course, games from yesteryear using RetroBat – an awesome all-in-one emulation system for Windows.

Before we get to the gaming and setup side, we thought we’d start with the physical aspects, like the build quality of the Ayaneo Air and it’s packaging. With that said, the Ayaneo Air is all premium, with no corners cut, from the analogue Hall sticks (with no dead zones!) to the face buttons and shoulder Hall triggers, the integration of all the controls on the Air have been very carefully and meticulously considered for us gamers. The Air feels great in hand as it is light, meaning you won’t fatigue your hands and arms by holding a brick, like the Steam Deck.

The 5.5″ AMOLED touchscreen is an absolute game changer, with eye popping clarity and crispness that has to be seen to be believed – we just wish it was a tad bigger, like 6.5 or even 7″, then it would have been perfect, albeit heavier! By having a smaller screen, it means that Ayaneo were able to keep the Air’s size, weight/thickness and portability to a minimum – it’s 398g and 18mm thick)! The trade off it being slimline is that the battery doesn’t hold charge for long gaming sessions. Unfortunately, we could only manage about 2 hours or so on balanced TDP to play our games. If you do increase the TDP to play the heftier games, then expect a lot less battery time. If you are a gamer that expects at least 4+ hours on one battery charge, then you may need a juiced up powerbank to help you play longer – or go up to the Air Pro model.

Aside from the screen size and small-ish battery capacity, we are still quite impressed with it, as it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Oh yeah, we are also using the Ayaneo Air as our primary PC to do mundane stuff like spreadsheets, answering emails and writing this article 😉

Before we forget, the packaging is top notch too, with the Air device and its peripherals all tucked in nicely and securely in foam, with the outer box feeling like it’s for the Apple iPad – it is that good!

Make your AIR look like a Steam Deck!

On the usability and software side, the Air can be summed up by saying that it’s all-round features and capabilities provide a lightweight and ergonomic device running Window 11 without an issue, but with some performance sacrifices to make it more portable than something like the Steam Deck. The AYA Space companion operating software is a novel addition, but it is still in beta, so tread carefully. The good news is, Ayaneo are constantly updating the AYA Space software and adding new and improved features (and stamping out bugs with each new update) – we can’t wait to see how this matures.

Nintendo Switch VS Ayaneo Air

We had no issues with setting up our games from Steam, Epic, EA, GoG and even Xbox (GamePass Ultimate) on the Air. Our library isn’t too extensive, so for the games we tested, they played well, with the controls feeling like second nature. The aforementioned TDP could be bumped up for the games requiring more CPU grunt, however, we haven’t tested this extensively as yet. The biggest test for us was how the Ayaneo Air would fare with emulation, from 8-bit classic systems all the way up to and including the Wii and Switch. Well, we are happy to report that we found no issues, no lag, stuttering or cropping, bar from a few high end PS2 and Game Cube games. We even got to play Ricky Carmichael MX 2002 on the Xbox core within RetroBat.

Speaking of RetroBat, it was our final choice when it came to a complete emulation system. We threw everything at it, and it worked almost immediately! We did have to tweak some configs to get TeknoParrot, Future Pinball and Yuzu (Nintendo Switch emulator) going, but these were quite simple, with plenty of online help to get you through it.

The Ayaneo Air is for the gamer that wants flexibility in their gaming device, unlike the limitations imposed by Nintendo with their closed system Switch. The Air allows its user to set it up exactly to their liking. But be mindful that this flexibility is a double-edged sword, as Windows is inherently difficult to get stuff configured on and working right, so if you don’t want to tinker too much, then you’ll just be playing the standard PC games on it.

This device is a good option for gamers who like to play their Steam library (and other PC gaming platforms) with enhanced and rich visuals – the Ayaneo Air’s ultra wide angle AMOLED screen provides amazing visuals no matter the viewing angle! If you are after a high quality Windows/PC and retro gaming handheld, then look no further, as the Ayaneo Air ticks all of the boxes!

The dreaded white screen (not of death) – our Air will be repaired by Ayaneo

NOTE: As mentioned earlier in this article, our Air is currently in transit to Ayaneo for them to check and repair the intermittent white screen we get on boot up (see photo below). Ayaneo had arranged DHL to pick it up and will also use DHL to deliver it back once fixed. Ayaneo has assured us that they are aware of the issue and can resolve it. We will keep you informed of how this repair transpires, so stay tuned!



Cure Cancer’s Game on Cancer Holiday Initiative

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Cure Cancer challenges gaming streamers to help raise money for cancer research these holidays

From Tuesday 15th November through to Thursday 15th December, creators of all kinds can sign up and help support early-career cancer researchers across Australia working to find a cure for all different types of cancer.

All creators need to do is host a charity stream on their channels and then engage their audience to donate. Streamers can go to Tiltify to sign up and get involved and every dollar raised will support vital cancer research.

Former Good Game host and Streamer, Steven ‘Bajo’ O’Donnell, will be supporting this initiative

Every fundraiser will also have the chance to become a Game On Cancer® MVP and earn exclusive merch to celebrate their fundraising efforts. This year, renowned Australian audio producer RØDE and local neon light manufacturer Kings of Neon™ are supporting the campaign with their own amazing incentives.

  • The first 25 fundraisers to raise $2000 will receive a $300 Kings of Neon™ gift card to purchase their own custom neon light for their streaming setup*
  • The first 25 fundraisers to raise $4000 will receive a RØDE X Prize Pack valued at $1,146, which includes brand new products such as:

Over the 30 days, some of Australia’s favourite creators will be jumping-in to fundraise themselves, including ex-Good Games host turned Twitch extraordinaire, Bajo, who will be kicking off the event with his own fundraising stream on November 15th. This Holiday Spectacular, the aim is to raise $75,000 AUD which will help fund nine months of life-saving cancer research.

To date, Cure Cancer’s Game On Cancer® initiative has raised over $650,000 AUD for cancer research, which is enough to fund over six years of cancer research projects. Previous fundraisers have included some of Australia’s largest names in gaming like Loserfruit, IAmFallFromGrace, PandaTV and Aussie Antics.

Cure Cancer is dedicated entirely to funding early career researchers and to date has provided over 540 research grants to young scientists with ground-breaking innovative ideas, many who have gone on to become leaders in cancer research globally.

Game On Cancer® is supported by many ambassadors across the gaming industry including hilarious, gaming community channel, Back Pocket, revered Australian cooking creators, MissMollyMakes, and popular gaming personality and DLC podcast host, Jeff Cannata.

Viewers can show their support by following Game On Cancer® on Twitter, joining them on Discord, tagging their favourite streamers that they would like to see involved and finally, and most importantly, watching a stream and donating.

So, sign up today and get involved. You’ll be doing something you love and saving lives at the same time.



This Press Release (and images) were provided by Rocket Comms

Construction Simulator – Review

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We’ll be upfront, we haven’t played a ‘sim’ video game in a long long time, especially one like this one!

Our expectations in playing Construction Simulator (CS) on our Xbox Series S was coming off a low base. We honestly didn’t know what to expect, and weren’t thinking about getting hooked on such a game. Well, we didn’t have to wonder for too long, as we found Construction Simulator such a breath of fresh air compared to the plethora of other genres we’ve been playing lately. We even managed to drain our controller, which left our construction crew and company perilously close to failure, that’s how darn good this game is – it makes you care and take responsibility for the success of your construction empire.

30 million Construction Sim fans can’t be wrong in loving this series, so better make that 30 million + 1 now. Aastragon Entertainment and Weltenbauer have ensured the player could build (pun fully intended!) a construction empire on a myriad of gaming systems, from the PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, to the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. CS includes a co-op multiplayer for up to four players, the largest fleet of vehicles in the history of the series and numerous new and once again significantly expanded features in a completely revised, modern look. Coming in new to this series, we have to say, it’s been a pleasant surprise.

Will you become the next Multiplex or Lendlease? Or will you become a Grocon, where you start off all high and mighty, only to go down the building gurgler – your destiny is literally in your hands. Where else could we realise our childhood dreams of becoming a builder or using an excavator – thankfully, CS offers this in the comfort of our lounge room!

The extensive list of licensed vehicles, machines and equipment from the top manufacturing brands is quite impressive, as are the huge maps across Europe and the US with different and challenging campaigns featuring 90 jobs! It’s not just pure building, this is an all encompassing simulator, including maintaining your construction yard, refuelling and vehicle maintenance and renting construction gear from your dealer, just to name a few. We can’t really compare to real life as we aren’t in the industry, but the publisher assures us that the earthmoving systems and driving physics have all been revamped, making them very close to lifelike – which is great to know.

We’d go so far as to say that Construction Simulator is our fave ‘sim’ for 2022 so far! We have no doubt the 4-player co-op multiplayer mode would be even more fun than the solo campaigns, but nevetheless, this game is the complete package, no matter how you play it! Go and build and have some fun!



Disclaimer: Xbox Series X|S review code for Construction Simulator was provided by HomeRun PR.

Official ELDEN RING Fine Art Print Collection Is Available Now

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Working in close conjunction with FromSoftware, Inc., and Bandai Namco Entertainment Ltd., next-gen art gallery Cook and Becker has proudly launched a collection of 10 museum-grade-quality art prints from the game ELDEN RING.

The prints are official concept and key artworks used by FromSoftware, Inc. in the development of ELDEN RING.

The ELDEN RING collection consists of 10 prints, showing in-game characters such as Godfrey, and General Radahn and Leonard, or locations like Limgrave, the Debate Hall, the Lake Village Of The Albinaurics, and more.

The limited-edition prints are museum-grade quality, using only the best quality paper and archival inks to ensure longevity. All works are available for purchase unframed, or with a high-quality frame or finish.

Visit the full collection by clicking this link for information on pricing, finishing. For more information about Cook and Becker, please visit our website: https://www.cookandbecker.com