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Level Up Your October — Big Games Night Out 2025 Hits Fed Square!

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🎮 Big Games Night Out 2025 Hits Fed Square!

Gamers, nerds, nostalgia-seekers — mark your calendars! This October, Federation Square transforms into Australia’s biggest free celebration of games culture with Big Games Night Out 2025. From retro arcades to tabletop showdowns, family raves to Marvel clashes, this year’s lineup promises to be a pixel-packed party you won’t want to miss.

So slip on your fingerless gloves, polish your high scores, and let’s explore what’s coming to Fed Square.

What & When

  • Main event (Big Games Night Out / BGNO): Thursday 9 October 2025, from about 3 pm until late

  • Electric Arcadia: Vintage Amusement Plaza: runs 3–9 October, daily 12 pm–7 pm (with extended hours on BGNO night)

  • Little Games Night Out (kids / family pre-show): roughly 3:30–6 pm on the main BGNO day, with games, music, face-painting and more

Everything is free to play — no coins needed.

Why This Is Retro Gamer Heaven

🎯 Electric Arcadia: Your Time Machine to the Arcade Past

This is the star attraction. Designed by Melbourne creatives Callum Preston (Video Land) and Louie Roots, Electric Arcadia is a nostalgic, immersive arcade “plaza” that blends 80s adventure-film vibes with futuristic 90s techno flair.

Expect upright arcade cabinets, nostalgic lighting and atmosphere, and a mix of classic and indie games to try — all playable and shareable.

This year, Mixtape (from Melbourne studio Beethoven & Dinosaur) gets its first playable showing here. Other titles include Jupiter Junkworks, Bones: Wandering Soul, Pro Jank Footy, My Arms Are Longer Now, Donkey Kong, Pacman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more.

Also note: it’s open every day of the week leading up to BGNO, so you can beat the crowds (or just soak in the vibes).

Other Highlights You Can’t Miss

👾 Over 100 Free-to-Play Game Activations

Arcade classics, indie gems, esports, digital experiences — you name it.

🎲 Tabletop Takeover & Roleplay

The “Melbourne Meeples Tabletop Takeover” brings new and classic board games, giant playable installations, and a marketplace for game makers.

Indiginerd also hosts an 80s-themed Dungeons & Dragons experience at Koorie Heritage Trust inside a Stranger Things–styled set.

🦸 Marvel Rivals All-Star Showdown

At 6pm on BGNO night, content creators, streamers and cosplayers form teams and battle it out live on the main stage. Expect spectacle, cosplay runway action and surprises.

🌟 Late-Night ACMI & Game Worlds

After dark, ACMI opens up with special programming including Game Worlds (featuring big titles and behind-the-scenes dev content).

Other late-night events include dance battles (Power Move: Cypher Quest), DJ sets, synth tours, live music and roving performances.

🧒 Little Games Night Out

Before the big evening kicks off, there’s a family-friendly session. Dress up, douse yourself in face paint, boogie at the family rave, play casual games (like Crossy Road, Just Dance), enjoy bubbleman Dr Hubble and more.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Night

  1. Arrive early. Electric Arcadia runs from noon daily before the main event, so you can get your retro fix before the rush.

  2. Plan your zones. With multiple activations across Fed Square, The Edge, ACMI, KHT, it pays to check the Maps & Timetables in advance.

  3. Bring comfy shoes. You’ll be traipsing between arcade zones, stages and food stalls.

  4. Charge up. Your phone (for snaps) and maybe backup power — you’ll want to capture moments.

  5. Join the cosplay. Whether you go full 8-bit hero, 90s sci-fi zealot or indie game icon — there’s a runway and community for you.

  6. Check out developer booths. Local indie projects are on display; if you like seeing under-the-hood, chat with devs.

  7. Late-night bonus: Take advantage of the after-dark programming at ACMI and in roaming stages.

Why It Matters (Beyond Fun)

Big Games Night Out isn’t just a street party — it’s a spotlight on Melbourne and Victoria’s thriving games scene. Backed by Creative Victoria and part of Melbourne International Games Week, it celebrates the artistry, community, and industry behind games.

For longtime retro gamers, it’s a love letter to the arcade era — and for new heads, it’s a chance to see how far we’ve come. It bridges eras: pixel to polygon, board to console, nostalgia to next-gen.

Final Word

If you remember the hum of coin-op cabinets, or just love immersing yourself in game culture — Big Games Night Out 2025 is your must-attend event this October. Bring your friends, family, and inner joystick jockey — Fed Square is turning into Game Central, and everyone’s invited.

We’ll see you among the neon glow and surround sound of arcade bliss. 🎆🎯

image source: Big Games Night Out 2025

‘Tush Push’ as an ‘NFL Blitz’ Play

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

When “NFL Blitz” was released, I played the game for so many hours that I’d lose track of time. One thing that I always felt was missing from the classic NFL game was more running plays. You would often have to toss a lateral to a teammate to run the ball up the field. I admit, throwing was a lot more fun, but a few running plays in the jumbo formations would’ve given the play a more offensive balance.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ “tush push” would’ve been perfect for “NFL Blitz.”

In the second quarter of the Baltimore Ravens preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, they converted a first down around the 50-yard-line by running a “tush push” play.

When the Ravens got the first down, I thought, Oh, the “tush push,” good for them. I was happy to see them use it and have it work. I couldn’t stand the play when the Eagles first started using it. It really bothered me for some strange reason. It even agitated me when they did it. Particularly when they scored a touchdown running it. There was something just off about it.

I had an epiphany: now I think I like it. Like jumping from one political party to another, I’m not sure why I’ve grown to anticipate the “tush push” by a team that only needs a few inches for a first down or a touchdown. Fresh, new things take time to get used to.

The “tush push” is, at its core, a variation of the quarterback sneak—a play that dates to football’s beginning. In an outdated sneak, the quarterback, positioned under centre, takes the snap and instantly surges forward behind the offensive line, trying to gain the necessary inch or two for a first down or a touchdown. The “tush push” alters this by employing one or more players behind the quarterback, who, at the snap, bodily push the quarterback from behind, propelling them forward with greater force.

Da Bomb was my favourite offensive play when playing “NFL Blitz” on my Nintendo 64. I would often select Hail Mary, but that always felt too easy to score on the opposing team. My favourite defence to play was Suicide Blitz and 2 Man Blitz. Suicide Blitz was always tricky because you could get burned with no defensive players playing back.

 

BREAKING: The Vectrex Mini is Real – And It’s Glorious!

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Gamescom 2025 just got a whole lot more vector-tastic!

Hold onto your overlays, retro fans – the legendary Vectrex is back, and it’s been shrunk down to a pint-sized powerhouse! Making its dazzling debut at Gamescom 2025, the Vectrex Mini is a modern reimagining of the iconic 1982 vector-based console, and it’s already stealing the show in Hall 10’s Retro Area.

For the uninitiated, the original Vectrex was a trailblazer – the only home console with its own built-in vector display, complete with translucent screen overlays, lightpen support, and even 3D goggles. It was basically a mini arcade cabinet for your lounge room. Now, over 40 years later, the Vectrex Mini is here to rekindle that magic – in a much smaller (and cuter) form.

🧠 What’s New in the Mini?

  • 📺 1/3rd the size of the original, but still an all-in-one unit
  • 🌈 AMOLED display for crisp, vibrant vector graphics
  • 🎮 12 built-in games, with the ability to add more
  • 💾 Modern internals, but faithful to the original experience
  • 💸 Expected price: €150 (~ AU$270)
  • 📏 Height: approx. 6–8 inches / 15.2-20.3cm – perfect for your desk or shelf!

The Vectrex Mini is being developed by a passionate French team, and while it’s still in prototype form, the buzz is real. Fans at Gamescom are already lining up to get hands-on with the unit, which sits adorably next to its full-sized ancestor like a retro gaming Matryoshka doll.

🗓️ Kickstarter Incoming!
The team behind the Mini has confirmed a Kickstarter campaign launching in September, so if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Vectrex (without shelling out hundreds on eBay), now’s your chance to jump in.

Whether you’re a die-hard Vectrex veteran or a curious newcomer, this is one retro revival you won’t want to miss. And who knows – if this goes well, maybe we’ll finally see that long-lost Vectrex handheld from the ’80s make a comeback too!

image source: Vectrex Official via Twitter/X

 

Review: Forgotten Worlds no. 6 – The Sega Issue

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SEGA DOES WHAT NINTENDON’T

If you’ve ever blown into a Mega Drive cartridge, battled through Streets of Rage, or argued over the superiority of Blast Processing, then Forgotten Worlds Issue is your new holy grail.

This issue, lovingly dubbed The Sega Issue, is a pixel-perfect tribute to one of gaming’s most iconic companies. From the blue blur himself to the deep cuts of Sega’s arcade legacy, this mag is bursting with nostalgia, insight, and retro goodness.

🌀 What’s Inside?

  • Deep Dives into Sega’s golden era, including the rise of the Genesis/Mega Drive and the console wars that defined a generation.
  • Exclusive Interviews with industry legends who helped shape Sega’s legacy.
  • Rare Artwork & Ads that’ll transport you straight back to the ’90s.
  • Retrospectives about Sega magz from BITD, like Mean Machines Sega, Megatech, Sega Power and Megazone.
  • Opinion Pieces that are as bold as a Sonic speedrun.

The layout is slick, the writing is passionate, and the love for Sega is palpable on every page. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just Sega-curious, this issue is a must-have. Oh yeah, each issue comes with a limited edition ‘Sega Blue Skies’ cover insets / postcards – if you were lucky enough to grab the limited edition before it sold out, that came with all 8 (4 x double-sided) limited edition postcards.

📦 Don’t Miss Out!
These mags are flying off the shelves faster than Sonic with a speed boost. If you want to secure your copy before they’re all gone, hit the link below and place your order now:

👉 Order Forgotten Worlds #6 – The Sega Issue

Trust us, your coffee table (and your inner retro gamer) will thank you.

Disclaimer: Forgotten Worlds : The Sega Issue was kindly supplied by Forgotten Worlds for this review.

PixelCrib Giveaway – Win an Analogue Pocket!

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Another PixelCrib Giveaway – you could win the OpenFPGA beauty, the Analogue Pocket!

After their incredible response to last month’s Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle giveaway, we knew PixelCrib would keep the good vibes rolling. For this month, PixleCrib is giving away something truly special: the Analogue Pocket!

🕹️ Why the Analogue Pocket?
Because it’s a retro gaming dream come true! This sleek handheld plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges (and many, many more!) with pixel-perfect accuracy thanks to its powerful FPGA hardware. If you’re a fan of classic gaming, this is the ultimate collector’s piece. The Analogue Pocket is indeed the best thing since sliced bread!

📦 How to Enter:
From 16–31 August 2025, every order of an in-stock item gets you an automatic entry into the draw.
✅ Shop online or visit PixelCrib in-store
✅ Each order = one entry (yep, multiple orders = multiple chances!)
🚫 Pre-orders aren’t eligible, so make sure your item is ready to ship!

🌍 This giveaway is open to everyone — whether you’re in Australia or anywhere else in the world!

Have we told you how much we love our Analogue Pockets?!

 

📅 Winner Announcement:
PixelCrib will randomly draw the winner on Monday, 1 September 2025 and reach out via email or phone.

🎮 Ready to win the ultimate retro handheld?
Head to PixelCrib.com.au, grab something awesome, and you’re in the running. Good luck, gamers — may the pixels be ever in your favour!

 

‘Fantastic Four’ on PS1

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

“Fantastic Four” for the original PlayStation was a blast to play. For 1997, the gameplay graphics were superior to other video games at that time. It was a routine beating up numerous bad guys in side-scrolling stages game, similarly to the “Double Dragon” series and “Ninja Gaiden.” Having Human Torch leading the way and having The Thing cover the rear was always thrilling. Human Torch was a menace with fiery punches. I liked how Sue Storm could bring down the blue lightning when the fighting got extremely intense. Force Power was something I always used when a huge number of foes approached the team.

One complaint about the Acclaim Entertainment game is that the stages seemed too long. The Fantastic Four had to cover a lot of terrain before they got through a rigorous stage. The attack of the Molemen was a fun part of the game, but the time it took to defeat them was taxing. The payoff was lengthy. The payoff was a short fight with The Incredible Hulk.

The final stage: “Is the World Doomed?” was the best part of the game. I always thought that Dr. Doom welding a rocket launcher at the end was a little unfair. Dr. Doom looked great.

source: supplied

I’m excited for the new “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” but the trailers have been underwhelming to me. The films starring Chris Evans and Jessica Alba have a quirky, fun quality to them, but they’re in no way good comic book movies. In the second one, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” released in 2007, it’s like they didn’t know what to do with the Silver Surfer. Hopefully the new Marvel film doesn’t make the same mistake.

I’m a huge fan of Vanessa Kirby. She was terrific in “Hobbs and Shaw” and a small, great film called “Pieces of a Woman.” I think she’ll be a wonderful Sue Storm. Her fight scenes in “Hobbs and Shaw” were some of my favourite parts of that fun action movie. And she was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her performance in “Pieces of a Woman.” And I think everyone likes Pedro Pascal. I’m not sure if Joseph Quinn can pull off Human Torch, but he gave two standout turns in last years’ “A Quiet Place: Day One” and “Gladiator 2.”

Review: Irem Collection Volume 3 (Xbox) – Blast from the Pixelated Past

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If you’re a fan of side-scrolling shoot ‘em ups and wild retro weirdness, Irem Collection Volume 3 from ININ Games is like opening a time capsule filled with pixelated power-ups, dragons, and the kind of creative enemy design only the ’80s and ’90s could conjure. This lovingly compiled collection brings together three of Irem’s most eccentric and thrilling shooters: Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper, Mystic Riders, and Dragon Breed. And trust me—you’re in for a ride that’s as bizarre as it is brilliant.

🚁 Mr. Heli / Battle Chopper (Arcade & PC Engine)

This quirky little helicopter with eyes and a face is anything but cute when it comes to dishing out destruction. In Mr. Heli, you’re piloting a plucky chopper through caves, industrial complexes, and molten hellscapes, blasting enemies while navigating tight spaces and gravity-defying jumps.

The PC Engine version is a neat inclusion—it’s a faithful port with slightly different sprite work and some charming 16-bit flair. Whether you’re nostalgic for the arcade or curious about the console iteration, it’s great to have both.

🧙‍♂️ Mystic Riders (Arcade)

Mystic Riders is what happens when you mix magic carpets, flying broomsticks, and enough glittery magic spells to make Hogwarts jealous. This co-op horizontal shmup is the most whimsical of the bunch—two wizard kids take to the skies to take down fantastical foes in a world that feels like a mashup of anime and high fantasy fever dreams.

The local 2-player co-op here is where it shines. There’s something inherently joyful about launching fireballs and dodging oversized haunted pumpkins with a friend at your side.

🐉 Dragon Breed (Arcade)

Now this is the heavy-hitter. You’re not just piloting a ship—you’re riding a freaking giant golden dragon across a dystopian sci-fi landscape. The gameplay twist? Your dragon is invincible, acting like a moving shield as you rain laser death upon alien hordes. It’s smart, strategic, and the kind of game that sticks with you.

With its epic boss fights, moody soundtrack, and layers of attack options, Dragon Breed is arguably the crown jewel of this collection.

🎮 Quality of Life Upgrades

ININ Games didn’t just dump ROMs and call it a day—there are some thoughtful enhancements here:

  • Quick Save/Load and a built-in rewind system let you recover from boneheaded mistakes or rewind to finesse your dodging skills.

  • Customisable controls, including rapid-fire assignments, make a huge difference for comfort and performance.

  • Display filters recreate the glow and scanlines of old-school arcade monitors, or keep it clean with sharp pixels—it’s your choice.

  • Worldwide leaderboards add a modern challenge for competitive score-chasers.

🕹️ Final Thoughts

Irem Collection Volume 3 is a joyous blast of arcade nostalgia. Whether you’re chasing high scores, revisiting forgotten favourites, or discovering them for the first time, these games hold up remarkably well. The mix of fantasy and sci-fi, wacky enemy designs, and tight shoot ‘em up mechanics showcase why Irem was a kingpin of the genre.

And let’s be honest—riding a fire-breathing dragon while blasting biomechanical nightmares just never gets old.

Score: 7.5/10 – Pure retro arcade magic, lovingly preserved and enhanced for the modern couch warrior.

PixelCrib Giveaway – Win a Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle!

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If you’ve been dreaming of getting your hands on the next generation of Nintendo magic, now’s your chance—PixelCrib is making July very exciting for Aussie retro and modern gamers alike!

To celebrate their amazing community, PixelCrib is running an exclusive giveaway for Australian customers throughout July 2025. And the prize? Oh, just a little something called the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle! 🏎️💨

🎮 What You Could Win

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 paired with Mario Kart World—a combo that promises countless hours of fun whether you’re gaming solo, with mates, or going head-to-head online. If you’re a Nintendo fan, this is the holy grail.

🛒 How to Enter

Getting in on this giveaway is as simple as placing an order:

  • 📅 Order any in-stock item between July 1 and July 31, 2025

  • 🛍️ Purchase online via PixelCrib’s website or in person at their store

  • ✅ Each eligible order = one entry (the more orders, the more entries!)

  • 🚫 Pre-order items are not eligible

  • 🌏 Entry is open to Australian residents only

No forms to fill out. No codes to enter. Just shop and you’re in!

🎯 Winner Announcement

  • 🗓️ The draw takes place on Monday, August 4th, 2025

  • 📧 The lucky winner will be contacted via email and/or phone (don’t forget to check your spam folder!)

Full terms and conditions will be available on the PixelCrib website closer to the draw date.

So whether you’re adding to your retro setup, grabbing that gaming book you’ve had your eye on, or just browsing for gaming (and all other matter of pop culture geekery) goodness—now’s the perfect time to make a purchase.

Big shoutout to PixelCrib for continuing to support the local gaming scene with awesome giveaways like this. Best of luck, and may the odds (and red shells) be ever in your favour! 🍄

Let us know if you enter—or better yet, if you win! 👀

🎬 Rewind Time at Video Land! 🎞️

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🎬 Step Into a Time Machine: Callum Preston’s ‘Video Land’ at Melbourne’s Immigration Museum!

Hey retro enthusiasts! If you’ve ever longed for the days of VHS tapes, neon signs, and the thrill of choosing the perfect Friday night flick, Callum Preston’s ‘Video Land’ is your dream come true. Nestled within the Immigration Museum’s ‘Joy’ exhibition, this immersive installation is a heartfelt homage to the iconic video stores of the 1990s

🛋️ A Nostalgic Dive into the 90s

‘Video Land’ isn’t just an art piece; it’s a full-scale replica of a 90s video rental store, complete with aisles of VHS tapes, genre-labelled shelves, and even a retro counter where you can pick up a mock membership card that’s delightfully oversized and utterly useless—just like the real thing! Every detail, from the intentionally imperfect lighting (think fake dead bugs in the fixtures) to the custom-designed busy carpet, it has all been meticulously crafted to transport you back in time.


source: Museums Victoria

🎞️ More Than Just a Pretty Façade

Beyond the visual nostalgia, ‘Video Land’ features a selection of VHS tapes from Preston’s personal collection, including gems like ‘Junior’, ‘Brewster’s Millions’, and ‘Grease’. There’s even a TV playing vintage-style commercials and anti-piracy ads created by Preston himself, adding layers of authenticity to the experience.

🎉 Part of the ‘Joy’ Exhibition

‘Video Land’ is one of several installations in the ‘Joy’ exhibition, where Victorian-based artists explore the concept of joy through various mediums. From interactive art to vibrant murals, the exhibition offers a diverse range of experiences designed to uplift and inspire.

📅 Don’t Miss Out!

This nostalgic journey is open until August 29, 2025, at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne. Whether you’re a retro everything aficionado, a film buff, or just someone looking to relive the magic of the 90s, ‘Video Land’ is a must-visit.

🎟️ Plan Your Visit

  • Location: Immigration Museum, Melbourne CBD

  • Dates: Now until August 29, 2025

  • Tickets: Included with museum entry ($15 for adults; free for children and members) – go here.

So grab your (imaginary) membership card, rewind your favourite memories, and step into ‘Video Land’—where the past is always ready to play!

Long Live The LAN Party!

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Re-live your LAN Party Glory

Remember the hum of CRTs, the screech of dial-up, and the sacred ritual of dragging your entire desktop to a mate’s place for a night of epic fragging?

ACMI is celebrating the glory days of multiplayer gaming in their upcoming Game Worlds exhibition — and they want YOU to be part of it.

💾 Dig up those LAN party pics — the mess of Ethernet cables, the snack-fuelled chaos, the Windows 98 loading screens — and send them in. Your photo could be featured on the walls of ACMI, forever commemorating your place in gaming history.

📸 Email your photos to: [email protected]
🗓 Exhibition opens September 2025

Let’s honour the golden age of connection — before online matchmaking, there was a mate’s garage, a switchboard, and a shared love of the grind.

Bonus trivia: ACMI’s own CEO, Seb Chan, got his start wrangling LANs and playing HEXEN. We’ve all come a long way — now it’s your turn to be featured.

image source: ACMI